(09-20-2021 03:53 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(09-20-2021 03:48 PM)pjfleck82 Wrote:  Don’t fire him yet….we can bring in 16 ounce water bottles this Saturday

Can we bring in hot dogs? If so, I’d stuff my pants.

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

If you like football, NIU is the best value out there. I think I paid less than $150 for two east side season tickets. Can sit wherever the hell you want, park close to the stadium and now bring in a bottle of water. It’s a pretty damn good value.

(09-23-2021 06:12 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

(09-23-2021 05:01 PM)pvk75 Wrote:  Did anyone find out what the pay bump might be? Northern Star foia? Also, they gave him management of the rec department last year or year before, so that means he's over that group of staff, facilities, budget and revenue.

https://www.mystateline.com/sports/local...n-frazier/

We talk about how understaffing and issues with athletic department that should be improved (like marketing, concessions, gameday experiences, lack of interactions with donors, less student involvement, etc.), does anyone think it gets better if he's also now in charge of a 2nd department? Only takes his focus away from athletics.

No, this is not good. "play-it-safe-and-weak" Freeman dropped the ball here big time. If he has the extension we hoped would never come, we should at least send a clearer message about his many shortcomings. Get them out in the open. A petition or fan memo to the University?

(09-24-2021 08:43 AM)BDB5yp Wrote:  Nobody ever fully likes their AD, but let’s not act like other big schools with more resources aren’t interested in him.

Hope you're right.......but truthfully you're wrong.

(09-24-2021 09:28 AM)pjfleck82 Wrote:  

(09-20-2021 03:53 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(09-20-2021 03:48 PM)pjfleck82 Wrote:  Don’t fire him yet….we can bring in 16 ounce water bottles this Saturday

Can we bring in hot dogs? If so, I’d stuff my pants.

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

If you like football, NIU is the best value out there. I think I paid less than $150 for two east side season tickets. Can sit wherever the hell you want, park close to the stadium and now bring in a bottle of water. It’s a pretty damn good value.

NIU tickets are damn near close to movie ticket prices. Me and a buddy buy season tickets every year, knowing full well we won't go to most of the games. We just love and support a great program. Albeit a dying one.

(09-24-2021 10:05 AM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  NIU tickets are damn near close to movie ticket prices. Me and a buddy buy season tickets every year, knowing full well we won't go to most of the games. We just love and support a great program. Albeit a dying one.

You and I are a rare bread though. I do the same and buy two season tickets for East side and I live nowhere close to Illinois. Many friends who would go to every NIU football game when we were students in college won't even take my season tickets to go to the games for free now that they are long out of college. They're busy having families, kids, etc. and seem to have long lost their interest in NIU except for maybe vaguely following the program on Facebook or news articles.

(09-23-2021 11:11 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  

(09-23-2021 09:07 PM)HawaiiToNIU Wrote:  

(09-23-2021 08:56 PM)HUSKIEFOOTBALLFAN Wrote:  I'm definitely not a big donor and have met and talked with STF. He always acknowledges Mrs. HFF and I and will stop and chat with us. While this may not be everyones experience it is my experience.

When STF came here, he brought Schedule Palooza. And the response? Poor attendance. What can he do with no dollars and fans that don't respond? Again, this does not apply to everyone, but it applies to way to many NIU fans.

True. What's he supposed to do with nothing? Our fan base just doesn't care much about Huskie Football. Or maybe we do, and there isn't much of a fan base.

Also, why trek it to DeKalb for overpriced tickets and crappy amenities, when you can watch the game from the convenience of your home in Ultra High Def TV...with unlimited Hot Dogs if you're at Dogfan's house.

Wait, what? I've been missing out.

The crappy concessions have been a thing for a while. The yard, while nice, didn't take the place of all the old tents that would be set up on homecoming, and they made the east tailgating lot lame by making it partly donor, and squeezed out what used to be a party atmosphere for the kids and made them come out. Not all went to the game but some did and they're the loudest of the fans usually. And the East lot was the first thing students saw when they approached Huskie stadium. Lame atmosphere = fewer students = fewer alumni attending games after graduation = fewer donors. Also, the schedule sucked for 10+ years. Not STF's fault, but it's a fact. And the MAC still sells out to E$PN so yea, they don't care about attendance, atmosphere, etc.

hit the nail on the head! Entire post is dead on.

