(Note: posted this on the thread about the NIU-BYU game moving to SeatGeek stadium. Thought it might be something to toss around with the advisory board)

Just letting the mind wander for the heck of it.

Would it make sense to move the two weekday night games to SeatGeek, with 160,000 alumni in the back yard, partial rooftops, rental suites, better wind shielding, etc.?

Then leave the four Saturday games at Huskie Stadium, with heavy, targeted marketing and promotion in both places.

The two weekday nights draw 4,000-5,000 to HS, so maybe SeatGeek being where it is could draw a few thousand more. Plus that stadium can't be in great demand in November. Midway Airport is about two miles away for incoming MAC teams, and the Hampton Inn is right there for lodging. Doesn't conflict with high school football, and might get some high school attention, at least from the immediate area. Promote with in-city alumni as "your" games.

Also, pump up the local, on-campus and Rockford/Quad Cities/Fox Valley marketing for the four Saturday games, focus on fan-friendly activities and maybe draw some folks from Chicago coming the other way. Tie in heavy with academic department tents and info. Make the four the "showcase" games for the university.

Do this every year and you build a "Chicago connection" and maybe create something special in both places.

Just a thought.

That was my suggestion, move a MAC midweek game to Bridgeport, not a major opponent like BYU. It would be an easier commute for fans of the other team (assuming it is WMU, EMU, Toledo) and an easier commute for NIU fans who are working in Chicago, that can not make it to Dekalb. Makes perfect sense in this situation.



I also want to thank NIU athletics for getting rid of the DJ at the basketball games. Makes it much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band. Thank you!!

Now just get rid of the ugly black eyes in the middle of the court and keep the NIU logo. The court looks AWFUL on TV, just ask Michael Wilbon of ESPN!!!

Saw that, but was not suggesting a substitute. I was thinking a true "Chi-Town Showdown" as an annual two-game event. One game with BYU is not going to do any more than offer a one-time experience. Seems like a done deal for 2020.

I see it as a way to shift the low-attendance weekday night games (both of them) into an area where there is potential for better attendance. We already know the weekday night games at HS are not a big hit with anyone out this way.

If they got rid of DJ at basketball games that’s a dumb move. The DJ and the pep band add much of the energy and make it feel like a bigger event. Many high schools even have DJs at their events.

(02-08-2020 01:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  

(02-07-2020 11:56 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-05-2020 08:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  You can PM me with any ideas to improve the fan experience and attendance for football, men and women’s basketball and volleyball. Also any revenue ideas for individual programs or athletics overall. I will present them at the next committee meeting.

Sounds like an exercise in idiocy. Read these boards 5 minutes for "ideas".

So you are basically calling me an idiot. Thanks for the feedback. Hope it wasn’t to much trouble.

Maybe the best feedback you've ever gotten???
From reading these threads it seems your efforts so far have achieved the worst AD ever. But that ain't my opinion. I am fairly satisfied with the ways things are. We get the triple bonus of complaining about STF and MM while being happy with an 8-4 MAC record.

For those guys who probably should be attending AA meetings instead of basketball games we have Victor E Pub tent so they won't have to sit in their regular seats surrounded by non-drinkers! Win/win.

It is all-good. Keep exercising.

(02-14-2020 09:25 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-08-2020 01:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  

(02-07-2020 11:56 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-05-2020 08:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  You can PM me with any ideas to improve the fan experience and attendance for football, men and women’s basketball and volleyball. Also any revenue ideas for individual programs or athletics overall. I will present them at the next committee meeting.

Sounds like an exercise in idiocy. Read these boards 5 minutes for "ideas".

So you are basically calling me an idiot. Thanks for the feedback. Hope it wasn’t to much trouble.

Maybe the best feedback you've ever gotten???
From reading these threads it seems your efforts so far have achieved the worst AD ever. But that ain't my opinion. I am fairly satisfied with the ways things are. We get the triple bonus of complaining about STF and MM while being happy with an 8-4 MAC record.

For those guys who probably should be attending AA meetings instead of basketball games we have Victor E Pub tent so they won't have to sit in their regular seats surrounded by non-drinkers! Win/win.

It is all-good. Keep exercising.

Pretty sure the fan advisory board doesn't pick the AD.

(02-14-2020 01:21 AM)jjj Wrote:  That was my suggestion, move a MAC midweek game to Bridgeport, not a major opponent like BYU. It would be an easier commute for fans of the other team (assuming it is WMU, EMU, Toledo) and an easier commute for NIU fans who are working in Chicago, that can not make it to Dekalb. Makes perfect sense in this situation.



