That vibe back in the early 2000s was fantastic, and is now missed. Per other posts, I have a better understanding of why enrollment has dropped…but the disappearance of football fans is perplexing.

Obviously a drop in enrollment doesn’t help game attendance, but the number of alumni only goes up. My guess is that the loss of football attendance is a combination of:
1. Watching football at home on tv is more comfortable, cheaper, and with the game day experience being subpar, has dropped attendance
2. The Orange Bowl was an apex of fandom, and was quietly a negative to future attendance as nothing seems to excite our fan base anymore
3. The early 2000s winning was new, and exciting. Now it is expected

Who knows…but I miss those days. Game days definitely have an odd vibe. Only thing I can think of is a new stadium or dramatic renovations would be nice

(03-02-2023 07:40 AM)JB04 Wrote:  That vibe back in the early 2000s was fantastic, and is now missed. Per other posts, I have a better understanding of why enrollment has dropped…but the disappearance of football fans is perplexing.

Obviously a drop in enrollment doesn’t help game attendance, but the number of alumni only goes up. My guess is that the loss of football attendance is a combination of:
1. Watching football at home on tv is more comfortable, cheaper, and with the game day experience being subpar, has dropped attendance
2. The Orange Bowl was an apex of fandom, and was quietly a negative to future attendance as nothing seems to excite our fan base anymore
3. The early 2000s winning was new, and exciting. Now it is expected

Who knows…but I miss those days. Game days definitely have an odd vibe. Only thing I can think of is a new stadium or dramatic renovations would be nice

I think you've pretty much got it. To what you said, I would add lack of proper leadership. We need someone who can stir the juices and light the fire under the fan base - someone that people like and can engage with. I do not see much changing under the current leadership.

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:22 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:01 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 09:32 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  Kudos to Ohio for getting Iowa state at home.

That is impressive.

Sadly we’d sell out but it’d probably be at least 1/3 ISU.

NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

On this note, athletics dropped an update video last week which specifically mentioned that the fans wanted power teams in DeKalb and when games were scheduled the fans did not show up in the stands. Basically should not expect to see another power team in DeKalb for a very long time. Sounds like the focus is now going back toward playing a regular Chicago game over investing in power teams coming to campus.

We sold out last time Iowa State played at Huskie Stadium, I remember being elated at the sound of people hawking tickets outside the gate. That was a different vibe back then, need that vibe back, starts with new leadership.

That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:22 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:01 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  That is impressive.

Sadly we’d sell out but it’d probably be at least 1/3 ISU.

NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

On this note, athletics dropped an update video last week which specifically mentioned that the fans wanted power teams in DeKalb and when games were scheduled the fans did not show up in the stands. Basically should not expect to see another power team in DeKalb for a very long time. Sounds like the focus is now going back toward playing a regular Chicago game over investing in power teams coming to campus.

We sold out last time Iowa State played at Huskie Stadium, I remember being elated at the sound of people hawking tickets outside the gate. That was a different vibe back then, need that vibe back, starts with new leadership.

That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

I completely agree. There just isn't the money for it. Maybe if they could annually schedule 4 OOC games at the bigger schools for the big payouts, they could do it. Also, a targeted fundraising campaign would help, but I think more money would be generated by the big OOC games. We just don't have a big enough fanbase to donate the major dollars needed.

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:01 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 09:32 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  Kudos to Ohio for getting Iowa state at home.

That is impressive.

Sadly we’d sell out but it’d probably be at least 1/3 ISU.

NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

Ames is an easy drive for their fans. Boston College and Utah aren't bringing fans all the way out to DeKalb. I doubt BC even has that many fans since they are a small private.

I was even disappointed with how few Vandy fans there were last year. Certainly an SEC team should have a large traveling fanbase.

(03-02-2023 09:25 AM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:01 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 09:32 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  Kudos to Ohio for getting Iowa state at home.

That is impressive.

Sadly we’d sell out but it’d probably be at least 1/3 ISU.

NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

Ames is an easy drive for their fans. Boston College and Utah aren't bringing fans all the way out to DeKalb. I doubt BC even has that many fans since they are a small private.