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

Fans in the stands is essential. If someone doesn't get that, then they don't get it. Comparing NIU ticket prices (which objectively compared to comparable alternatives are high) to ticket prices at a Big 10 venue with Big 10 competition and Big 10 complete game day atmosphere is like comparing apples to watermelons. Keep doing it and you are taking the STF approach. Compare NIU football ticket prices to what NIU ticket prices need to be to consistently put 17,000+ fans in the seats. If that is $20 or $2 I don't care. Once you have a consistent 17k+ in the seats, THEN you can work on getting additional revenue from each customer (e.g., selling more hot dogs, higher priced drinks, merchandise, etc.)


I have Apple TV. Why do I have Apple TV? Am I a fanatic of Apple and of TV who therefore is paying loads of money all over the place for TV subscriptions?

No. I have it because Apple gave it to me for free. And they showed me samples of an enticing show called Ted Lasso. And I liked the Ted Lasso show. And then I kept Apple TV. And now they have my subscription money every month. Because they know how to market.

So, $28 bucks for the cheapest seat in Huskie Stadium - in my face punishing me for not "buying early" or committing to season tickets? That seems to me the opposite of good marketing.

If I am wrong, I suppose increased overall revenue from $28+ per ticket will prove me wrong. But I don't think empty seats buy parking, or hot dogs, or drinks, or chips, or souvenirs (do we even sell any), nor do they create an atmosphere that a TV audience would say, "dang, I need to get to the next game). And I think the data supports my suspicions.

BTW, I saw a LOT of people filling the convo lot at the Wyoming game. I was stunned to hear the reported attendance. I have to suspect many of those people did not make it into the stadium. Why? Seriously, why? So now they park in the convo FOR FREE, and don't make it into the stadium (perhaps due to long lines to get in?). So it appears we are now losing money on parking? The logic completely escapes me.

(09-24-2021 10:38 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

Fans in the stands is essential. If someone doesn't get that, then they don't get it. Comparing NIU ticket prices (which objectively compared to alternatives are high) to ticket prices at a Big 10 venue with Big 10 competition and Big 10 complete game day atmosphere is like comparing apples to watermelons. Keep doing it and you are taking the STF approach. Compare NIU football ticket prices to what NIU ticket prices need to be to consistently put 17,000+ fans in the seats. If that is $20 or $2 I don;t care. Once you have a consistent 17k in the seats, THEN you can work on getting additional revenue from each customer.


I have Apple TV. Why do I have Apple TV? Am I a fanatic of Apple and of TV who therefore is paying loads of money all over the place for TV subscriptions?

No. I have it because Apple gave it to me for free. And they showed me samples of an enticing show called Ted Lasso. And I liked the Ted Lasso show. And then I kept Apple TV. And now they have my subscription money every month. Because they know how to market.

So, $28 bucks for the cheapest seat in Huskie Stadium - in my face punishing me for not "buying early" or committing to season tickets? That seems to me the opposite of good marketing.

If I am wrong, I suppose increased overall revenue from $28+ per ticket will prove me wrong. But I don't think empty seats buy parking, or hot dogs, or drinks, or chips, or souvenirs (do we even sell any), nor do they create an atmosphere that a TV audience would say, "dang, I need to get to the next game). And I think the data supports my suspicions.

BTW, I saw a LOT of people filling the convo lot at the Wyoming game. I was stunned to hear the reported attendance. I have to suspect many of those people did not make it into the stadium. Why? Seriously, why? So now they park in the convo FOR FREE, and don't make it into the stadium (perhaps due to long lines to get in?). So it appears we are now losing money on parking? The logic completely escapes me.

