I didn't realize it was largely our fault the UW-M game didn't sell out

[Mr. Nielsen]

Wow, that was well said.

Your right! I wish more fans would come out to see college basketball in the state of Wisconsin, not just on the bandwagon in March. I do know people who have tickets to MU, UWM and even the Bucks but like you said we are only the 1%.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Maybe or maybe not. How can you go wrong with 4 games for $40, with 2 of the 4 games in one of the plans having MU and Butler.

A lot of people don't want to see 3 games in which their team doesn't play.  The NCAA is a sellout every 4 years in Milwaukee, but let's look at a few reasons why

1) It's every 4 years or so
2) A good chunk of the tickets are sold to Marquette season ticket holders first
3) These are the cream of the crop teams coming to play....not UWM vs Detroit (no disrespect intended)
4) The 1 vs 16 seed may not be good basketball, but you do get to see one of the top schools in the country and possibly the #1 school.  There have been more than a few 1 vs 16 games that have been entertaining as well.


Can we also all take a step back and thing about one important note here.  This contract was signed almost four years ago.  The game on Saturday night was known about FOUR YEARS AGO.  FOUR YEARS.  This is not a game that was put on the schedule last week.  FOUR YEARS to prepare for this game that was wanted for what seemed like forever and 7,000 fans showed up.   FOUR YEARS = 7,000 fans.   

[ChicosBailBonds]

Seriously. Who gives a flying f*ck about a hyphen? Is UWM that pathetic that its fans are offended by a hyphen?

Let's see- Your fans and students are terminally apathetic. You draw 2500 on an average night. Your coach has been nothing but mediocre since Pearl's players left. You have no chancellor. You have no AD.

But those GD Marquette fans mocking by hyphen. The outrage!

LOL.  No kidding.  Good Lord.  I used it on purpose after I saw how much it grates them.  Christ, you would think it was the end of the world.  The funny part, after reading their board today, apparently the Journal Sentinel, their own arena and other places also use the hyphen.  Maybe they might want to get that fixed first. 

And God almighty, if I read Francis say again how this series should be renewed at 2 games - to 1 and it's about to turn into Cincinnati vis a vis Xavier I'm going to puke.  Francis must be over washing Cottingham's car every day begging for this (he's pals with Cottingham....that's what makes me nervous, a Badger in control of our athletic program with a Panther\Badger who absolutely craps on MU every chance he gets whispering sweet nothings to him). 

2 for 1 is a joke on every level.  3 for 1 is a joke.  Takes away MU's flexibility to schedule, forces a game that clearly the public doesn't give a rip about and strengthens another DI program in your own town....none of these are Pro-Marquette.  Why even think about it. 

[Mr. Nielsen]

You are a day late and a dollar short! I didn't ask for your 2 cents. Move on pretty boy.

[WildBill77RT]

What I want to know is when Marquette is going to stop avoiding playing the Wisconsin Lutheran Warriors?  I think Buzz and WLC coach Skip Noon can arrange a 2-and-1 or a 3-and-1.

[ZiggysChestHair]

How would they market to MU fans?

They had billboards out for the game and TV adds for Panther Basketball. I don't see MU market any better or different than UWM.

I didn't really notice the billboards or TV adds.  I guess it is easily missed in the world of DVR.  How to market to MU Fans?  
  1.  Open up all seating on ticketmaster.com before Nov 8th so MU fans can purchase tickets
  2.  Pay for advertising at a Marquette game letting MU fans know tickets are still available
  3.  Someone from UWM's ticket department could post on these message boards knowing MUScoop and Dodds have MU fans out there
  4.  Offer MU Students a deal on tickets.  Have MU email students about the game.  

I understand it is difficult to get students to attend over a Thanksgiving break, but if I recall correctly, Marquette has gone as far as offering shuttles from Chicago and/or northern Wisconsin to get students to attend a big game or two over Xmas break.  That is one way Marquette has marketed better/different.  However, the biggest difference is Marquette doesn't need to market any better to sell out their biggest home game of the year.  It was pathetic UWM could not get a bigger crowd to attend.

[ChicosBailBonds]

They do go overboard, it's like the Warriors nickname.

To compare the two situations elicits a major facepalm

[ChicosBailBonds]

You are a day late and a dollar short! I didn't ask for your 2 cents. Move on pretty boy.

