I am not one to complain or view anything Marquette negatively, but I do feel that speaking up when value drops is important. This has nothing to do with the team since i believe they are playing the hardest they can and overall i am entertained for 40 minutes.
However, what has happened to the Marquette Gameday Experience? There have been zero handouts before the game, side from the schedule magnets. The scoreboard stats, replays, etc have been atrocious. They went from giving away free nights at the Hilton and dinners, to a burrito for signed programs. To cap it all off, there has been a severe lack of halftime entertainment. I don't need the Jesse White Tumblers, but even the 4th grade basketball games were more entertaining than the same student musical chairs. If someone from the athletic department would like to chime in, I'm curious as to why the value of the experience has dropped when ticket prices have not.
I was talking about this last night with some friends at the game. We were "spoiled" a few years ago with bobble heads, youth D-Wade uni's, t-shirts for us, half-time entertainment, Heck even the alumni from the different sports were brought into the Cambria club (early season game), usually three sports at a time. Was great alumni relation stuff for the former athletes. I know it all costs money. The only new thing I have really noticed this year is that you can pay more money when you get the the game to move down to a better seat, no thanks.
On a side note, the times of the games has really hampered the pre-game post game revelry. I would rather have the fox sports money and play when they tell us to play, but a sat night game would be nice
A majority of the games this season have been against no-name opponents and/or when the students aren't in session. I would guess that the "experience" will pick up from here on out. No use wasting money on a juggling family or trampoline dunk team if they're going to perform in front of a half-empty stadium.
Odd. I was thinking last night how stale the game experience has gotten. Part of it is that we don't have a great team, stagnant offense (nothing like last year, at least we can hit some shots), but the other things are missing. I don't need or want handouts, but the game experience is down. This doesn't matter much for those on this board, but for casual fans, it will hurt attendance.
I think the Admirals really do an exceptional job and making the games an event even for those who are not really into hockey. Maybe MU needs to hire someone or consult with their PR staff/promotion staff.
Mu used to be on the cutting edge of the game experience. Better than others. Now, we are very pedestrian to worse. Crean did something right, and promotion was the number one thing. It has been a gradual slide since.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on January 15, 2015, 09:22:32 AM
A majority of the games this season have been against no-name opponents and/or when the students aren't in session. I would guess that the "experience" will pick up from here on out. No use wasting money on a juggling family or trampoline dunk team if they're going to perform in front of a half-empty stadium.
I get your point. This is something I have noticed for the last few years, not just this year.
It definitely is not just his non-conference portion, it has been a slide for a few years as another poster had mentioned. Once again, i don't need professional trampoline acts, but something entertaining. I don't think the St. Whatever 4th grade basketball team is demanding big bucks. It was always fun cheering on the little kids or seeing how intense the wheelchair basketball games were.
We have been regressing for a few years. Don't get me started on the Moderately Larger than Real Life Noggins they unveil every game. Time for those to go. Extremely played out across the country and we weren't the first to do it either. I would love to see more of those spinning hypnotizing signs that they have a couple of.
What happened to the gatling t-shirt gun? not that it reached the 400 level anyhow but...
Quote from: MU gimp ONE on January 15, 2015, 09:40:59 AM
It definitely is not just his non-conference portion, it has been a slide for a few years as another poster had mentioned. Once again, i don't need professional trampoline acts, but something entertaining. I don't think the St. Whatever 4th grade basketball team is demanding big bucks. It was always fun cheering on the little kids or seeing how intense the wheelchair basketball games were.
We have been regressing for a few years. Don't get me started on the Moderately Larger than Real Life Noggins they unveil every game. Time for those to go. Extremely played out across the country and we weren't the first to do it either. I would love to see more of those spinning hypnotizing signs that they have a couple of.
Those teams pay to play at halftime.
Yeah where did that gun thing go? The only time something got to the upper decks was when the guy cheerleaders would use that slingshot. Maybe don't want someone to fall trying to catch one. Parachutes are meh, funny to see grown men jump on top of each other to grab one though. Big heads are not big anymore literally and figuratively, maybe they should have a big head shark, (jumped the shark) and then retire the whole thing. We could hand out big eagle feathers, but that probably wouldn't be PC even though we are the eagles. They can't even throw the dice (new thing this year to win a hot dog or something) from the top of the lower bowl, someone must have spilled their beer and complained.
Yes, small ball, from the little guys and girls would be a great add.
Agree, I've had season tickets for 10 years. But we left at halftime and watched the rest of the game at home. I enjoyed watching it on TV more.
Now, a LARGE part of this is team performance and opponent. That's probably 75%. There was NOTHING like watch Jae Crowder and company play against a screaming Bob Huggins, or the Three Amigos take on Slick Rick Pitino on a Saturday afternoon. Last night was a poorly played game, no superstars, no real sideline presence from either coach. Just blah.
And ever since we lost TC, neither Buzz nor Wojo have any interest in the dog and pony show. Do you remember how Crean would hype up big games "We're going to get the fire marshall and see how many people we can squeeze in!" He'd come out and fire up the student section, pausing to clap for them for awhile. Heck, he even did a live Q&A session with fans after practice one year. As much as people hate him now, the guy was a great salesman. Shoot me for saying it, but I miss that.
