pathetic attendance tonight

[MerrittsMustache]

???
This year probably isn't the best example, but I think MU would love to schedule teams in the 100-199 range.  The problem is teams like that want a return game.  MU makes around $400,000-$500,000 per home game, so giving up a home game to play on the road is extremely costly for MU.  If a team in the 100-199 range wants to play a buy-game at the BC, then MU probably love to have them.

MU has scheduled teams who finished with an RPI between 100-199 only 8 times in the last 7 seasons. Granted, that's where the opponents finished, not how they were projected but still. It's mainly been top 100 or cupcakes (mainly cupcakes).

[Warrior of Law]

Official attendance: 11,756


Did half eat their tix? Thats wild. Looks good on paper though 

Exactly.  I would estimate that about 1 in 3 of STH showed up for this one.  From the games I've attended, it seems like no-shows are trending up, too. Leaving the arena is like leaving a funeral.  Of course, these are the games I've seen:

L, Belmont
W, IUPUI (OT)
L, Iowa
L, Xavier
L, De Paul

Ugh.  Would love to have something to feel good about it going into next year...or maybe I'm just bad luck . No-shows become STH non-renewals.

[Litehouse]

MU has scheduled teams who finished with an RPI between 100-199 only 8 times in the last 7 seasons. Granted, that's where the opponents finished, not how they were projected but still. It's mainly been top 100 or cupcakes (mainly cupcakes).

Yes, but that isn't because MU doesn't want to play them.  It's because those teams don't want to play us without a return game (even if it's 3-1).  So then we end up with high-major home-and-homes or cupcake buy games.

[BM1090]

Yes, but that isn't because MU doesn't want to play them.  It's because those teams don't want to play us without a return game (even if it's 3-1).  So then we end up with high-major home-and-homes or cupcake buy games.

Then I say bite the bullet and play some 3-1 games to increase the quality of competition, even if it's not with UWM. I have no issue going to Green Bay every 4 years.

[MerrittsMustache]

Yes, but that isn't because MU doesn't want to play them.  It's because those teams don't want to play us without a return game (even if it's 3-1).  So then we end up with high-major home-and-homes or cupcake buy games.

What's even less appealing than playing one of those teams at home is playing one of those teams on the road.

There's all this talk about MU's easy schedule this season hurting RPI, but quite frankly, RPI isn't going to matter this season. Besides, if they replaced Grambling, Chi St and Presbyterian (3 worst RPI opponents) with Canisius, New Hampshire and Colgate (RPI 200-202), the projected SOS goes from 88 to 59. That's a significant jump just from swapping 3 really easy win for 3 easy wins.

[bilsu]

I was there the whole game. It was so bad, I again wondered why I waste money on season tickets. Stetson tallest startes were 6'7" It was an opportunity for Ellenson to put on a show for the fans that did show up. I think only JJJ, Duane and Haanif wanted to play the game.

[Dawson Rental]

Yep.  If FS1 continues showing 6pm/8pm double headers, we will be at 8pm more often than not.

Especially when we're playing an out of conference game against an Atlantic Sun Conference team in the midst of the Big East conference season.

[Dawson Rental]

What's even less appealing than playing one of those teams at home is playing one of those teams on the road.

There's all this talk about MU's easy schedule this season hurting RPI, but quite frankly, RPI isn't going to matter this season. Besides, if they replaced Grambling, Chi St and Presbyterian (3 worst RPI opponents) with Canisius, New Hampshire and Colgate (RPI 200-202), the projected SOS goes from 88 to 59. That's a significant jump just from swapping 3 really easy win for 3 easy wins.

I have two thoughts.

One, there are lots of possible reasons why Canisius, New Hampshire and Colgate didn't make the schedule such as, no matching date or they don't play buy games.  More likely though Woj didn't want people talking about MU like they talk about Georgetown with its embarrassing home losses this year.

Two, if STH like yourself are getting turned off by these games, MU Athletics is going to have a difficult time stanching the STH losses this of season.

The solution?  Get a coach that'll stick around so that the team doesn't have to go through a roster rebuild so often.

[GOO]

First, I'd give the team a bit of a break on this one.  What time did they get in from NYC, and how much sleep had they gotten with that mess.  Pretty quick turn around for a young and soft team    Seriously, though, I expected them to be flat.  If I had to be up most of the night, then attend classes, then workouts and film session, etc, I'd be a little flat for a few days.  No let up for them.  So they let up in the game.  Glad they played Stetson on Wed and not Butler.