I was even disappointed with how few Vandy fans there were last year. Certainly an SEC team should have a large traveling fanbase.

Not really. Vanberbilt's home attendance is the worst in the SEC.

Vanderbilt Attendance

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:22 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:01 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  That is impressive.

Sadly we’d sell out but it’d probably be at least 1/3 ISU.

NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

On this note, athletics dropped an update video last week which specifically mentioned that the fans wanted power teams in DeKalb and when games were scheduled the fans did not show up in the stands. Basically should not expect to see another power team in DeKalb for a very long time. Sounds like the focus is now going back toward playing a regular Chicago game over investing in power teams coming to campus.

We sold out last time Iowa State played at Huskie Stadium, I remember being elated at the sound of people hawking tickets outside the gate. That was a different vibe back then, need that vibe back, starts with new leadership.

That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

This. we aren't the only school with declining attendance. It's been a steady decline for years, we just happen to have the right (or wrong) combination of factors that have impacted us more significantly.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...ince-1981/

1. we're a suitcase school
2. we already had low attendance averages prior to COVID
3. we have a sad game day atmosphere
4. we play half of our games on weekdays
5. feel free to add your own
   

(03-02-2023 11:12 AM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:22 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

On this note, athletics dropped an update video last week which specifically mentioned that the fans wanted power teams in DeKalb and when games were scheduled the fans did not show up in the stands. Basically should not expect to see another power team in DeKalb for a very long time. Sounds like the focus is now going back toward playing a regular Chicago game over investing in power teams coming to campus.

We sold out last time Iowa State played at Huskie Stadium, I remember being elated at the sound of people hawking tickets outside the gate. That was a different vibe back then, need that vibe back, starts with new leadership.

That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

This. we aren't the only school with declining attendance. It's been a steady decline for years, we just happen to have the right (or wrong) combination of factors that have impacted us more significantly.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...ince-1981/

1. we're a suitcase school
2. we already had low attendance averages prior to COVID
3. we have a sad game day atmosphere
4. we play half of our games on weekdays
5. feel free to add your own
   

6.Running out of hot dogs in the first quarter

Seriously though, this would fall under point #3, but the depletion of of the student tailgating on the East side did a lot of damage.

(03-02-2023 08:41 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:22 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

On this note, athletics dropped an update video last week which specifically mentioned that the fans wanted power teams in DeKalb and when games were scheduled the fans did not show up in the stands. Basically should not expect to see another power team in DeKalb for a very long time. Sounds like the focus is now going back toward playing a regular Chicago game over investing in power teams coming to campus.

We sold out last time Iowa State played at Huskie Stadium, I remember being elated at the sound of people hawking tickets outside the gate. That was a different vibe back then, need that vibe back, starts with new leadership.

That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

I completely agree. There just isn't the money for it. Maybe if they could annually schedule 4 OOC games at the bigger schools for the big payouts, they could do it. Also, a targeted fundraising campaign would help, but I think more money would be generated by the big OOC games. We just don't have a big enough fanbase to donate the major dollars needed.

The fan base is big enough, they're just not engaged as they should be right now.

(03-02-2023 11:24 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:12 AM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:22 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  We sold out last time Iowa State played at Huskie Stadium, I remember being elated at the sound of people hawking tickets outside the gate. That was a different vibe back then, need that vibe back, starts with new leadership.

That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

This. we aren't the only school with declining attendance. It's been a steady decline for years, we just happen to have the right (or wrong) combination of factors that have impacted us more significantly.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...ince-1981/

1. we're a suitcase school
2. we already had low attendance averages prior to COVID
3. we have a sad game day atmosphere
4. we play half of our games on weekdays
5. feel free to add your own
   

6.Running out of hot dogs in the first quarter

Seriously though, this would fall under point #3, but the depletion of of the student tailgating on the East side did a lot of damage.

7. Football team has been terrible for the last 3 out of 4 years. Last year may have done more damage than we think. Watching depressing play does nothing to bolster the fanbase.

I thought this thread was about the 2023 schedule.

(03-02-2023 12:10 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  I thought this thread was about the 2023 schedule.