Quote from: warriorstrack on January 15, 2015, 10:10:15 AM
Yeah where did that gun thing go? The only time something got to the upper decks was when the guy cheerleaders would use that slingshot. Maybe don't want someone to fall trying to catch one. Parachutes are meh, funny to see grown men jump on top of each other to grab one though. Big heads are not big anymore literally and figuratively, maybe they should have a big head shark, (jumped the shark) and then retire the whole thing. We could hand out big eagle feathers, but that probably wouldn't be PC even though we are the eagles. They can't even throw the dice (new thing this year to win a hot dog or something) from the top of the first section now, someone must have spilled their beer and complained.
Yes, small ball, from the little guys and girls would be a great add.
Buy 100 group tickets and your group can play at halftime of a game.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on January 15, 2015, 10:23:38 AM
Buy 100 group tickets and your group can play at halftime of a game.
45 y/o out of shape guys going at each other, that might be fun too.
Agreed on all the above. While the past 18 months has seen MU's on-court entertainment value plummet .. the game day experience has also decreased substantially.
No more bobbleheads, no more towels, no more cups or paperweights, etc. Last year they brought back the magnet, but that appears gone this year.
Wow .. everything is gone: http://www.gomarquette.com/tickets/m-baskbl-promotions.html (http://www.gomarquette.com/tickets/m-baskbl-promotions.html)
Correct this if it's wrong, but I thought the Fox Sports contract was going to bring even more revenue than the ESPN contract did? And didn't our coaching expense go down?
.. No half-time entertainment .. not even the little kids' basketball stuff.
.. And for the love of all that is holy, get someone to sing the damn national anthem. >:( Couldn't believe that for the Badger game, the biggest game of the year .. zip. No singer. I've mentioned this to MU before, and they've suggested it's because of scheduling and TV, like a singer might take longer to finish the anthem than the band.
Seems really weak to suggest you can't tell a random student with a good voice they need to keep a regular tempo.
Add in all these 8pm start times .. brutal.
After a decade+ of going to nearly every home game .. I've skipped half this year. A past thread figured out MU lost about 1500 season ticket seats this season .. I'll bet that trend continues.
Sad, really.
Right! I forgot to mention ... has anyone sung the National Anthem this year? The band gets in and out of it in about 45 seconds ... it just seems so cheap.
Remember a few years back when there was a kid who sang it, and all the Marquette players rushed to center court to congratulate them? All those sorts of moments are lost.
And they don't have the Chicken handing the giant pizza to a row in the upper deck.
The lower bowl gets all the swag. You would think they would focus on the 400 level since the majority of those are general admission tickets. You don't need to bribe the sweater vests with free stuff to get them through the turnstile.
1st world problems. Guys not going to games because of half time entertainment, t shirts and bobbleheads. My goodness you sound ridiculous. The game day experience stinks because the team stinks. In the Brian Wardle days we couldn't even fill the lower bowl with students...team was awful. Wade came and all of a sudden it was awesome. The trend of 1500 less season tickets will not continue, there is nothing to sell this year. Bring in a top 5 class and a McDonald All-American and the casual fan will come back. Simple as that.
Am I the only one that couldn't care less about gameday giveaways?
I remember the final four ring, and the wade bobblehead, but I've never been that into collecting that stuff.
Maybe I'm a minimalist at heart.
As far as overall "gameday experience", to me, the students make all of the difference in the world. When they are there, and they are into it, it completely changes everything for me.
Quote from: esotericmindguy on January 15, 2015, 10:38:07 AM
1st world problems. Guys not going to games because of half time entertainment, t shirts and bobbleheads. My goodness you sound ridiculous. The game day experience stinks because the team stinks. In the Brian Wardle days we couldn't even fill the lower bowl with students...team was awful. Wade came and all of a sudden it was awesome. The trend of 1500 less season tickets will not continue, there is nothing to sell this year. Bring in a top 5 class and a McDonald All-American and the casual fan will come back. Simple as that.
Anything related to fans enjoying college basketball could be considered a 1st world problem. That doesn't negate our points. We want our university and team to provide a world-class experience.
"1st world problems?" What a moronic thing to say.
Wel, as the saying goes: "Where's the hoopla boys? Where's the hoopla?"
It has declined over the years. Part of it is sponsorships. Companies have cut back of their discretionary marketing budgets. Without their money, it is very difficult to give away lots of things. But I still have my bobbieheads - including the Fr Wild bobble head - and I like them.
The parachute t-shirt drop is about the most exciting thing there is going now, and none of the upper seats have a chance at getting one.
Marquette needs someone who will work the local corporations for participation. I noticed West Bend is not a sponsor now. It's a full tme job trying to get sponsors to buy-in. And I have no idea how much the Marquette budget is or got cut. But game day hoopla can draw more students and fans. Though winning is the best draw.
I was at the game last night and I was really impressed by the student attendance. They had most of the upper section filled on a Wednesday night 8:00 pm game. They also were extremely loud to end the game.
The game day experience is something Tom Crean did best. It dropped off when he left.
I have lots of problems with Crean, but this is something I miss.
I enjoy the bobbleheads, figurines and T shirts. I still have most of them and they are great momentos of my college years 2004-2008.
Quote from: MarkusSharkus on January 15, 2015, 10:52:55 AM
I was at the game last night and I was really impressed by the student attendance. They had most of the upper section filled on a Wednesday night 8:00 pm game. They also were extremely loud to end the game.
Whoa, what game were you at? Most of the upper section filled? Not last night. Maybe 10% of the upper student section was filled.
At best, I'd say it was a slightly above average Wednesday crowd.
Another note .. I can't recall if it's every single year, but certainly a bunch of years, at the end of the season. MU sends out a SurveyMonkey type survey to ticket purchasers, asking about the process, tickets, seats, giveaways, experience, etc.
