(10-31-2017 01:29 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote: it is either the height of arrogance or ignorance that people say "fans should still go to weekday games,instead of complaining"
Look at NIU football as a business. No fan is under any obligation to attend a game if it does not suit them. If you take the position that they are obliged to attend, then you will continue to see the fanbase shrivel and shrink as we have the last 5-10 years.
What successful business ever takes the approach that "our product is what it is any you must buy it the way we present it"? none. because they die.
Instead, successful businesses find a way to identify what people want, and give it to them.
It's really difficult to compare sports to regular business models. For one, they get a good chunk of money from areas other than their consumers. Mainly TV deals. Secondly, sports consumers are not regular consumers. They're fans. There is no competition for their consumer dollar. Fans rarely change teams midway through life. Look at Penn State. A scandal like that may sink a regular business. So bad business practice from a sports team may lose them some of their fan dollars, but not their fandom.
All sports teams balance this stuff to some degree. Maction is at the extreme end of it and has definitely caused some long term damage.
(This post was last modified: 10-31-2017 02:27 PM by YoungPup.)
(10-31-2017 01:29 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote: it is either the height of arrogance or ignorance that people say "fans should still go to weekday games,instead of complaining"
Look at NIU football as a business. No fan is under any obligation to attend a game if it does not suit them. If you take the position that they are obliged to attend, then you will continue to see the fanbase shrivel and shrink as we have the last 5-10 years.
What successful business ever takes the approach that "our product is what it is any you must buy it the way we present it"? none. because they die.
Instead, successful businesses find a way to identify what people want, and give it to them.
It's really difficult to compare sports to regular business models. For one, they get a good chunk of money from areas other than their consumers. Mainly TV deals. Secondly, sports consumers are not regular consumers. They're fans. There is no competition for their consumer dollar. Fans rarely change teams midway through life. Look at Penn State. A scandal like that may sink a regular business. So bad business practice from a sports team may lose them some of their fan dollars, but not their fandom.
All sports teams balance this stuff to some degree. Maction is at the extreme end of it and has definitely caused some long term damage.
I meant that relative to other teams in that same sport. angry bears fans don't go buy packers tickets. NIU fans don't go buy Toledo tickets. There's no college football competition to NIU fans loyalty. They remain fans of their teams. As I said, they'll lose their dollars(to other options) but not their fandom. But hey, you got to use that clip finally.
(10-31-2017 01:29 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote: it is either the height of arrogance or ignorance that people say "fans should still go to weekday games,instead of complaining"
Look at NIU football as a business. No fan is under any obligation to attend a game if it does not suit them. If you take the position that they are obliged to attend, then you will continue to see the fanbase shrivel and shrink as we have the last 5-10 years.
What successful business ever takes the approach that "our product is what it is any you must buy it the way we present it"? none. because they die.
Instead, successful businesses find a way to identify what people want, and give it to them.
It's really difficult to compare sports to regular business models. For one, they get a good chunk of money from areas other than their consumers. Mainly TV deals. Secondly, sports consumers are not regular consumers. They're fans. There is no competition for their consumer dollar. Fans rarely change teams midway through life. Look at Penn State. A scandal like that may sink a regular business. So bad business practice from a sports team may lose them some of their fan dollars, but not their fandom.
All sports teams balance this stuff to some degree. Maction is at the extreme end of it and has definitely caused some long term damage.
I meant that relative to other teams in that same sport. angry bears fans don't go buy packers tickets. NIU fans don't go buy Toledo tickets. There's no college football competition to NIU fans loyalty. They remain fans of their teams. As I said, they'll lose their dollars(to other options) but not their fandom. But hey, you got to use that clip finally.
Okay, but how does fandom develop? A business, is a business, is a business. In our case, NIU Athletics can drive away fans by providing bad service before, during, and after games. Why? Because as a fan in the Chicago land area, I can choose to spend my entertainment budget/time on other, perceived "better" options like Hamilton tickets, Blackhawks tickets, Bears tickets, and so on. Sports teams compete for the consumer dollar just as much as anyone else. In fact, they do it now more than ever since consumers can experience another game, play, or whatever and check the NIU score and highlights on the ESPN app or WatchESPN during intermission, halftime, or whatever. I can say I'm a fan, but I'm not spending money on NIU Athletics.