Second, I did not go to the game.  I could have made it work, but it simply wasn't worth it.  An 8:00 PM starts on a weeknight, with a 1.3 hour drive, had to be more compelling game than Stetson on a cold January night.  Maybe I'm not enough of a fan, but my real life for some reason takes priority over attending a MU game.  After all, I can't afford to be flat the next day.  I have to be able to bring the energy at work for my clients (seriously).  And yes, I'm past getting old.  I am old.  So be it, that's life.

[muwarrior69]

You guys are wusses complaining about a 8 pm start. I live in Jersey and will be at Seton Hall game this coming Wednesday an 8:30 start. I'll cheer on my Warriors win or lose.

[jsglow]

I don't really get what all the fuss is about...Marquette has been lousy the last few years, including this year, and they played Stetson on a Wednesday night. A large portion of the fans make the trip up from Chicago, including myself, but didn't last night due to multiple factors. Bad team, bad opponent, Wednesday night= no thanks. I will always support the program but the longer they continue to be a mediocre team more and more Chicago and other fans who make a lengthy drive simply will not make the trip. Winning = better attendance. That simply.

Therefore, JUST WIN BABY.

Go Warriors.

That's pretty much my view.  I'm actually looking forward to Saturday's game.  Several friends coming to town, etc.  But when the only reason for going is to get a chance to watch bad basketball on a weeknight and get home at midnight after a 200 mile roundtrip?  That just seems like lunacy.  Now back in the day when we were good and the BC wasn't a library (morgue?), a totally different story.

Moreover, fans bear NONE of the responsibility for this mess.  I see that Wojo just bribed the students with breakfast Saturday morning.  I'll tell you what coach, put a quality product on the floor and they'll be there at dawn or before.  That's the solution.

I must say that Wojo has actually been good about not insinuating that somehow a lack of support from either the fan base or administration has anything to do with this.  Responsibility rests squarely on his shoulders.  I'm hopeful that he knows that and won't allow frustration to cause him to lash out inappropriately.

[The Lens]

I was there the whole game. It was so bad, I again wondered why I waste money on season tickets. Stetson tallest startes were 6'7" It was an opportunity for Ellenson to put on a show for the fans that did show up. I think only JJJ, Duane and Haanif wanted to play the game.

bilsu, if I've been paying attention correctly, you've been a STH since the late 60's / early 70's.  Your frustration, IMO, means something.  I hope MU is paying attention.   

[GOO]

I for one am positive on Wojo, and if he keeps players around at a much higher clip than we are used to, which I expect (he has a longer view and I think the type of players he recruits will as well) we will have some very good teams in a year or two.  Just in time for the new arena.  It may be tough going this year, and maybe somewhat next year, but after that season tickets will be great to have.  Solid team or better.  New smaller arena built for basketball and with the intent to keep fans hanging out more before and after games... spells a great new atmosphere.

And with being the number two tenant after the Bucks, some better game times and weekend games.  The preseason low RPI teams will look a lot better when a few of these games are played on a Saturday night!

Next years team will probably miss some height, but I bet we move the ball around like crazy and will have a couple of shooters on the court at all times (including Duane, who is becoming a much better player and is becoming a more consistent shooter and more selective about when to shoot it).   

[jsglow]

You guys are wusses complaining about a 8 pm start. I live in Jersey and will be at Seton Hall game this coming Wednesday an 8:30 start. I'll cheer on my Warriors win or lose.

Obviously most (if not all of us) would be excited about a once/twice a season opportunity. It's kinda funny.  I look at the schedule to see when the away games are.  I'll still commit to watch on TV but the opportunity cost is so much lower.

Seriously, when Henry leaves (as he should), ticket sales are going to plummet next year.  They were somewhat artificially supported this year.

Which leads me to another point.  I'd recommend that the university actively consider steps that can be taken prior to re-seating to move or at least maintain the needle.  This year they had lots of in-season ticket promotions to try to lure the occasional fan.  Among these were the young alumni package and the various special promotions for conference games. Seems to me that they have an obligation to their most loyal fan base who will be leaving in droves, not dribs and drabs anymore.  If we assume that the '15-'16 STH base is exactly 11,756 (fair, right?), then I'll predict next year's at south of 10,000.  If I'm Scholl, I'm working that problem now.   