I'm sure they get a lot of feedback.
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on January 15, 2015, 10:57:32 AM
Whoa, what game were you at? Most of the upper section filled? Not last night. Maybe 10% of the upper student section was filled.
At best, I'd say it was a slightly above average Wednesday crowd.
What game were you at. ::) The upper deck of the student section was almost filled to the top with many gaps in the rows. I would say the student section of the upper deck was 65% filled.
Quote from: Canned Goods n Ammo on January 15, 2015, 10:38:52 AM
Am I the only one that couldn't care less about gameday giveaways?
I remember the final four ring, and the wade bobblehead, but I've never been that into collecting that stuff.
Maybe I'm a minimalist at heart.
As far as overall "gameday experience", to me, the students make all of the difference in the world. When they are there, and they are into it, it completely changes everything for me.
I don't care about give aways either. The Al Night hats were always nice, even if not of the best quality. However, I can do without the giveaways and have MU keep that money or sponsors money.
But the game day experience, when the on court event is down, should be pumped up. I'm no marketing guy, but when the team is down, I'd suggest adding more game day experience things. Check out an admirals game sometime.
Heck, even a half time singing contest would be better than what we have.
Quote from: bradley center bat on January 15, 2015, 11:02:06 AM
What game were you at. ::) The upper deck of the student section was almost filled to the top with many gaps in the rows. I would say the student section of the upper deck was 65% filled.
Yep. I don't understand what game that guy was at. More stuffers last night than the home opener for sure. Which surprised me considering Creighton isn't exactly a huge opponent.
Playing like Louisville is the game day experience I want. No need for giveaways or halftime entertainment here.
Quote from: bradley center bat on January 15, 2015, 11:02:06 AM
What game were you at. ::) The upper deck of the student section was almost filled to the top with many gaps in the rows. I would say the student section of the upper deck was 65% filled.
Agreed. It looked more like what Hilltopper was describing at tipoff, but kids continued to file in throughout the 1st half.
Quote from: warriorchick on January 15, 2015, 11:13:47 AM
Agreed. It looked more like what Hilltopper was describing at tipoff, but kids continued to file in throughout the 1st half.
That could explain it. I suppose I didn't take note of it later, but when the game started, I stand by my 10% figure. Shocked it grew higher than that, though.
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on January 15, 2015, 12:07:33 PM
That could explain it. I suppose I didn't take note of it later, but when the game started, I stand by my 10% figure. Shocked it grew higher than that, though.
I think a lot of kids took busses in and they must have been late. The upper level was probably 60-70% filled. Which was nice to see.
Quote from: bradley center bat on January 15, 2015, 11:02:06 AM
What game were you at. ::) The upper deck of the student section was almost filled to the top with many gaps in the rows. I would say the student section of the upper deck was 65% filled.
It was weird though. at the start of the game only the middle section had people in it. Halftime comes and 70% of the student section upper is full. Looks like students decided to come very late to the game.
Quote from: MarkusSharkus on January 15, 2015, 11:09:58 AM
Yep. I don't understand what game that guy was at. More stuffers last night than the home opener for sure. Which surprised me considering Creighton isn't exactly a huge opponent.
First game back for the students to attend, since Dec. 8th finals week.
Crean's gameday experience must have fallen off. I went to an IU game in December and there was surprisingly little to no fanfare. No Kiss/Smile/Dance cam, no t-shirt parachutes, the band played a little a halftime, the student section wasn't close to being filled, and they didn't play much music. Granted, it was an interior opponent (Savanna State) but the students were still on campus and it was still incredibly underwhelming.
Quote from: warriorstrack on January 15, 2015, 09:16:00 AM
I was talking about this last night with some friends at the game. We were "spoiled" a few years ago with bobble heads, youth D-Wade uni's, t-shirts for us, half-time entertainment, Heck even the alumni from the different sports were brought into the Cambria club (early season game), usually three sports at a time. Was great alumni relation stuff for the former athletes. I know it all costs money. The only new thing I have really noticed this year is that you can pay more money when you get the the game to move down to a better seat, no thanks.
On a side note, the times of the games has really hampered the pre-game post game revelry. I would rather have the fox sports money and play when they tell us to play, but a sat night game would be nice
This is a serious understatement. I think Saturday night games would instantly boost attendance, all else being the same.
Quote from: Warrior Code on January 15, 2015, 01:04:06 PM
This is a serious understatement. I think Saturday night games would instantly boost attendance, all else being the same.
Pretty sure the Bucks and the Admirals have dibs on Saturday night.
Quote from: Warrior Code on January 15, 2015, 01:00:35 PM
Crean's gameday experience must have fallen off. I went to an IU game in December and there was surprisingly little to no fanfare. No Kiss/Smile/Dance cam, no t-shirt parachutes, the band played a little a halftime, the student section wasn't close to being filled, and they didn't play much music. Granted, it was an interior opponent (Savanna State) but the students were still on campus and it was still incredibly underwhelming.
I think Crean may have gotten some pushback on the atmosphere at Assembly Hall. Indiana is as traditional as they come and changes are not always welcome. Every time they hire a new coach one of the first questions is always about the candy striped warm ups and will they keep them.
You would think that Marquette would find a local company to sponsor some random giveaways. Where's Joe Terrian when you need him?
Quote from: warriorchick on January 15, 2015, 01:05:18 PM
Pretty sure the Bucks and the Admirals have dibs on Saturday night.
The Bucks I get...but the Admirals? Why is MU behind crappy minor league hockey that draws what, about 4,000 a game?