Every game on this years schedule is winnable IMO. There is no Kentucky or someone like that on the schedule. I expect a drastic improvement from last year and the rest of the West got worse especially Ball state with the transfers they had. I see it down to Toledo and NIU again with maybe CMU chasing.

Me being a homer, but about the attendance issues/gameday experiences mentioned above. If NIU starts this year 4-0 (if Rocky stays healthy there is a chance) with wins against two P5 (both beatable) there should be some excitement built up fast and will help with the gameday experience.

(03-02-2023 01:51 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 12:10 PM)HuskieDave Wrote:  I thought this thread was about the 2023 schedule.

Every game on this years schedule is winnable IMO. There is no Kentucky or someone like that on the schedule. I expect a drastic improvement from last year and the rest of the West got worse especially Ball state with the transfers they had. I see it down to Toledo and NIU again with maybe CMU chasing.

Me being a homer, but about the attendance issues/gameday experiences mentioned above. If NIU starts this year 4-0 (if Rocky stays healthy there is a chance) with wins against two P5 (both beatable) there should be some excitement built up fast and will help with the gameday experience.

EMU has talent, they are not to be overlooked. How we trounced them last year was odd and cost them a shot at the title. Should mention that was Rocky's last game. ...if he can comeback like 2021 HUskies will be TOUGH.

Once again, Toledo is blessed with a relaxing OOC schedule: Illinois, Texas Southern, San Jose State, and UMass. Compare that to the other MAC teams.

(03-02-2023 02:27 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  Once again, Toledo is blessed with a relaxing OOC schedule: Illinois, Texas Southern, San Jose State, and UMass. Compare that to the other MAC teams.

Would love to see Toledo face-rape U of I.

(03-02-2023 11:38 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:24 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:12 AM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 07:39 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  That was a different time back then. People just don't attend the games anymore. I'd bet we'd have a hard time filling the stadium for Georgia. There seems to be a lot more apathy from fans these days. I do heartily agree that we need new leadership, however. Nothing will change under the current leadership.

Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

This. we aren't the only school with declining attendance. It's been a steady decline for years, we just happen to have the right (or wrong) combination of factors that have impacted us more significantly.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...ince-1981/

1. we're a suitcase school
2. we already had low attendance averages prior to COVID
3. we have a sad game day atmosphere
4. we play half of our games on weekdays
5. feel free to add your own
   

6.Running out of hot dogs in the first quarter

Seriously though, this would fall under point #3, but the depletion of of the student tailgating on the East side did a lot of damage.

7. Football team has been terrible for the last 3 out of 4 years. Last year may have done more damage than we think. Watching depressing play does nothing to bolster the fanbase.

I don’t think that’s the major cause for declining attendance, but winning is definitely the cure for it.

(03-06-2023 12:32 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:38 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:24 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:12 AM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 08:29 AM)NIUfilmmaker Wrote:  Our stadium also needs updates, and a proper suites tower as planned would help immensely. Another empty Sean Frazier promise.

This. we aren't the only school with declining attendance. It's been a steady decline for years, we just happen to have the right (or wrong) combination of factors that have impacted us more significantly.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...ince-1981/

1. we're a suitcase school
2. we already had low attendance averages prior to COVID
3. we have a sad game day atmosphere
4. we play half of our games on weekdays
5. feel free to add your own
   

6.Running out of hot dogs in the first quarter

Seriously though, this would fall under point #3, but the depletion of of the student tailgating on the East side did a lot of damage.

7. Football team has been terrible for the last 3 out of 4 years. Last year may have done more damage than we think. Watching depressing play does nothing to bolster the fanbase.

I don’t think that’s the major cause for declining attendance, but winning is definitely the cure for it.

Absolutely. But, I don't think attendance will ever get back to the "glory" days where attendance of almost 20K was expected. Winning will certainly increase it, but that needs to be coupled with a very strong marketing campaign (which we know is never done).

Athletics needs to make game day a fun and exciting experience and market that. Of course, this has to be coupled with winning because they could have strip shows at halftime and still not many would show up for a team that gets blown out at home by Akron. (Of course, I would still show up and suffer through the half time strip show because I am a very dedicated fan.)