When you post to a public board you ask for everyone's opinions!

If you want private answers, then send emails or a PM.

[Mr. Nielsen]

I didn't really notice the billboards or TV adds.  I guess it is easily missed in the world of DVR.  How to market to MU Fans?  
  1.  Open up all seating on ticketmaster.com before Nov 8th so MU fans can purchase tickets
  2.  Pay for advertising at a Marquette game letting MU fans know tickets are still available
  3.  Someone from UWM's ticket department could post on these message boards knowing MUScoop and Dodds have MU fans out there
  4.  Offer MU Students a deal on tickets.  Have MU email students about the game.  

I understand it is difficult to get students to attend over a Thanksgiving break, but if I recall correctly, Marquette has gone as far as offering shuttles from Chicago and/or northern Wisconsin to get students to attend a big game or two over Xmas break.  That is one way Marquette has marketed better/different.  However, the biggest difference is Marquette doesn't need to market any better to sell out their biggest home game of the year.  It was pathetic UWM could not get a bigger crowd to attend.

You couldn't be more wrong. Seats went on sale on Nov. 8 for single game tickets. You want UWM to do advertising at the BC?  I put out lots of info and links on this site for tickets.

[Mr. Nielsen]

When you post to a public board you ask for everyone's opinions!

If you want private answers, then send emails or a PM.

I didn't ask for yours, and the stuff you are on we covered.

[Skatastrophy]

I didn't ask for yours, and the stuff you are on we covered.

You're getting too defensive.

ZiggysChestHair was spot-on and Chicos is contributing nicely to the thread as well. 

[MUfan12]

You couldn't be more wrong. Seats went on sale on Nov. 8 for single game tickets. You want UWM to do advertising at the BC?

First of all, with a game around Thanksgiving, putting the tickets out for general sale earlier is smarter. That way people can make travel plans around the game if need be. If they thought they couldn't get tickets w/o a 4 pack when making plans, that could explain part of it.

I agree with you as far as advertising at the BC. Not realistic.

[Mr. Nielsen]

First of all, with a game around Thanksgiving, putting the tickets out for general sale earlier is smarter. That way people can make travel plans around the game if need be. If they thought they couldn't get tickets w/o a 4 pack when making plans, that could explain part of it.

I agree with you as far as advertising at the BC. Not realistic.

I agree with what you said, but UWM did put the single game tickets out there 3 weeks before the game, unlike the 2 days before for the UW-UWM game in 2007. It did say on the UWM site that single game tickets would come out to the public in November for the MU-UWM game.

Fact is MU fans doesn't view this as a big game, plus alot of the old season-ticket holders in the lower bowl are not smart enough to think of getting tickets to the game.

[BrewCity83]

Fact is MU fans doesn't view this as a big game, plus alot of the old season-ticket holders in the lower bowl are not smart enough to think of getting tickets to the game.

Not smart enough?

[MerrittsMustache]

Marquette fans simply aren't all that interested in the UWM game. In fact, Bradley Center attendance numbers will show you that MU fans basically view it as just another non-conference cupcake.

Attendance at MU Home Games
2009 UWM: 14,244
2010 PVAMU: 14,046
2010 SDakota: 14,117
2010 UWGB: 13,968
2010 Bucknell: 13,738

Whether or not the series continues, I don't really care. I just don't want to hear about what a great rivalry it is or how's it a big draw when, truthfully, MU fans view it the same way they view a game against Prairie View A&M.

[Brewtown Andy]

Not smart enough?

Not aware enough, probably.

[2TimeWarrior]

unlike the 2 days before for the UW-UWM game in 2007

You keep comparing this game to the UW - Madison game. Keep in mind that UW Madison has the "Great Unwashed" as a fan base in Wisconsin.  In other words, most people in Wisconsin are de facto Becky fans and will take the opportunity to see them plan in Milwaukee as opposed to driving to the people's republic. Unfortunately, MU largely has only its alums as a fan base.  It really isn't the same...not to mention the fact that Madison is 4 times as large as MU so it has a much larger alumni and student base to draw from.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I agree with what you said, but UWM did put the single game tickets out there 3 weeks before the game, unlike the 2 days before for the UW-UWM game in 2007. It did say on the UWM site that single game tickets would come out to the public in November for the MU-UWM game.