Attendance is significantly down. I do not think the badger game even sold out. My section 227 was full of people wearing Hegner shirts, which means the long-term ticket holders are selling their tickets. A significant amount of the upper deck was empty last night and I was wondering, if MU will ever sell out again. With the games being on Fox sports you can save a lot of money just staying home and I think that is going to bite MU in the end. It will be interesting to see, if Ellenson will have a huge effect on attendance. My guess is that if MU, does not block the home games from being on TV they will continue to fall in attendance. Less attendance, less money to spend will be a huge detriment to the program.
Quote from: Groin_pull on January 15, 2015, 01:17:35 PM
The Bucks I get...but the Admirals? Why is MU behind crappy minor league hockey that draws what, about 4,000 a game?
The Admirals have 3 homes games on Saturdays during the MU season.
Quote from: bilsu on January 15, 2015, 01:28:01 PM
My guess is that if MU, does not block the home games from being on TV they will continue to fall in attendance.
Bill Wirtz says hello.
Quote from: Michael Kenyon on January 15, 2015, 10:01:16 AM
What happened to the gatling t-shirt gun? not that it reached the 400 level anyhow but...
lawsuits
Quote from: mu_hilltopper on January 15, 2015, 10:30:32 AM
Agreed on all the above. While the past 18 months has seen MU's on-court entertainment value plummet .. the game day experience has also decreased substantially.
No more bobbleheads, no more towels, no more cups or paperweights, etc. Last year they brought back the magnet, but that appears gone this year.
Wow .. everything is gone: http://www.gomarquette.com/tickets/m-baskbl-promotions.html (http://www.gomarquette.com/tickets/m-baskbl-promotions.html)
Correct this if it's wrong, but I thought the Fox Sports contract was going to bring even more revenue than the ESPN contract did? And didn't our coaching expense go down?
.. No half-time entertainment .. not even the little kids' basketball stuff.
.. And for the love of all that is holy, get someone to sing the damn national anthem. >:( Couldn't believe that for the Badger game, the biggest game of the year .. zip. No singer. I've mentioned this to MU before, and they've suggested it's because of scheduling and TV, like a singer might take longer to finish the anthem than the band.
Seems really weak to suggest you can't tell a random student with a good voice they need to keep a regular tempo.
Add in all these 8pm start times .. brutal.
After a decade+ of going to nearly every home game .. I've skipped half this year. A past thread figured out MU lost about 1500 season ticket seats this season .. I'll bet that trend continues.
Sad, really.
Geez, an 8pm start is brutal????
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on January 15, 2015, 10:10:09 AM
Those teams pay to play at halftime.
http://www.youtube.com/e/dnQ6GVbJJdk
Seriously, Marquette??!? When you have nothing better than musical chairs, you're going to charge the kids from St. Whositnow to play?
Quote from: Groin_pull on January 15, 2015, 01:17:35 PM
The Bucks I get...but the Admirals? Why is MU behind crappy minor league hockey that draws what, about 4,000 a game?
Gee, I don't know....maybe because the Admirals' owners paid for the arena? ;D
Quote from: warriorchick on January 15, 2015, 02:01:29 PM
Gee, I don't know....maybe because the Admirals' owners paid for the arena? ;D
The Pettits still own that team? How many Pettits are still around?
Quote from: Groin_pull on January 15, 2015, 02:02:45 PM
The Pettits still own that team? How many Pettits are still around?
I don't know if they own it still or not, but even if they sold it, I would think they would transfer whatever arena-related perks the team has along with everything else.
Quote from: warriorchick on January 15, 2015, 02:14:17 PM
I don't know if they own it still or not, but even if they sold it, I would think they would transfer whatever arena-related perks the team has along with everything else.
Well, that needs to change with the new arena. The BC was build for the NHL team that never came. The new building needs to be designed for hoops...with the Bucks and MU receiving the best dates.
Quote from: Groin_pull on January 15, 2015, 02:02:45 PM
The Pettits still own that team? How many Pettits are still around?
Negative
Quote from: Groin_pull on January 15, 2015, 02:31:57 PM
Well, that needs to change with the new arena. The BC was build for the NHL team that never came. The new building needs to be designed for hoops...with the Bucks and MU receiving the best dates.
What new arena?
All of what has been complained about is in the hands of MU Athletic Dept. Here is how it used to run (from personal experience).
MU hired Nelligan, now absorbed by Learfield (mentioned at end of game radio.) to sell sponsorships on-commission. MU won't pay for the Free Premiums Promotion (generally). They expected a sponsor to buy the premiums (and Nelligan didn't like selling the premium promotions because that part of the sponsorship was not commissionable, but just a pass-through). You can do the math for the sponsor's budget for 10,000+ premiums at any per unit price $1 to $10. Both factors contribute to the give-away decline.
I had some dealings with Learfield in the past (BIG schools) and their presentation and pricing was different than Nelligan. Nelligan underwhelmed me. Clearfield was better. MU may be operating under a different compensation arrangement now.
I don't know who is responsible for the planning and staging of the in-stadium gameday hoopla and experience, but it is surely someone in the MU Athletic Dept. I agree that it is in decline, and I felt that it had grown tired many seasons ago. Learfield was hired by and reports to someone at MU and the same would be true for the gameday experience.
This is a case where if you are a season-ticket holder and critical, I recommend that you take the same small amount of time that you took to post here and email the new AD your concerns. I am sure the new AD is working to evaluate the results of MU BB marketing.