I also want to thank NIU athletics for getting rid of the DJ at the basketball games. Makes it much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band. Thank you!!

Now just get rid of the ugly black eyes in the middle of the court and keep the NIU logo. The court looks AWFUL on TV, just ask Michael Wilbon of ESPN!!!

Everybody says it looks bad on TV. At the game I barely notice it.

(02-14-2020 09:55 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 09:25 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-08-2020 01:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  

(02-07-2020 11:56 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-05-2020 08:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  You can PM me with any ideas to improve the fan experience and attendance for football, men and women’s basketball and volleyball. Also any revenue ideas for individual programs or athletics overall. I will present them at the next committee meeting.

Sounds like an exercise in idiocy. Read these boards 5 minutes for "ideas".

So you are basically calling me an idiot. Thanks for the feedback. Hope it wasn’t to much trouble.

Maybe the best feedback you've ever gotten???
From reading these threads it seems your efforts so far have achieved the worst AD ever. But that ain't my opinion. I am fairly satisfied with the ways things are. We get the triple bonus of complaining about STF and MM while being happy with an 8-4 MAC record.

For those guys who probably should be attending AA meetings instead of basketball games we have Victor E Pub tent so they won't have to sit in their regular seats surrounded by non-drinkers! Win/win.

It is all-good. Keep exercising.

Pretty sure the fan advisory board doesn't pick the AD.

Pretty sure I don't care who picks the Athletic Department. (AD). Keep exercising.

(02-14-2020 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 01:21 AM)jjj Wrote:  I also want to thank NIU athletics for getting rid of the DJ at the basketball games. Makes it much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band. Thank you!!
Now just get rid of the ugly black eyes in the middle of the court and keep the NIU logo. The court looks AWFUL on TV, just ask Michael Wilbon of ESPN!!!

Everybody says it looks bad on TV. At the game I barely notice it.

What was really annoying on TV during the Kent State game was the constantly moving < < < NIU HUSKIES > > > flickering signage table. Understand the need and advantage of selling courtside advertising, but the reason people (however few compared to the Evans Field House days) are there is for a basketball game. IF something doesn't improve or add to the viewing of the game, then use it in moderation. This is another example of how money could be better spent, even if NIU athletics got a deal buying it second-hand from Texas Tech.
And jjj is right that the game minus the DJ was much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band.

(02-14-2020 10:21 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 09:55 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 09:25 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  

(02-08-2020 01:10 AM)niu1980 Wrote:  

(02-07-2020 11:56 AM)El Duderino Wrote:  Sounds like an exercise in idiocy. Read these boards 5 minutes for "ideas".

So you are basically calling me an idiot. Thanks for the feedback. Hope it wasn’t to much trouble.

Maybe the best feedback you've ever gotten???
From reading these threads it seems your efforts so far have achieved the worst AD ever. But that ain't my opinion. I am fairly satisfied with the ways things are. We get the triple bonus of complaining about STF and MM while being happy with an 8-4 MAC record.

For those guys who probably should be attending AA meetings instead of basketball games we have Victor E Pub tent so they won't have to sit in their regular seats surrounded by non-drinkers! Win/win.

It is all-good. Keep exercising.

Pretty sure the fan advisory board doesn't pick the AD.

Pretty sure I don't care who picks the Athletic Department. (AD). Keep exercising.

Why are you blaming the Fan Advisory Board for the Athletic Department? They can only offer suggestions.

(02-14-2020 10:29 AM)uiniu57 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 01:21 AM)jjj Wrote:  I also want to thank NIU athletics for getting rid of the DJ at the basketball games. Makes it much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band. Thank you!!
Now just get rid of the ugly black eyes in the middle of the court and keep the NIU logo. The court looks AWFUL on TV, just ask Michael Wilbon of ESPN!!!

Everybody says it looks bad on TV. At the game I barely notice it.

What was really annoying on TV during the Kent State game was the constantly moving < < < NIU HUSKIES > > > flickering signage table. Understand the need and advantage of selling courtside advertising, but the reason people (however few compared to the Evans Field House days) are there is for a basketball game. IF something doesn't improve or add to the viewing of the game, then use it in moderation. This is another example of how money could be better spent, even if NIU athletics got a deal buying it second-hand from Texas Tech.
And jjj is right that the game minus the DJ was much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band.

I also prefer just having the band. But I guess everyone is different.