When supply is far greater than demand then ticket price is basically inelastic. At $2.00 you may draw 16k fans and at $20.00 you may draw 15k. I honestly dont think HS could hit full capacity with free tickets and a $20 concession voucher.

(09-24-2021 10:50 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 10:38 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

Fans in the stands is essential. If someone doesn't get that, then they don't get it. Comparing NIU ticket prices (which objectively compared to alternatives are high) to ticket prices at a Big 10 venue with Big 10 competition and Big 10 complete game day atmosphere is like comparing apples to watermelons. Keep doing it and you are taking the STF approach. Compare NIU football ticket prices to what NIU ticket prices need to be to consistently put 17,000+ fans in the seats. If that is $20 or $2 I don;t care. Once you have a consistent 17k in the seats, THEN you can work on getting additional revenue from each customer.


I have Apple TV. Why do I have Apple TV? Am I a fanatic of Apple and of TV who therefore is paying loads of money all over the place for TV subscriptions?

No. I have it because Apple gave it to me for free. And they showed me samples of an enticing show called Ted Lasso. And I liked the Ted Lasso show. And then I kept Apple TV. And now they have my subscription money every month. Because they know how to market.

So, $28 bucks for the cheapest seat in Huskie Stadium - in my face punishing me for not "buying early" or committing to season tickets? That seems to me the opposite of good marketing.

If I am wrong, I suppose increased overall revenue from $28+ per ticket will prove me wrong. But I don't think empty seats buy parking, or hot dogs, or drinks, or chips, or souvenirs (do we even sell any), nor do they create an atmosphere that a TV audience would say, "dang, I need to get to the next game). And I think the data supports my suspicions.

BTW, I saw a LOT of people filling the convo lot at the Wyoming game. I was stunned to hear the reported attendance. I have to suspect many of those people did not make it into the stadium. Why? Seriously, why? So now they park in the convo FOR FREE, and don't make it into the stadium (perhaps due to long lines to get in?). So it appears we are now losing money on parking? The logic completely escapes me.

When supply is far greater than demand then ticket price is basically inelastic. At $2.00 you may draw 16k fans and at $20.00 you may draw 15k. I honestly dont think HS could hit full capacity with free tickets and a $20 concession voucher.

1. In fact, demand is elastic, or inelastic. It is independent of supply. And whether the demand curve for NIU Football tickets is elastic or inelastic, and how much so is exactly the point! And the fact that that crucial point has never been studied (or even considered for a split second) is EXACTLY the problem. So, let's actually study the issue and come up with at least some educated guesses. For the last umpteen years it seems like athletics is just taking wild ass guesses. Not good.
2. Ticket prices (i.e. high ticket prices) are not THE problem. But they are a symptom of the problem.
3. The quantity supplied is not a constant. STF could do some easy changes to Huskie stadium to shut off some seats in the upper levels and corners of the west side and upper rows on the east side. Then you would have a limited supply and that would support higher prices--- if that is what you want. So ----- has that been done?

Look: The thread is "Fire Sean Frazier." I am not saying fire STF. But I am saying, what the hell has he done to deserve a five year contract WITH A PROMOTION?
At best he has done an average job. At best. And in the real world, an average job at best means you MAY be able to keep your job FOR NOW. Don't you agree? You MAY be able to keep your job FOR NOW. It DOES NOT mean, here is a pay raise, a promotion, and a guaranteed five more years! Nowhere does it mean that! Nowhere.

(09-23-2021 04:51 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(09-23-2021 04:49 PM)DPD Wrote:  Amazing. 3 days after having to announce game day improvements. What is there - 6 home games? Did the opening day sneak up on them ? Not splitting the atom here. We already can’t get people interested in the program so you don’t have to provide an experience to THAT many people. Provide popcorn, drinks and dogs to what amounts to a large HS crowd and failed.

Staffing shortage ? Give me a break, not hiring people for a full time job. Call the dekalb football team, have them work concessions and give them an all access something or other before/after whatever make a donation to the program - who knows figure it out.

How can a div 1 program be so incompetent and then reward that incompetence?