MU isn't going to act and improve from on posts on Scoops. Don't expect those in-place to self-criticize (for those who say Athletic Dept employees read Scoops). MU can't afford declining BB attendance and revenues.
Most of the giveaways are gone because research done by the athletic dept. and the grad school 2 or 3 years ago show a staggeringly low amount of people care about them at all when it comes to an incentive to attend. Something like 1 or 2 percent. So they realized it was a waste of money - or at least an avenue in which a lot of money could be saved. Probably the right decision for our program.
I believe the reason the experience is down a bit is mostly because the younger generation is not what it used to be. It is an epidemic that spans across the college sports landscape. They don't come as much and when they do they just aren't into it. Too many cool kids that always think they have something better to do. It's sad but in this day and age people don't feel they need the construct of large live events to build their social systems. 10 years ago the student section was filled with kids making signs, doing creative things. People aren't into the games anymore for some reason. Sorry for ranting.
Quote from: mujivitz06 on January 15, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
Most of the giveaways are gone because research done by the athletic dept. and the grad school 2 or 3 years ago show a staggeringly low amount of people care about them at all when it comes to an incentive to attend. Something like 1 or 2 percent. So they realized it was a waste of money - or at least an avenue in which a lot of money could be saved. Probably the right decision for our program.
I believe the reason the experience is down a bit is mostly because the younger generation is not what it used to be. It is an epidemic that spans across the college sports landscape. They don't come as much and when they do they just aren't into it. Too many cool kids that always think they have something better to do. It's sad but in this day and age people don't feel they need the construct of large live events to build their social systems. 10 years ago the student section was filled with kids making signs, doing creative things. People aren't into the games anymore for some reason. Sorry for ranting.
I'm looking forward to about 10-15 years from now when we GenXers are going to have the entire world to ourselves.
Quote from: mujivitz06 on January 15, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
Most of the giveaways are gone because research done by the athletic dept. and the grad school 2 or 3 years ago show a staggeringly low amount of people care about them at all when it comes to an incentive to attend. Something like 1 or 2 percent. So they realized it was a waste of money - or at least an avenue in which a lot of money could be saved. Probably the right decision for our program.
I believe the reason the experience is down a bit is mostly because the younger generation is not what it used to be. It is an epidemic that spans across the college sports landscape. They don't come as much and when they do they just aren't into it. Too many cool kids that always think they have something better to do. It's sad but in this day and age people don't feel they need the construct of large live events to build their social systems. 10 years ago the student section was filled with kids making signs, doing creative things. People aren't into the games anymore for some reason. Sorry for ranting.
I agree with the first part but not the second. I think the games featuring Brian Wardle coming of double screens all game, Deane calling timeouts 30 seconds in and Greg Clausen setting illegal screens was worse. We showed up 5 minutes after the game started and sat wherever we wanted, this went on for 3 years until Wade turned program around. That was 15 years ago and students didn't go to the games.
Marquette needs to put a better product on the court and I believe they will next year. Duane Wilson, Cohen, Fischer and JJJ have shown flashes. Add a top 5 class and people will come back. Season tickets for 2 seats is what, 1200? Plus parking and concession, you're looking at a $2000 commitment. Most fans will pass knowing good tickets will be easy to come by on game day.
Quote from: Benny B on January 15, 2015, 07:19:08 PM
I'm looking forward to about 10-15 years from now when we GenXers are going to have the entire world to ourselves.
It will be an alarming decay in our world. It will be like the part of Lion King that is under rule by Scar...barren and full of despair.
Quote from: esotericmindguy on January 15, 2015, 07:56:53 PM
I agree with the first part but not the second. I think the games featuring Brian Wardle coming of double screens all game, Deane calling timeouts 30 seconds in and Greg Clausen setting illegal screens was worse. We showed up 5 minutes after the game started and sat wherever we wanted, this went on for 3 years until Wade turned program around. That was 15 years ago and students didn't go to the games.
Marquette needs to put a better product on the court and I believe they will next year. Duane Wilson, Cohen, Fischer and JJJ have shown flashes. Add a top 5 class and people will come back. Season tickets for 2 seats is what, 1200? Plus parking and concession, you're looking at a $2000 commitment. Most fans will pass knowing good tickets will be easy to come by on game day.
You can get 2 season tix for much less. I think I pay 250-300 for mine.
Quote from: CoachRaymondsClass on January 15, 2015, 04:34:52 PM
All of what has been complained about is in the hands of MU Athletic Dept. Here is how it used to run (from personal experience).
MU hired Nelligan, now absorbed by Learfield (mentioned at end of game radio.) to sell sponsorships on-commission. MU won't pay for the Free Premiums Promotion (generally). They expected a sponsor to buy the premiums (and Nelligan didn't like selling the premium promotions because that part of the sponsorship was not commissionable, but just a pass-through). You can do the math for the sponsor's budget for 10,000+ premiums at any per unit price $1 to $10. Both factors contribute to the give-away decline.
I had some dealings with Learfield in the past (BIG schools) and their presentation and pricing was different than Nelligan. Nelligan underwhelmed me. Clearfield was better. MU may be operating under a different compensation arrangement now.
I don't know who is responsible for the planning and staging of the in-stadium gameday hoopla and experience, but it is surely someone in the MU Athletic Dept. I agree that it is in decline, and I felt that it had grown tired many seasons ago. Learfield was hired by and reports to someone at MU and the same would be true for the gameday experience.
This is a case where if you are a season-ticket holder and critical, I recommend that you take the same small amount of time that you took to post here and email the new AD your concerns. I am sure the new AD is working to evaluate the results of MU BB marketing.