(This post was last modified: 10-31-2017 02:47 PM by YoungPup.)
(10-31-2017 01:29 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote: it is either the height of arrogance or ignorance that people say "fans should still go to weekday games,instead of complaining"
Look at NIU football as a business. No fan is under any obligation to attend a game if it does not suit them. If you take the position that they are obliged to attend, then you will continue to see the fanbase shrivel and shrink as we have the last 5-10 years.
What successful business ever takes the approach that "our product is what it is any you must buy it the way we present it"? none. because they die.
Instead, successful businesses find a way to identify what people want, and give it to them.
It's really difficult to compare sports to regular business models. For one, they get a good chunk of money from areas other than their consumers. Mainly TV deals. Secondly, sports consumers are not regular consumers. They're fans. There is no competition for their consumer dollar. Fans rarely change teams midway through life. Look at Penn State. A scandal like that may sink a regular business. So bad business practice from a sports team may lose them some of their fan dollars, but not their fandom.
All sports teams balance this stuff to some degree. Maction is at the extreme end of it and has definitely caused some long term damage.
I meant that relative to other teams in that same sport. angry bears fans don't go buy packers tickets. NIU fans don't go buy Toledo tickets. There's no college football competition to NIU fans loyalty. They remain fans of their teams. As I said, they'll lose their dollars(to other options) but not their fandom. But hey, you got to use that clip finally.
Okay, but how does fandom develop? A business, is a business, is a business. In our case, NIU Athletics can drive away fans by providing bad service before, during, and after games. Why? Because as a fan in the Chicago land area, I can choose to spend my entertainment budget/time on other, perceived "better" options like Hamilton tickets, Blackhawks tickets, Bears tickets, and so on. Sports teams compete for the consumer dollar just as much as anyone else. In fact, they do it now more than ever since consumers can experience another game, play, or whatever and check the NIU score and highlights on the ESPN app or WatchESPN during intermission, halftime, or whatever. I can say I'm a fan, but I'm not spending money on NIU Athletics.
To this, also add the fact that smart TVs, smart phones, and streaming have created a culture of laziness.
(10-31-2017 01:29 PM)huskiealum03 Wrote: it is either the height of arrogance or ignorance that people say "fans should still go to weekday games,instead of complaining"
Look at NIU football as a business. No fan is under any obligation to attend a game if it does not suit them. If you take the position that they are obliged to attend, then you will continue to see the fanbase shrivel and shrink as we have the last 5-10 years.
What successful business ever takes the approach that "our product is what it is any you must buy it the way we present it"? none. because they die.
Instead, successful businesses find a way to identify what people want, and give it to them.
It's really difficult to compare sports to regular business models. For one, they get a good chunk of money from areas other than their consumers. Mainly TV deals. Secondly, sports consumers are not regular consumers. They're fans. There is no competition for their consumer dollar. Fans rarely change teams midway through life. Look at Penn State. A scandal like that may sink a regular business. So bad business practice from a sports team may lose them some of their fan dollars, but not their fandom.
All sports teams balance this stuff to some degree. Maction is at the extreme end of it and has definitely caused some long term damage.
I meant that relative to other teams in that same sport. angry bears fans don't go buy packers tickets. NIU fans don't go buy Toledo tickets. There's no college football competition to NIU fans loyalty. They remain fans of their teams. As I said, they'll lose their dollars(to other options) but not their fandom. But hey, you got to use that clip finally.
Okay, but how does fandom develop? A business, is a business, is a business. In our case, NIU Athletics can drive away fans by providing bad service before, during, and after games. Why? Because as a fan in the Chicago land area, I can choose to spend my entertainment budget/time on other, perceived "better" options like Hamilton tickets, Blackhawks tickets, Bears tickets, and so on. Sports teams compete for the consumer dollar just as much as anyone else. In fact, they do it now more than ever since consumers can experience another game, play, or whatever and check the NIU score and highlights on the ESPN app or WatchESPN during intermission, halftime, or whatever. I can say I'm a fan, but I'm not spending money on NIU Athletics.