That’s NIU! New motto: “We reward incompetence!!”

sad

(09-24-2021 10:44 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

Fans in the stands is essential. If someone doesn't get that, then they don't get it. Comparing NIU ticket prices (which objectively compared to comparable alternatives are high) to ticket prices at a Big 10 venue with Big 10 competition and Big 10 complete game day atmosphere is like comparing apples to watermelons. Keep doing it and you are taking the STF approach. Compare NIU football ticket prices to what NIU ticket prices need to be to consistently put 17,000+ fans in the seats. If that is $20 or $2 I don't care. Once you have a consistent 17k+ in the seats, THEN you can work on getting additional revenue from each customer (e.g., selling more hot dogs, higher priced drinks, merchandise, etc.)


I have Apple TV. Why do I have Apple TV? Am I a fanatic of Apple and of TV who therefore is paying loads of money all over the place for TV subscriptions?

No. I have it because Apple gave it to me for free. And they showed me samples of an enticing show called Ted Lasso. And I liked the Ted Lasso show. And then I kept Apple TV. And now they have my subscription money every month. Because they know how to market.

So, $28 bucks for the cheapest seat in Huskie Stadium - in my face punishing me for not "buying early" or committing to season tickets? That seems to me the opposite of good marketing.

If I am wrong, I suppose increased overall revenue from $28+ per ticket will prove me wrong. But I don't think empty seats buy parking, or hot dogs, or drinks, or chips, or souvenirs (do we even sell any), nor do they create an atmosphere that a TV audience would say, "dang, I need to get to the next game). And I think the data supports my suspicions.

BTW, I saw a LOT of people filling the convo lot at the Wyoming game. I was stunned to hear the reported attendance. I have to suspect many of those people did not make it into the stadium. Why? Seriously, why? So now they park in the convo FOR FREE, and don't make it into the stadium (perhaps due to long lines to get in?). So it appears we are now losing money on parking? The logic completely escapes me.

To be honest, I'm trying really hard to follow your logic here but I'm struggling.

First, the AppleTV analogy. So, are you saying if NIU offered free tickets and an entertaining product, it would justify charging for tickets down the road? Well, okay, if this is what you're saying, don't students get in for free (I mean...it's wrapped into tuition but I think you get the jist of what I'm saying). I honestly don't know if you attended NIU (I'm guessing you did) so you did get in for free. I'm also guessing you have been entertained at some point over the years, including the GT game a few weeks ago. But are you saying they have to do this every year? For every new customer who didn't attend NIU (and already got the free student tickets?)?

I think I get what you're saying but I'm not fully getting it at the same time.

As for the parking at the Convo. I can't tell but it seems like you're arguing against your own argument here in complaining that they don't charge to park there and lost parking revenue. So, I'm not exactly sure what to think of that.

Either way, it seems like you'd almost prefer NIU put their pricing more in line with something like DeKalb HS or slightly above and I just can't get on board with that.

Tickets aren't expensive. I still contend that prices aren't what is keeping fans away. I do believe there are lots of factors but the ticket prices aren't it.

You increase attendance by making the gameday experience so memorable and valuable that people want to come.

For example, someone pointed it out earlier. Years ago the Athletic department decided to take away the east side grass lot from students and give it to donors. Now that grass lot has a dead and vacant atmosphere. When I was in school that grass lot was overloaded with NIU students and fraternities blasting music, drinking, and having a great time.

Athletics took away the Army ROTC cannon that used to be shot off after touchdowns. Was a stadium tradition and part of the atmosphere. Why not figure out a way to bring it back? Maybe shoot the cannon outside the stadium but have a TV camera on them doing it and showing it on the video board.

The concessions are awful and basic. I think all they sell are water, hot chocolate in the cold months, popcorn, and basic nachos and hot dogs. Yet such basic items run out of stock quickly and the concession lines are long.

Cheerleaders. They used to come out to the tailgate lots and take pictures with fans and sell raffle tickets. Do they still do that? I never once saw the cheerleaders at Wyoming game while I was tailgating in the Convo lot.