MU isn't going to act and improve from on posts on Scoops. Don't expect those in-place to self-criticize (for those who say Athletic Dept employees read Scoops). MU can't afford declining BB attendance and revenues.
Great post. I've met with whichever group was running promotions last season, as my company was considering running a promotion/partnering with MU. We currently partner with both the Brewers and Packers. There are many UW grads in my organization, so pushing MU was always going to be a tough sell. The presentation was weak sauce. And overpriced.
And I agree that the current game time experience needs freshening. I've complained in this forum before about this: it starts with the major stakeholders.
I know a ton of people on the board complain about the 8pm starts on weeknights, but it probably actually helps student attendance. There are some later classes and most college kids are on a different clock than the working world. Last night is a perfect example, if kids want to eat and enjoy a few pregame beverages, they don't even show up until 830/9. That's just college kids. I know it's not family friendly or early morning friendly, but as someone else also said, it's worth the TV deal with FoxSports.
Not to mention as someone in medicine who gets stuck at work late on a somewhat regular basis, I appreciate the late starts when I get out of work late and can still stop home, throw on some gold, and go :D. I can live with being tired in the name of MUBB.
We're a smaller school with an alumni base that isn't necessarily concentrated in Wisconsin. It's hard to sell out a huge arena when the team isn't particularly good.
I was there from 99-03. The BC was a ghost town in the late 90's. I bought a $7 student ticket at center court in the lower level my freshman year. The student section was a couple hundred strong.
Then Crean the carnival barker started doing his thing. Wade comes in, and MU rode the wave of popularity and success throughout the decade. Crean is a dirtbag, but nobody sold the MU gameday experience like he did.
Alumni, students and the casual Milwaukee basketball fan will come out when there's a perception of success. That's just not happening now. In a couple years, Wojo will be winning and MU will be a draw again. No amount of giveaways or t-shirt cannons will draw all that many more people to watch an average team
There's nothing more exciting than the BC when it's sold out. On the flip side, there's not much more depressing than a half-full BC. (Well other than any game in Rosemont)
Only winning and a coach that lives to sell the program will fill the place
Quote from: mujivitz06 on January 15, 2015, 07:57:51 PM
It will be an alarming decay in our world. It will be like the part of Lion King that is under rule by Scar...barren and full of despair.
I prefer to look at it from the perspective of Simba, Timon and Pumba roaming the jungle paradise seemingly alone with not a care in the world. Hakuna matata, baby.
Quote from: warriorstrack on January 15, 2015, 10:26:59 AM
45 y/o out of shape guys going at each other, that might be fun too.
So we should arrange a group ticket purchase and have a Scoop halftime game. Chicken Littles vs. Slurpers.
Like most things at Marquette over the past couple of years, this has slipped as budgets dipped. Pilarz deep-sixed the gun. The game times are odd because of Fox. Opening video is sullen.
Plus side, student section is way better. The corridor clubs and beer selections are up. I like the big dice roll. Always exciting to see the gray hairs getting bopped with a giant die.
Quote from: Dr. Blackheart on January 15, 2015, 08:41:26 PM
I like the big dice roll. Always exciting to see the gray hairs getting bopped with a giant die.
Wrong! It got incredibly lame when they had to start rolling the dice down the court instead of punching them over the heads of the lower bowl seatholders like beach balls.
My guess is that some blue hair complained that she got hit in the shoulder by one.
Quote from: esotericmindguy on January 15, 2015, 10:38:07 AM
1st world problems. Guys not going to games because of half time entertainment, t shirts and bobbleheads. My goodness you sound ridiculous. The game day experience stinks because the team stinks. In the Brian Wardle days we couldn't even fill the lower bowl with students...team was awful. Wade came and all of a sudden it was awesome. The trend of 1500 less season tickets will not continue, there is nothing to sell this year. Bring in a top 5 class and a McDonald All-American and the casual fan will come back. Simple as that.
Bingo it would help if The big east had some ranked teams as well.
Quote from: warriorchick on January 15, 2015, 08:46:48 PM
Wrong! It got incredibly lame when they had to start rolling the dice down the court instead of punching them over the heads of the lower bowl seatholders like beach balls.
My guess is that some blue hair complained that she got hit in the shoulder by one.
Damn...I missed the switch (perhaps I was enjoying the beer experience in the hallways). When the giant dice roll goess PC, there isn't much left in life.
Although, no matter the venue, it is always interesting to see fans make fool's of themselves fighting for a Bricky or Gold excess inventory t-shirt airdropped from the rafters.
Quote from: warriorchick on January 15, 2015, 08:46:48 PM
Wrong! It got incredibly lame when they had to start rolling the dice down the court instead of punching them over the heads of the lower bowl seatholders like beach balls.
My guess is that some blue hair complained that she got hit in the shoulder by one.
Funny. Exactly my thought last night too.
Quote from: Benny B on January 15, 2015, 08:26:08 PM
I prefer to look at it from the perspective of Simba, Timon and Pumba roaming the jungle paradise seemingly alone with not a care in the world. Hakuna matata, baby.
That's normally my perspective on life, Benny.
Most leagues are on some form of national tv, CBSSN, FS1, BTN, etc. The double-headers of 6pm and 8pm are the thing. The paid crowd was over 13,000 last night with at least 2,000 students. Most schools would die for that!