(03-06-2023 12:44 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 12:32 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:38 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:24 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:12 AM)thehappyhuskie Wrote:  This. we aren't the only school with declining attendance. It's been a steady decline for years, we just happen to have the right (or wrong) combination of factors that have impacted us more significantly.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-footba...ince-1981/

1. we're a suitcase school
2. we already had low attendance averages prior to COVID
3. we have a sad game day atmosphere
4. we play half of our games on weekdays
5. feel free to add your own
   

6.Running out of hot dogs in the first quarter

Seriously though, this would fall under point #3, but the depletion of of the student tailgating on the East side did a lot of damage.

7. Football team has been terrible for the last 3 out of 4 years. Last year may have done more damage than we think. Watching depressing play does nothing to bolster the fanbase.

I don’t think that’s the major cause for declining attendance, but winning is definitely the cure for it.

Absolutely. But, I don't think attendance will ever get back to the "glory" days where attendance of almost 20K was expected. Winning will certainly increase it, but that needs to be coupled with a very strong marketing campaign (which we know is never done).

Athletics needs to make game day a fun and exciting experience and market that. Of course, this has to be coupled with winning because they could have strip shows at halftime and still not many would show up for a team that gets blown out at home by Akron. (Of course, I would still show up and suffer through the half time strip show because I am a very dedicated fan.)

Outside of the very top tier teams (typically the ones with national followings), attendance is down dramatically across all FBS teams. So yeah, I do agree that having the expectation of the "glory days" is unrealistic unless every team is also returning to those days. Working toward an increase is realistic and doable but the expectations really need to be tempered.

(03-06-2023 01:34 PM)Big Red Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 12:44 PM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-06-2023 12:32 PM)Rabid Squirrel Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:38 AM)Dog Fan Wrote:  

(03-02-2023 11:24 AM)Schaefer Beer Wrote:  6.Running out of hot dogs in the first quarter

Seriously though, this would fall under point #3, but the depletion of of the student tailgating on the East side did a lot of damage.

7. Football team has been terrible for the last 3 out of 4 years. Last year may have done more damage than we think. Watching depressing play does nothing to bolster the fanbase.

I don’t think that’s the major cause for declining attendance, but winning is definitely the cure for it.

Absolutely. But, I don't think attendance will ever get back to the "glory" days where attendance of almost 20K was expected. Winning will certainly increase it, but that needs to be coupled with a very strong marketing campaign (which we know is never done).

Athletics needs to make game day a fun and exciting experience and market that. Of course, this has to be coupled with winning because they could have strip shows at halftime and still not many would show up for a team that gets blown out at home by Akron. (Of course, I would still show up and suffer through the half time strip show because I am a very dedicated fan.)

Outside of the very top tier teams (typically the ones with national followings), attendance is down dramatically across all FBS teams. So yeah, I do agree that having the expectation of the "glory days" is unrealistic unless every team is also returning to those days. Working toward an increase is realistic and doable but the expectations really need to be tempered.

17k Saturday and 10k Weeknight would be a good place to set a target.

(03-02-2023 09:25 AM)epasnoopy Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:10 PM)HuskieTap22 Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 11:01 PM)thxjoenovak Wrote:  

(03-01-2023 09:32 PM)HuskiePride12 Wrote:  Kudos to Ohio for getting Iowa state at home.

That is impressive.

Sadly we’d sell out but it’d probably be at least 1/3 ISU.

NIU would sell out the stadium against Iowa State? I doubt it. The last couple power schools that played at NIU had weak attendance. I do not see Iowa State changing that.

Ames is an easy drive for their fans. Boston College and Utah aren't bringing fans all the way out to DeKalb. I doubt BC even has that many fans since they are a small private.

I was even disappointed with how few Vandy fans there were last year. Certainly an SEC team should have a large traveling fanbase.

While not the crowd for a P5 or Chicago game, I was pretty impressed by Utah's turnout in DeKlb. I would gues it was 1500+. I am going to guess is was 2/3 of A and 1/2 B. It was most I remember other than maybe EIU.