Box office tickets always has extremely long lines. Do we need more tickets windows or more efficient software and computers to manage ticket sales?

The stadium is extremely old, outdated, the sound system is awful, and cell phone coverage is bad (so why not add WiFi coverage around the stadium or reach out to cell phone companies and ask them to add cell towers nearby?). Huskie Stadium has needed major capital funding and renovations for many years. Why after two decades of success is it still nearly the same as its always been? Why were we not fundraising the entire time of all that success for stadium improvements? I didn't even see the merchandise stand that used to sell NIU gear outside the east side of Huskie Stadium. Is that no longer a thing?

I will give NIU kudos for giving new NIU students the opportunity to run out onto the field before the game.

(09-24-2021 12:22 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 10:50 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 10:38 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

Fans in the stands is essential. If someone doesn't get that, then they don't get it. Comparing NIU ticket prices (which objectively compared to alternatives are high) to ticket prices at a Big 10 venue with Big 10 competition and Big 10 complete game day atmosphere is like comparing apples to watermelons. Keep doing it and you are taking the STF approach. Compare NIU football ticket prices to what NIU ticket prices need to be to consistently put 17,000+ fans in the seats. If that is $20 or $2 I don;t care. Once you have a consistent 17k in the seats, THEN you can work on getting additional revenue from each customer.


I have Apple TV. Why do I have Apple TV? Am I a fanatic of Apple and of TV who therefore is paying loads of money all over the place for TV subscriptions?

No. I have it because Apple gave it to me for free. And they showed me samples of an enticing show called Ted Lasso. And I liked the Ted Lasso show. And then I kept Apple TV. And now they have my subscription money every month. Because they know how to market.

So, $28 bucks for the cheapest seat in Huskie Stadium - in my face punishing me for not "buying early" or committing to season tickets? That seems to me the opposite of good marketing.

If I am wrong, I suppose increased overall revenue from $28+ per ticket will prove me wrong. But I don't think empty seats buy parking, or hot dogs, or drinks, or chips, or souvenirs (do we even sell any), nor do they create an atmosphere that a TV audience would say, "dang, I need to get to the next game). And I think the data supports my suspicions.

BTW, I saw a LOT of people filling the convo lot at the Wyoming game. I was stunned to hear the reported attendance. I have to suspect many of those people did not make it into the stadium. Why? Seriously, why? So now they park in the convo FOR FREE, and don't make it into the stadium (perhaps due to long lines to get in?). So it appears we are now losing money on parking? The logic completely escapes me.

When supply is far greater than demand then ticket price is basically inelastic. At $2.00 you may draw 16k fans and at $20.00 you may draw 15k. I honestly dont think HS could hit full capacity with free tickets and a $20 concession voucher.

1. In fact, demand is elastic, or inelastic. It is independent of supply. And whether the demand curve for NIU Football tickets is elastic or inelastic, and how much so is exactly the point! And the fact that that crucial point has never been studied (or even considered for a split second) is EXACTLY the problem. So, let's actually study the issue and come up with at least some educated guesses. For the last umpteen years it seems like athletics is just taking wild ass guesses. Not good.
2. Ticket prices (i.e. high ticket prices) are not THE problem. But they are a symptom of the problem.
3. The quantity supplied is not a constant. STF could do some easy changes to Huskie stadium to shut off some seats in the upper levels and corners of the west side and upper rows on the east side. Then you would have a limited supply and that would support higher prices--- if that is what you want. So ----- has that been done?

Look: The thread is "Fire Sean Frazier." I am not saying fire STF. But I am saying, what the hell has he done to deserve a five year contract WITH A PROMOTION?
At best he has done an average job. At best. And in the real world, an average job at best means you MAY be able to keep your job FOR NOW. Don't you agree? You MAY be able to keep your job FOR NOW. It DOES NOT mean, here is a pay raise, a promotion, and a guaranteed five more years! Nowhere does it mean that! Nowhere.