I have made every home game tis season thus far including the pre-season game and IMO the in-game production has been lacking as well. Last night they butchered the intro's, showing the wrong player and video. Felt like amature hour. Also frequently this season the scoreboard operator has been brutal in regards to keeping the board updated with the correct current line-up, points, fouls etc. These types of errors shouldn't happen as routinely as they do and should be corrected.
Quote from: BossplayaOtto on January 15, 2015, 10:29:50 PM
I have made every home game tis season thus far including the pre-season game and IMO the in-game production has been lacking as well. Last night they butchered the intro's, showing the wrong player and video. Felt like amature hour. Also frequently this season the scoreboard operator has been brutal in regards to keeping the board updated with the correct current line-up, points, fouls etc. These types of errors shouldn't happen as routinely as they do and should be corrected.
This. It was ridiculous last night. Complete amateur hour x 2
Say watch you want about Derrick the fact is he simply isn't a great player. It's so difficult to be successful when you have 3 6'1 guards out there. I cringe when that lineup is in.
Quote from: Johnny B on January 15, 2015, 11:52:17 PM
Say watch you want about Derrick the fact is he simply isn't a great player. It's so difficult to be successful when you have 3 6'1 guards out there. I cringe when that lineup is in.
Has anyone said otherwise?
Quote from: Groin_pull on January 15, 2015, 01:17:35 PM
The Bucks I get...but the Admirals? Why is MU behind crappy minor league hockey that draws what, about 4,000 a game?
That's actually a reason why Marquette would be behind the Admirals: The hockey needs all the help they can get to draw a crowd, while Marquette doesn't.
Plus, the Admirals have to fit in 40 something games a season.
Quote from: mujivitz06 on January 15, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
Most of the giveaways are gone because research done by the athletic dept. and the grad school 2 or 3 years ago show a staggeringly low amount of people care about them at all when it comes to an incentive to attend. Something like 1 or 2 percent. So they realized it was a waste of money - or at least an avenue in which a lot of money could be saved. Probably the right decision for our program.
I believe the reason the experience is down a bit is mostly because the younger generation is not what it used to be. It is an epidemic that spans across the college sports landscape. They don't come as much and when they do they just aren't into it. Too many cool kids that always think they have something better to do. It's sad but in this day and age people don't feel they need the construct of large live events to build their social systems. 10 years ago the student section was filled with kids making signs, doing creative things. People aren't into the games anymore for some reason. Sorry for ranting.
I can see this somewhat making sense, but is there any way to check the games that were played during the promotion. If we're playing Notre Dame and they give away a T-shirt, people are going to the game even without the shirt. I've only been to one game since graduation (amigos class) but if the experience isn't as good (new league/down team) I would think with all this fat cash they're getting from TV they would use some of it to bolster the product. You can't control how a top recruit turns out, but you can give out a shirt instead of a magnet.
Could be way off base, sorry for hella run on sentences.
Quote from: mujivitz06 on January 15, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
Most of the giveaways are gone because research done by the athletic dept. and the grad school 2 or 3 years ago show a staggeringly low amount of people care about them at all when it comes to an incentive to attend. Something like 1 or 2 percent. So they realized it was a waste of money - or at least an avenue in which a lot of money could be saved. Probably the right decision for our program.
I believe the reason the experience is down a bit is mostly because the younger generation is not what it used to be. It is an epidemic that spans across the college sports landscape. They don't come as much and when they do they just aren't into it. Too many cool kids that always think they have something better to do. It's sad but in this day and age people don't feel they need the construct of large live events to build their social systems. 10 years ago the student section was filled with kids making signs, doing creative things. People aren't into the games anymore for some reason. Sorry for ranting.
You must work, or previously worked, in the MU Athj. Dept.? If you answer "yes," then the info may be self serving. But I appreciate what you have shared, just as what I did (now about 5 years old from a Nelligan employee).
I would have to look at their research survey, how the question(s?) were worded, and understand what the Objectives of the Athl Dept were for giveaway promotions: there could be several such as building walk-uo sales or retaining Season Ticket holders (how has that gone over the past three seasons) or others? Also, from experience, in research on promotions, people tend to downplay that they can be swayed by promotions, and again the Objectives are are needed evaluate the survey responses.
Don't mean to belabor this, the point that I was trying to make: If you have a problem, ask the source - don't just complain about it on a message board. That is akin to whining about government actions without voting or contacting your elected representatives. Especially if you are a season ticket holder and have an opinion. I am sure the New AD would be interested, especially if season tickets or ticket sales in general are down.
Quote from: Brewtown Andy on January 16, 2015, 12:56:50 AM
That's actually a reason why Marquette would be behind the Admirals: The hockey needs all the help they can get to draw a crowd, while Marquette doesn't.
Plus, the Admirals have to fit in 40 something games a season.
FS1 and CBSSN know their time windows in summer. So, the night games are giving to the Admirals because Marquette knows it won't be a night game on some dates.
Win and the place will be packed and by definition energized. Play fun, exciting team basketball and the place will be jumping.
Regarding the discussion about "give aways"/incentives to fill the place, it is akin to the restaurant that offers free desserts. It always makes one wonder how bad the food must be.
Quote from: mujivitz06 on January 15, 2015, 07:07:17 PM
Most of the giveaways are gone because research done by the athletic dept. and the grad school 2 or 3 years ago show a staggeringly low amount of people care about them at all when it comes to an incentive to attend. Something like 1 or 2 percent. So they realized it was a waste of money - or at least an avenue in which a lot of money could be saved. Probably the right decision for our program.