The fan base is primarily alumni. That's what makes that an inelastic consumer base. Most all alumni will only have 1 strong college affiliation. That's what's unique to college fandom. Many Pro team fans are just a product of their proximity to a team. They may move and change what team they root for.
You're describing yourself as more of a casual fan. You will always be comparing options for your sports/entertainment dollar. I'm that way for all my pro sports teams. I go to games based on extra curricular options, the weather or other things. I hate to say it, but the casual fan is the casualty. And the MAC knows it. They're more worried about a national presence or consciousness than the local casual fan.
nowadays loyalty to a MAJORITY of employers/employees , religious- political belief systems , celebs -sports-movie icons , spouses, teams, or consumer products is mostly a bygone era and mirage for many. Its simply about the moment and the here and now of what can you do for me. There simply are too few lasting values long term to trust anymore.
(This post was last modified: 10-31-2017 04:09 PM by nucyberdawg.)
(10-31-2017 04:08 PM)nucyberdawg Wrote: nowadays loyalty to a MAJORITY of employers/employees , religious- political belief systems , celebs -sports-movie icons , spouses, teams, or consumer products is mostly a bygone era and mirage for many. Its simply about the moment and the here and now of what can you do for me. There simply are too few lasting values long term to trust anymore.
That's why guys like you and me are a rare breed. We're dedicated, loyal, trusting, trustworthy, and of extremely high moral character (my Grotto membership notwithstanding).
(10-27-2017 09:46 AM)HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN Wrote: Mail your unused tickets to the MAC.
Mid-American Conference
Attn: Dr. Jon Steinbrecher
24 Public Square
15th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
Mail your unused tickets.
I will do that. I'm saving them up until after the last game. I won't send them before the game has been played because I wouldn't be surprised if the bass turd would sell them.
Those who live/work far from DeKalb will generally not attend these weeknight games. So the appeal needs to be made to the locals. Looking at the west side attendees, many are old and infirm. I have seen people on oxygen and disabled folks who had to be carried to their seats. It would certainly be next to impossible to get these folks out on a cold November night. Many other fans I see are families with young children. With familial commitments and kids doing homework and other activities, attending a weeknight game is also impossible. Plus, Mom and/or Dad can watch the game at home on TV.
Bottom line: Nothing will work to get the stadium more filled on November weeknights. NIU needs to pressure the MAC to get as many weekend games as possible, and then work on mending relationships with fans to get them back. If the NIU and the other MAC teams are simply thrilled with the exposure, then they all deserve to have empty stadiums and dwindling fan bases.
(10-31-2017 05:04 PM)Dog Fan Wrote: Those who live/work far from DeKalb will generally not attend these weeknight games. So the appeal needs to be made to the locals. Looking at the west side attendees, many are old and infirm. I have seen people on oxygen and disabled folks who had to be carried to their seats. It would certainly be next to impossible to get these folks out on a cold November night. Many other fans I see are families with young children. With familial commitments and kids doing homework and other activities, attending a weeknight game is also impossible. Plus, Mom and/or Dad can watch the game at home on TV.
Bottom line: Nothing will work to get the stadium more filled on November weeknights. NIU needs to pressure the MAC to get as many weekend games as possible, and then work on mending relationships with fans to get them back. If the NIU and the other MAC teams are simply thrilled with the exposure, then they all deserve to have empty stadiums and dwindling fan bases.
(10-31-2017 05:04 PM)Dog Fan Wrote: Those who live/work far from DeKalb will generally not attend these weeknight games. So the appeal needs to be made to the locals. Looking at the west side attendees, many are old and infirm. I have seen people on oxygen and disabled folks who had to be carried to their seats. It would certainly be next to impossible to get these folks out on a cold November night. Many other fans I see are families with young children. With familial commitments and kids doing homework and other activities, attending a weeknight game is also impossible. Plus, Mom and/or Dad can watch the game at home on TV.