Of course there’s a supply factor. If we have 6k season ticket holders but had only 5k seats price would increase. There are degrees of elasticity, NIU tickets are “basically” inelastic meaning they are inelastic, but I just don’t know to what degree. How far can you drop the price to measure increased demand? But their elasticity value is well below 1.0.

Hopefully they look at ticket sales when tickets are $17 and when they are $30. But there are just so many bigger factors for demand. Opponent, weather, start time, etc. if we got 25k for Wyoming at $17 and 12k for Maine at $30 I’d see the value of researching. But just from my experience attendance has been consistent regardless of ticket price. Consistently crappy.

(09-24-2021 01:02 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 12:22 PM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 10:50 AM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 10:38 AM)chihuskie Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 07:53 AM)Big Red Wrote:  I'm not sure I get the complaints about ticket prices. 33 bucks a seat (for the most expensive seat in the place) doesn't seem all that out of line for FBS football. I just checked the Illinois site and next weekend they play home against Charlotte and 35 bucks gets you seats at the top of the stadium. Anything lower and its 50 bucks and up (although you can sit behind one of the endzones for 20 bucks).

I'm not sure how much lower people think they should go for FBS football tickets.

As for basketball (men's) they're pretty damn cheap. A few years ago I was living in Minneapolis and was delighted to see the Huskies had a game scheduled with Minnesota. I searched for tickets for months (basically up until the week of the game) and couldn't come up with anything under 50 bucks. For a game between NIU and Minnesota where we all knew the outcome before they ever took the court.

Needless to say, I chose to watch from home. But I could have gone to 3 or 4 games in the Convo for what it would have cost me to see them play the Gophers.

So yeah, maybe football tickets are a tad high considering the attendance but I just don't see them lowering prices enough to drive up the bodies coming to the games. In other words, I don't see a 30 dollar ticket as being the deterrent.

Fans in the stands is essential. If someone doesn't get that, then they don't get it. Comparing NIU ticket prices (which objectively compared to alternatives are high) to ticket prices at a Big 10 venue with Big 10 competition and Big 10 complete game day atmosphere is like comparing apples to watermelons. Keep doing it and you are taking the STF approach. Compare NIU football ticket prices to what NIU ticket prices need to be to consistently put 17,000+ fans in the seats. If that is $20 or $2 I don;t care. Once you have a consistent 17k in the seats, THEN you can work on getting additional revenue from each customer.


I have Apple TV. Why do I have Apple TV? Am I a fanatic of Apple and of TV who therefore is paying loads of money all over the place for TV subscriptions?

No. I have it because Apple gave it to me for free. And they showed me samples of an enticing show called Ted Lasso. And I liked the Ted Lasso show. And then I kept Apple TV. And now they have my subscription money every month. Because they know how to market.

So, $28 bucks for the cheapest seat in Huskie Stadium - in my face punishing me for not "buying early" or committing to season tickets? That seems to me the opposite of good marketing.

If I am wrong, I suppose increased overall revenue from $28+ per ticket will prove me wrong. But I don't think empty seats buy parking, or hot dogs, or drinks, or chips, or souvenirs (do we even sell any), nor do they create an atmosphere that a TV audience would say, "dang, I need to get to the next game). And I think the data supports my suspicions.

BTW, I saw a LOT of people filling the convo lot at the Wyoming game. I was stunned to hear the reported attendance. I have to suspect many of those people did not make it into the stadium. Why? Seriously, why? So now they park in the convo FOR FREE, and don't make it into the stadium (perhaps due to long lines to get in?). So it appears we are now losing money on parking? The logic completely escapes me.

When supply is far greater than demand then ticket price is basically inelastic. At $2.00 you may draw 16k fans and at $20.00 you may draw 15k. I honestly dont think HS could hit full capacity with free tickets and a $20 concession voucher.