I believe the reason the experience is down a bit is mostly because the younger generation is not what it used to be. It is an epidemic that spans across the college sports landscape. They don't come as much and when they do they just aren't into it. Too many cool kids that always think they have something better to do. It's sad but in this day and age people don't feel they need the construct of large live events to build their social systems. 10 years ago the student section was filled with kids making signs, doing creative things. People aren't into the games anymore for some reason. Sorry for ranting.
The problem with relying upon this study is that the quality of the team is dramatically different than it was 2 and 3 years ago. Frankly, when we are slugging it out with Louisville year after year I can easily forget the promotions. When we are losing to Nebraska Omaha I need something to justify (more accurately "divert") my time and attention. And deficiencies like those all have cited that I used to not notice or care about become far more evident.
Part of my complaint is that the things they do are getting stale. There is no novelty to the kiss cam or the dance cam. They have pretty much run their course. I don't even want to get into the cartoon appliance race. I understand these things bring in some money and I am all for selling out as much as we can, but we have lost a lot of fun things (like the gatling gun, UCONN, CINCY, W.Virg and Huggy), and seem to have little to replace that but some blow up dice.
My hope is that the team turns things around to where we were when the study was done and I can go back to not really noticing (or caring) about promotions.
Quote from: connie on January 16, 2015, 09:20:35 AM
I don't even want to get into the cartoon appliance race.
If cheering for Walty Washer doesn't fire you up; you're hopeless.
Without looking for research to back up this claim, I would guess that many companies view it as a waste of resources to sponsor a timeout "event" because when that buzzer sounds and the teams huddle up, many, many fans simply pull out their phones to check ESPN.com, Facebook, Trivia Crack, etc. Fans no longer need to be entertained during downtime in ball games. They supply their own entertainment.
Quote from: MerrittsMustache on January 16, 2015, 11:59:39 AM
Without looking for research to back up this claim, I would guess that many companies view it as a waste of resources to sponsor a timeout "event" because when that buzzer sounds and the teams huddle up, many, many fans simply pull out their phones to check ESPN.com, Facebook, Trivia Crack, etc. Fans no longer need to be entertained during downtime in ball games. They supply their own entertainment.
But I still prefer my Marquette clothing to look like a NASCAR uniform.
Quote from: UticaBusBarn on January 16, 2015, 08:38:23 AM
Win and the place will be packed and by definition energized. Play fun, exciting team basketball and the place will be jumping.
Regarding the discussion about "give aways"/incentives to fill the place, it is akin to the restaurant that offers free desserts. It always makes one wonder how bad the food must be.
I tend to agree. Doesn't say much for your sport if you have to bombard spectators with diversions. MLB is guilty of this. Go to a new stadium and there are dozens of things to do....other than watch the ballgame.
It seems that the Brewers bobblehead Sundays draws a lot of people that I work with but I agree that it wouldn't influence my decision to go even if I didn't have season tickets.
I personally like the 8:00 start times as we don't have to rush home after work in order to make it to a game.
I don't get to many college hoops games. For those that do, what's the scene like at other arenas?
I would imagine that Kentucky and Kansas are pretty special. Duke too.
Back in my day....
https://screen.yahoo.com/grumpy-old-man-3-000000564.html
Went to this weekends game at X and got one of the most unusual game giveaways I've ever seen. d'Artagnan and the Blue Blob salt & pepper shakers. Both interesting and unique...
Xavier also has their cheerleaders passing out halftime stat sheets in the lobby which is a nice touch.
Neither cost the school a thing as both have / had corporate sponsors.
Did anyone see that syndicated StadiumTV (or something along those lines) scoreboard clips before the game? They were awful. I hope they didn't purchase that as filler.
Also I can't believe they don't have trading cards this year. CPI has done those longer than I remember.
The game day experience is still better than a lot of schools (Notre Dame), but it is down from previous years. I think it started to fall off when Craig Pintens left. Marketing genius.
Quote from: Doo on January 18, 2015, 08:19:41 PM
Went to this weekends game at X and got one of the most unusual game giveaways I've ever seen. d'Artagnan and the Blue Blob salt & pepper shakers. Both interesting and unique...
Xavier also has their cheerleaders passing out halftime stat sheets in the lobby which is a nice touch.
Neither cost the school a thing as both have / had corporate sponsors.
Now that is a giveaway. Something more than decoration.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on January 20, 2015, 11:14:00 PM
Did anyone see that syndicated StadiumTV (or something along those lines) scoreboard clips before the game? They were awful. I hope they didn't purchase that as filler.
Also I can't believe they don't have trading cards this year. CPI has done those longer than I remember.
The game day experience is still better than a lot of schools (Notre Dame), but it is down from previous years. I think it started to fall off when Craig Pintens Creighton Macy left. Marketing genius.
Fixed that for you
I think some are missing that the off the court game day experience stuff is not directed at the die hard basketball fans who populate this board. It is about producing a product that brings in others and for those people who are not die hard MU basketball fans, still gives them a good experience they want to come back for... and pay money to see/experience.
in other words, make it an event that is fun and people want to come back to, even if the on court games are only part of the draw.
i don't need giveaways, but the actual entertainment/events/fun besides what is on the court has become stale, and has gone from one of the better experiences to a lesser experience. This is happening at the same time that the team is down and the home games are not what they used to be.
I think the Admirals do a great job at it. Most of those fans are not there for the hockey, but for the experience and fun.
In the end it is about selling tickets for the die hards, but also for the marginal people that can be drawn in... I know members of my family and kids would not be very entertained and would not want to go as often, if not for some of the stuff that they still do during time outs (including the kiss cam, etc).