[Dawson Rental]

That's pretty much my view.  I'm actually looking forward to Saturday's game.  Several friends coming to town, etc.  But when the only reason for going is to get a chance to watch bad basketball on a weeknight and get home at midnight after a 200 mile roundtrip?  That just seems like lunacy.  Now back in the day when we were good and the BC wasn't a library (morgue?), a totally different story.

Moreover, fans bear NONE of the responsibility for this mess.  I see that Wojo just bribed the students with breakfast Saturday morning. I'll tell you what coach, put a quality product on the floor and they'll be there at dawn or before.  That's the solution.

I must say that Wojo has actually been good about not insinuating that somehow a lack of support from either the fan base or administration has anything to do with this.  Responsibility rests squarely on his shoulders.  I'm hopeful that he knows that and won't allow frustration to cause him to lash out inappropriately.

Are you advocating ringers?  Jabari Parker with a mustache, perhaps?

[MUfan12]

I'd recommend that the university actively consider steps that can be taken prior to re-seating to move or at least maintain the needle.  This year they had lots of in-season ticket promotions to try to lure the occasional fan.  Among these were the young alumni package and the various special promotions for conference games. Seems to me that they have an obligation to their most loyal fan base who will be leaving in droves, not dribs and drabs anymore.  If we assume that the '15-'16 STH base is exactly 11,756 (fair, right?), then I'll predict next year's at south of 10,000.  If I'm Scholl, I'm working that problem now.

That number includes student sales, I assume? So really the STH base is around 8,200.

I agree that some show of gratitude for sticking it out would be nice.

[jsglow]

That number includes student sales, I assume? So really the STH base is around 8,200.

I agree that some show of gratitude for sticking it out would be nice.

Yep.  That number does include students.  That'll fall off too.  MAX student attendance this year was probably Belmont on opening night.  About half way up the upper sections so that's already down probably 500-750 from the heyday.

[jsglow]

Are you advocating ringers?  Jabari Parker with a mustache, perhaps?

Haha.  Of course there's no short term solution and I still believe Wojo will get the job done.  As we discussed months ago, if next year at this time we're battling for 7th or 8th, this will have become a pretty serious problem.

[Litehouse]

They should expand the $125 sections to include the corners (405-417), and maybe even drop the end-zone sections (409-413) back to $99 to give people a lower cost way to maintain their season tickets until we get to the new arena.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/marq/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/MBBSeasonTixMap_1516.pdf

Once they lose someone as a season ticket holder and people get out of the habit of just automatically renewing every year, its more difficult to get them back as a customer.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Obviously most (if not all of us) would be excited about a once/twice a season opportunity. It's kinda funny.  I look at the schedule to see when the away games are.  I'll still commit to watch on TV but the opportunity cost is so much lower.

Seriously, when Henry leaves (as he should), ticket sales are going to plummet next year.  They were somewhat artificially supported this year.

Which leads me to another point.  I'd recommend that the university actively consider steps that can be taken prior to re-seating to move or at least maintain the needle.  This year they had lots of in-season ticket promotions to try to lure the occasional fan.  Among these were the young alumni package and the various special promotions for conference games. Seems to me that they have an obligation to their most loyal fan base who will be leaving in droves, not dribs and drabs anymore.  If we assume that the '15-'16 STH base is exactly 11,756 (fair, right?), then I'll predict next year's at south of 10,000.  If I'm Scholl, I'm working that problem now.

I agree to some extent, but think you are overplaying the losses.  I was head of marketing at MU Athletics during a similar time when the team was not even NIT worthy.  It was tough.  If I had to guess, they didn't get the bounce they wanted from HE anyway, so the drop won't be that much. 

I would already start pinning STH to the new building.  If you want good seats in the new building, you best be sticking around currently.  Obviously, you say it in a nice, fluffy, artful way laced with benefits for doing so.  They also have to sell the fact kids grow up and get better.  Part of the problem with any marketing campaign around HE is that he isn't flashy, so the casual fan that was coming to watch MU to see a Ben Simmons type, is already disappointed.  He is efficient, good, solid young player.  He's not a guy that very often you leave the building and say "OMG, that guy is incredible".  So the "sizzle" that marketers look to for a hook, just isn't there.