1. In fact, demand is elastic, or inelastic. It is independent of supply. And whether the demand curve for NIU Football tickets is elastic or inelastic, and how much so is exactly the point! And the fact that that crucial point has never been studied (or even considered for a split second) is EXACTLY the problem. So, let's actually study the issue and come up with at least some educated guesses. For the last umpteen years it seems like athletics is just taking wild ass guesses. Not good.
2. Ticket prices (i.e. high ticket prices) are not THE problem. But they are a symptom of the problem.
3. The quantity supplied is not a constant. STF could do some easy changes to Huskie stadium to shut off some seats in the upper levels and corners of the west side and upper rows on the east side. Then you would have a limited supply and that would support higher prices--- if that is what you want. So ----- has that been done?

Look: The thread is "Fire Sean Frazier." I am not saying fire STF. But I am saying, what the hell has he done to deserve a five year contract WITH A PROMOTION?
At best he has done an average job. At best. And in the real world, an average job at best means you MAY be able to keep your job FOR NOW. Don't you agree? You MAY be able to keep your job FOR NOW. It DOES NOT mean, here is a pay raise, a promotion, and a guaranteed five more years! Nowhere does it mean that! Nowhere.

Of course there’s a supply factor. If we have 6k season ticket holders but had only 5k seats price would increase. There are degrees of elasticity, NIU tickets are “basically” inelastic meaning they are inelastic, but I just don’t know to what degree. How far can you drop the price to measure increased demand? But their elasticity value is well below 1.0.

Hopefully they look at ticket sales when tickets are $17 and when they are $30. But there are just so many bigger factors for demand. Opponent, weather, start time, etc. if we got 25k for Wyoming at $17 and 12k for Maine at $30 I’d see the value of researching. But just from my experience attendance has been consistent regardless of ticket price. Consistently crappy.

Yes, ticket prices make little difference. To put it simply, there is a lack of interest in NIU football. We will get "crowds" of 11K for a good opponent and perfect weather. There is an apathy among alumni, students, and the community. The communities of DeKalb and Sycamore have never really been linked to NIU. Whether it's the anti-university attitude of the locals or a lack of aggressive outreach, community support does not exist to the degree that it should. Plus, people have become lazy sitting at home and watching the games on their phones or TV. Then, there is the abysmal game day experience at the stadium. The fact that we usually get around 11K or 12K is a testament to those fans. I do not see the crowds increasing until the Huskies are continually an excellent team, beating some of the big boys, possibly getting ranked, and there is a BIG PUBLICITY PUSH (including coverage in the media). There is just no sizzle in NIU football games - nothing to draw people except the staunchest fans.

I really think NIU is counting on on-field success to be their savior. I’ve made the analogy before with the white Sox fan base. When the Sox lose they’re bottom 5 in attendance. When the Sox win they move to right around the middle in attendance. NIU needs to replicate that 2010-2014 run. Make improvements and hope to keep the new fans. Winning may be the only way to move the needle. Stadium improvements(while in much need) is a temporary fix. People get complacent quick and they won’t mean much the second year they see them.

Sometimes you are just what you are when it comes to fans. The White Sox are talking about moving the stadium again. You can try building a new stadium, winning, all
Kinds of promo’s…sometimes the fans just won’t consistently come to you so I guess you go find new fans.

There’s nothing to distinguish a NIU football game from the other sports in the area. Maybe 10 years ago it was a stellar football team, but now all we have is an average team, with a crappy stadium, and an even crappier game day atmosphere. Parking may be the only thing we do right. I think about all the Cubs games I went to this summer, the team wasn’t that great, Wrigley isn’t the fanciest of MLB stadiums and the parking is horrid, but the atmosphere is alway incredible. Chair-back seats, Ushers, music whether it’s the organ or DJ, and concessions are great. When it comes to concessions, having the mlb app to order food for pickup, or have it delivered to your seat is such a great convenience and I’ve never waited in a concession line because of it. Smaller teams like the Kane county cougars or Schaumburg boomers also do a great job providing a great game day experience that encourages fans to attend regardless of how good or bad the team is. We need to steal somebody from one of these teams and finally make NIU stand out for something other than “being an orange bowl team back in the day”.