Bottom line: Nothing will work to get the stadium more filled on November weeknights. NIU needs to pressure the MAC to get as many weekend games as possible, and then work on mending relationships with fans to get them back. If the NIU and the other MAC teams are simply thrilled with the exposure, then they all deserve to have empty stadiums and dwindling fan bases.
(10-27-2017 09:46 AM)HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN Wrote: Mail your unused tickets to the MAC.
Mid-American Conference
Attn: Dr. Jon Steinbrecher
24 Public Square
15th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
Mail your unused tickets.
I will do that. I'm saving them up until after the last game. I won't send them before the game has been played because I wouldn't be surprised if the bass turd would sell them.
(10-31-2017 05:04 PM)Dog Fan Wrote: Those who live/work far from DeKalb will generally not attend these weeknight games. So the appeal needs to be made to the locals. Looking at the west side attendees, many are old and infirm. I have seen people on oxygen and disabled folks who had to be carried to their seats. It would certainly be next to impossible to get these folks out on a cold November night. Many other fans I see are families with young children. With familial commitments and kids doing homework and other activities, attending a weeknight game is also impossible. Plus, Mom and/or Dad can watch the game at home on TV.
Bottom line: Nothing will work to get the stadium more filled on November weeknights. NIU needs to pressure the MAC to get as many weekend games as possible, and then work on mending relationships with fans to get them back. If the NIU and the other MAC teams are simply thrilled with the exposure, then they all deserve to have empty stadiums and dwindling fan bases.
You left out incontinence.
Thank God we have the troughs! We may need to extend them to the seating areas. Hey, maybe that's what it will take to increase attendance! Just market the fact that fans can pee at their seats!
(10-31-2017 04:08 PM)nucyberdawg Wrote: nowadays loyalty to a MAJORITY of employers/employees , religious- political belief systems , celebs -sports-movie icons , spouses, teams, or consumer products is mostly a bygone era and mirage for many. Its simply about the moment and the here and now of what can you do for me. There simply are too few lasting values long term to trust anymore.
Yes sir. I wouldn't say loyalty is dead, but consumers have so many options today why shouldn't we search for the best deal/option? If you want people to come to Huskie Stadium, the experience better be spot on. When was the last time anyone here left an NIU game truly satisfied with their fan experience? Did they run out of hot dogs? Hot chocolate? Did you have to wait in line to take a leak in the coveted urinal troughs? Where your season ticket holder appreciation gifts not available for pick-up until the fourth week of the season?
(10-27-2017 09:46 AM)HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN Wrote: Mail your unused tickets to the MAC.
Mid-American Conference
Attn: Dr. Jon Steinbrecher
24 Public Square
15th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
Mail your unused tickets.
I will do that. I'm saving them up until after the last game. I won't send them before the game has been played because I wouldn't be surprised if the bass turd would sell them.
I'm going to also send them all at once.
I would rather send my unused tickets to Sean Frazier with a note about how NIU needs to find a new conference. The MAC doesn't care and the league won't change because a couple fans from one its non-Michigan/Ohio members has an issue with the TV deal.
And since I mentioned a new conference, the AAC has two teams in the inaugural playoff rankings.
(10-27-2017 09:46 AM)HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN Wrote: Mail your unused tickets to the MAC.
Mid-American Conference
Attn: Dr. Jon Steinbrecher
24 Public Square
15th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44113
Mail your unused tickets.
I will do that. I'm saving them up until after the last game. I won't send them before the game has been played because I wouldn't be surprised if the bass turd would sell them.
I'm going to also send them all at once.
I would rather send my unused tickets to Sean Frazier with a note about how NIU needs to find a new conference. The MAC doesn't care and the league won't change because a couple fans from one its non-Michigan/Ohio members has an issue with the TV deal.
And since I mentioned a new conference, the AAC has two teams in the inaugural playoff rankings.
I'm pretty certain STF is aware of midweek games and their impact. The MAC needs to know way more than he does.
Feel free to write a note about the AAC, but send the MAC your tickets.
(This post was last modified: 10-31-2017 07:06 PM by HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN.)
I concur - especially for all mid major programs