As far as the schedule goes, I truly don't understand why people are surprised or bitching about it.  What are we, top 15 youngest teams in the country or something (I don't have the numbers)?  Of course we were going to schedule this way.  Next year's schedule is going to be tougher.  This year our SOS will finish top 90.  Not great, but we've been in that ballpark before.  I suspect next year you will see us in the 50 to 70 range.

[jsglow]

The should expand the $125 sections to include the corners (405-417), and maybe even drop the end-zone sections (409-413) back to $99 to give people a lower cost way to maintain their season tickets until we get to the new arena.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/marq/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/MBBSeasonTixMap_1516.pdf

Once they lose someone as a season ticket holder and people get out of the habit of just automatically renewing every year, its more difficult to get them back as a customer.

+1

And there's precedent.  A few years ago they jacked student tix to $125.  Reversed that immediately the following year.

[MerrittsMustache]

I would already start pinning STH to the new building.  If you want good seats in the new building, you best be sticking around currently.  Obviously, you say it in a nice, fluffy, artful way laced with benefits for doing so. 

I was going to post something similar. Next season is going to be big in terms of keeping STH because of the new building coming the following season. There needs to be some incentive for re-newing and sticking it out to watch a bubble team (at best) as opposed to potentially taking a year off and buying again in 2017 with the new digs. Personally, I'd like to see them give extra "points" toward the re-seat in the new arena or give some sort of priority to consecutive years as a STH thru 2016-17.

[Litehouse]

They have the points for consecutive years as a STH, so if you drop your tickets for one year you lose all those points.

Also, we have 2 more years in the BC, the new arena won't open until 2018-19.

[jsglow]

I agree to some extent, but think you are overplaying the losses.  I was head of marketing at MU Athletics during a similar time when the team was not even NIT worthy.  It was tough.  If I had to guess, they didn't get the bounce they wanted from HE anyway, so the drop won't be that much. 

I would already start pinning STH to the new building.  If you want good seats in the new building, you best be sticking around currently.  Obviously, you say it in a nice, fluffy, artful way laced with benefits for doing so.  They also have to sell the fact kids grow up and get better.  Part of the problem with any marketing campaign around HE is that he isn't flashy, so the casual fan that was coming to watch MU to see a Ben Simmons type, is already disappointed.  He is efficient, good, solid young player.  He's not a guy that very often you leave the building and say "OMG, that guy is incredible".  So the "sizzle" that marketers look to for a hook, just isn't there.

As far as the schedule goes, I truly don't understand why people are surprised or bitching about it.  What are we, top 15 youngest teams in the country or something (I don't have the numbers)?  Of course we were going to schedule this way.  Next year's schedule is going to be tougher.  This year our SOS will finish top 90.  Not great, but we've been in that ballpark before.  I suspect next year you will see us in the 50 to 70 range.

I just don't see it Chicos.  The stadium isn't until '18-'19.  Now for season ticket holders in line from positions 1-5000 I'll agree.  Our friend Jack who has had seats since 1971 isn't going anywhere.  Even Chick and I will re-up at some level and we've had ours just short of 10 years.  But the guy who bought during the Sweet 16 era and travels as far as we do?  And while I'm too lazy to look up the exact numbers, we're already down by about 30% from the days of 15,000+.  Of course there's a floor, but that floor is certainly south of 10,000.  Look, today a Blackhawks ticket is by far the hardest ticket in town.  10 years ago old man Bill couldn't give 'em away.

[Golden Avalanche]

You guys are wusses complaining about a 8 pm start. I live in Jersey and will be at Seton Hall game this coming Wednesday an 8:30 start. I'll cheer on my Warriors win or lose.

Speaking of the Hall......if they get 8,000 to a game it's described as "packed house" and "filled to the rafters" and "best crowd I've seen since I started playing here", etc. Marquette was the worst team in the Big East last season and is near the bottom this season and still fans are bitching about a game against Stetson on a Wednesday with an 20.00 tip that got 6,000(?) in real people attendance.

To the other point about time of day, midwest people are shut ins. They simply do not enjoy being out much past 21.00 regardless of the day of the week. It's ingrained from childhood when primetime starts at 19.00 and the news is on at 22.00 which breeds a much different perspective with those on either coast as to what is/isn't "late" for events.