Fact is MU fans doesn't view this as a big game, plus alot of the old season-ticket holders in the lower bowl are not smart enough to think of getting tickets to the game.

Neither to UWM fans.

[ZiggysChestHair]

You couldn't be more wrong. Seats went on sale on Nov. 8 for single game tickets. You want UWM to do advertising at the BC?  I put out lots of info and links on this site for tickets.

Yes, I understand tickets went on sale Nov 8th.  However, if you read my post, I said you should have put tickets on ticketmaster BEFORE Nov 8th.  The schedule was announced long before Nov 8th.  What was the benefit of waiting until Nov 8th?

Marquette/BC sells advertising all the time.  I am sure they would love to take money from UWM to advertise ticket availability in a quick blurb on the scoreboard at some point during the game.  Unlike UWM, we do not get state money to fund our athletics.  Revenue from advertising and fans in the seats help support the program.  So, why was advertising at the BC not an option for UWM?

Obviously your strategy to attract spectators did not work.  The attendance was sad.  While I understand why your own fans do not go to your own games even when tickets are FREE, you appear unwilling to accept any accountability on behalf of UWM doing a poor job to attract other fans.  Your strategy did not work, yet you are unwilling to change.  You have no chance, and yet you think it is the Marquette fans that are not smart enough?.

[TallTitan34]

I agree with all of your ideas Chest Hair, except the advertising at the BC.  I don't know if one school would advertise another school, but all of your other ideas would work.

I also believe UWM could have scheduled the game NOT during a holiday weekend to draw more fans. 

[MerrittsMustache]

Marquette/BC sells advertising all the time.  I am sure they would love to take money from UWM to advertise ticket availability in a quick blurb on the scoreboard at some point during the game.  Unlike UWM, we do not get state money to fund our athletics.  Revenue from advertising and fans in the seats help support the program.  So, why was advertising at the BC not an option for UWM?

IMO, it's a matter of pride. Advertising to the opposing team's fans would be an embarassment to your program and its fans. How would you feel if MU ticket sales were slow so MU bought ad space at other team's arenas in an attempt to get fans to come see their team play Marquette?

[Mr. Nielsen]

You keep comparing this game to the UW - Madison game. Keep in mind that UW Madison has the "Great Unwashed" as a fan base in Wisconsin.  In other words, most people in Wisconsin are de facto Becky fans and will take the opportunity to see them plan in Milwaukee as opposed to driving to the people's republic. Unfortunately, MU largely has only its alums as a fan base.  It really isn't the same...not to mention the fact that Madison is 4 times as large as MU so it has a much larger alumni and student base to draw from.

Sorry the facts are the facts in when they sold tickets for the game.

[Mr. Nielsen]

Yes, I understand tickets went on sale Nov 8th.  However, if you read my post, I said you should have put tickets on ticketmaster BEFORE Nov 8th.  The schedule was announced long before Nov 8th.  What was the benefit of waiting until Nov 8th?

Marquette/BC sells advertising all the time.  I am sure they would love to take money from UWM to advertise ticket availability in a quick blurb on the scoreboard at some point during the game.  Unlike UWM, we do not get state money to fund our athletics.  Revenue from advertising and fans in the seats help support the program.  So, why was advertising at the BC not an option for UWM?

Obviously your strategy to attract spectators did not work.  The attendance was sad.  While I understand why your own fans do not go to your own games even when tickets are FREE, you appear unwilling to accept any accountability on behalf of UWM doing a poor job to attract other fans.  Your strategy did not work, yet you are unwilling to change.  You have no chance, and yet you think it is the Marquette fans that are not smart enough?.

Why in hell do you single me out? I don't work for UWM. Yet, you don't include me as MU fans.

Like I said before, they were trying to sell 4 packs, that why they waited untill Nov.8

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

Sorry the facts are the facts in when they sold tickets for the game.

The facts on ticket timing don't tell the whole story.

See my post above in this thread.

UW is a totally different animal.

If UW-M/UWM/Milwaukee's athletic department thought that this game would sell like UW, they don't know the marketplace very well.

Also, I'd like to point out that maybe the date, the ticket sales, etc. were somewhat strategic as the game probably didn't draw as many MU fans as it could have. Maybe UWM didn't want a bunch of MU fans there. It's certainly a loss of revenue for them, but maybe they are ok with that.

[Mr. Nielsen]

202mualum- I talked about with you last night, I get it.