(09-24-2021 02:28 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  There’s nothing to distinguish a NIU football game from the other sports in the area. Maybe 10 years ago it was a stellar football team, but now all we have is an average team, with a crappy stadium, and an even crappier game day atmosphere. Parking may be the only thing we do right. I think about all the Cubs games I went to this summer, the team wasn’t that great, Wrigley isn’t the fanciest of MLB stadiums and the parking is horrid, but the atmosphere is alway incredible. Chair-back seats, Ushers, music whether it’s the organ or DJ, and concessions are great. When it comes to concessions, having the mlb app to order food for pickup, or have it delivered to your seat is such a great convenience and I’ve never waited in a concession line because of it. Smaller teams like the Kane county cougars or Schaumburg boomers also do a great job providing a great game day experience that encourages fans to attend regardless of how good or bad the team is. We need to steal somebody from one of these teams and finally make NIU stand out for something other than “being an orange bowl team back in the day”.

The Cougars do a great job. But they are so perfectly located. They are surrounded by nearby cities who residents have plenty of disposable income. I honestly think of NIU was located there it would help a ton.

(09-24-2021 02:57 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 02:28 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  There’s nothing to distinguish a NIU football game from the other sports in the area. Maybe 10 years ago it was a stellar football team, but now all we have is an average team, with a crappy stadium, and an even crappier game day atmosphere. Parking may be the only thing we do right. I think about all the Cubs games I went to this summer, the team wasn’t that great, Wrigley isn’t the fanciest of MLB stadiums and the parking is horrid, but the atmosphere is alway incredible. Chair-back seats, Ushers, music whether it’s the organ or DJ, and concessions are great. When it comes to concessions, having the mlb app to order food for pickup, or have it delivered to your seat is such a great convenience and I’ve never waited in a concession line because of it. Smaller teams like the Kane county cougars or Schaumburg boomers also do a great job providing a great game day experience that encourages fans to attend regardless of how good or bad the team is. We need to steal somebody from one of these teams and finally make NIU stand out for something other than “being an orange bowl team back in the day”.

The Cougars do a great job. But they are so perfectly located. They are surrounded by nearby cities who residents have plenty of disposable income. I honestly think of NIU was located there it would help a ton.

Admittedly we have zero population to the immediate west of us, just corn. Imagine if Malta (first 2-horse town to the west) had 55k population (instead of 1100). Still, we were getting 14-20k real people per game before, needs to get back there.

(09-24-2021 02:57 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(09-24-2021 02:28 PM)dogdangit Wrote:  There’s nothing to distinguish a NIU football game from the other sports in the area. Maybe 10 years ago it was a stellar football team, but now all we have is an average team, with a crappy stadium, and an even crappier game day atmosphere. Parking may be the only thing we do right. I think about all the Cubs games I went to this summer, the team wasn’t that great, Wrigley isn’t the fanciest of MLB stadiums and the parking is horrid, but the atmosphere is alway incredible. Chair-back seats, Ushers, music whether it’s the organ or DJ, and concessions are great. When it comes to concessions, having the mlb app to order food for pickup, or have it delivered to your seat is such a great convenience and I’ve never waited in a concession line because of it. Smaller teams like the Kane county cougars or Schaumburg boomers also do a great job providing a great game day experience that encourages fans to attend regardless of how good or bad the team is. We need to steal somebody from one of these teams and finally make NIU stand out for something other than “being an orange bowl team back in the day”.

The Cougars do a great job. But they are so perfectly located. They are surrounded by nearby cities who residents have plenty of disposable income. I honestly think of NIU was located there it would help a ton.

Doesn't matter who we hire to do anything. If our budget is $50, we are dropping it all on bottled water and hot dogs. If the attitude and culture of the athletic department is meh, nothing changes. Someone called it out. They always do these surveys and focus groups on what things should be done. But it always seems like that's just checking off boxes for the fans, all that info just gets filed away and never seen again.

(09-18-2021 02:14 PM)epasnoopy Wrote:  Why would you fire Sean Frazier for our loss to Michigan? Michigan has soundly beat WMU, Washington, and now us.

At least we aren't Temple who could only score 3 points against an unranked BC team.

Carey is a disaster, but that's one of the best defenses in the country.