(02-14-2020 10:29 AM)uiniu57 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 01:21 AM)jjj Wrote:  I also want to thank NIU athletics for getting rid of the DJ at the basketball games. Makes it much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band. Thank you!!
Now just get rid of the ugly black eyes in the middle of the court and keep the NIU logo. The court looks AWFUL on TV, just ask Michael Wilbon of ESPN!!!

Everybody says it looks bad on TV. At the game I barely notice it.

What was really annoying on TV during the Kent State game was the constantly moving < < < NIU HUSKIES > > > flickering signage table. Understand the need and advantage of selling courtside advertising, but the reason people (however few compared to the Evans Field House days) are there is for a basketball game. IF something doesn't improve or add to the viewing of the game, then use it in moderation. This is another example of how money could be better spent, even if NIU athletics got a deal buying it second-hand from Texas Tech.
And jjj is right that the game minus the DJ was much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band.

Any chance NIU fan bring the Huskie head back to the forefront? Really seems like it was a great marketing tool, so many people loved to buy merchandise with that logo. When I think of STF I think of the lady owner from Major League movie. If you didnt know better, you would seriosuly think STF was trying to destroy NIU athletics

(02-14-2020 10:37 AM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 10:29 AM)uiniu57 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 09:56 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 01:21 AM)jjj Wrote:  I also want to thank NIU athletics for getting rid of the DJ at the basketball games. Makes it much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band. Thank you!!
Now just get rid of the ugly black eyes in the middle of the court and keep the NIU logo. The court looks AWFUL on TV, just ask Michael Wilbon of ESPN!!!

Everybody says it looks bad on TV. At the game I barely notice it.

What was really annoying on TV during the Kent State game was the constantly moving < < < NIU HUSKIES > > > flickering signage table. Understand the need and advantage of selling courtside advertising, but the reason people (however few compared to the Evans Field House days) are there is for a basketball game. IF something doesn't improve or add to the viewing of the game, then use it in moderation. This is another example of how money could be better spent, even if NIU athletics got a deal buying it second-hand from Texas Tech.
And jjj is right that the game minus the DJ was much easier to enjoy the environment and the great NIU band.

Any chance NIU fan bring the Huskie head back to the forefront? Really seems like it was a great marketing tool, so many people loved to buy merchandise with that logo. When I think of STF I think of the lady owner from Major League movie. If you didnt know better, you would seriosuly think STF was trying to destroy NIU athletics

You mean you don't like the gigantic owl that's painted in the middle of the basketball court?

(02-14-2020 10:37 AM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Any chance NIU fan bring the Huskie head back to the forefront? Really seems like it was a great marketing tool, so many people loved to buy merchandise with that logo. When I think of STF I think of the lady owner from Major League movie. If you didnt know better, you would seriosuly think STF was trying to destroy NIU athletics

Is this gonna be like the Carey thing all over again with you? Someone brings up the weather and your response is that Frazier has a weather machine and is the reason for rain. Could you go 5 posts without mentioning STF at all?

(02-14-2020 10:43 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 10:37 AM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Any chance NIU fan bring the Huskie head back to the forefront? Really seems like it was a great marketing tool, so many people loved to buy merchandise with that logo. When I think of STF I think of the lady owner from Major League movie. If you didnt know better, you would seriosuly think STF was trying to destroy NIU athletics

Is this gonna be like the Carey thing all over again with you? Someone brings up the weather and your response is that Frazier has a weather machine and is the reason for rain. Could you go 5 posts without mentioning STF at all?

It's just a Defcon 1 situation right now. He is taking this program to the abyss and it seems like there is nothing we can do about it. It's a hopeless.feeling. Is there even anyone a fan can write to in order to give feedback? Does he actually have a boss?

(02-14-2020 10:45 AM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 10:43 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(02-14-2020 10:37 AM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Any chance NIU fan bring the Huskie head back to the forefront? Really seems like it was a great marketing tool, so many people loved to buy merchandise with that logo. When I think of STF I think of the lady owner from Major League movie. If you didnt know better, you would seriosuly think STF was trying to destroy NIU athletics

Is this gonna be like the Carey thing all over again with you? Someone brings up the weather and your response is that Frazier has a weather machine and is the reason for rain. Could you go 5 posts without mentioning STF at all?

It's just a Defcon 1 situation right now. He is taking this program to the abyss and it seems like there is nothing we can do about it. It's a hopeless.feeling

The Carey situation resolved itself. I'm sure Frazier will eventually move on as well. NIU athletics has multiple issues. Not just Frazier. He's a mixed bag of good and bad. He brought in Hammock, right?