Fans at Fiserv

[Dr. Blackheart]

Love when the students break into a Shaka chant in the middle of the game.

Missed opportunity not to rebrand "Shake Shack" to "Shaka Shack"

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

I don't know,  I was there yesterday and while the students were numerous, I thought they were very stiff. Not that the STHs are better but they've always been more reserved. My section tried to stand on a couple big plays and we were asked to sit by the people behind us. It wasn't until the game was in hand that the crowd really perked up

[THRILLHO]

I agree.  Crean, in particular, focused on selling the experience.  Remember that whole "largest crowd to see a college hoops game in Wisconsin" shtick?  It worked.  He was a hell of a salesman and he consistently got butts in seats.  The program was on the move then.  Great Alaska Shootout, DWade, the FF, the move to the Big East.  It had people's attention.  Even the buy games, the BC felt like the place to be.

The BC was not too full Crean's first 2 years, coinciding with mine, despite his salesmanship. I wouldn't be surprised if his marketing schtick made some marginal difference over the previous year, but what really gets butts in seats is having players like Dwyane Wade and winning tons of games. I guess folks who were going to games in the mediocre period between Wade leaving and the three amigos arriving can tell us how great Crean's salesmanship did at filling the seats then.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I don't know,  I was there yesterday and while the students were numerous, I thought they were very stiff. Not that the STHs are better but they've always been more reserved. My section tried to stand on a couple big plays and we were asked to sit by the people behind us. It wasn't until the game was in hand that the crowd really perked up

There was a lot of non-students still in the student section I noticed. They then rolled back the tarps at tip time as the students showed.

That said, game ops is tough during COVID. What do you plan for? Getting people up and yelling with masks on?  I also noticed the Vesties around me are very reserved about getting up and yelling, if they are there at all. Clapping yes. Pretty dull.

After the HOF ceremony at half, people emptied out to hit the head or concessions and I think that hurt the energy to start the half for X's run.

[Galway Eagle]

I'm always amused by the beer price angst.  If a $13 beer is gonna kill your budget, plan your drinking appropriately before the game.  If it isn't, buy 2 and give one to a poor looking stranger!

If you're offering come national Marquette day...

[rocky_warrior]

If you're offering come national Marquette day...

I'll likely be watching that one from an airport, likely drinking > $13 beers, lol.  But if your at the same airport bar and wearing Marquette gear, I'll send a beer your way.

[rocket surgeon]

or wear really baggy clothes

[brewcity77]

I don't know,  I was there yesterday and while the students were numerous, I thought they were very stiff. Not that the STHs are better but they've always been more reserved. My section tried to stand on a couple big plays and we were asked to sit by the people behind us. It wasn't until the game was in hand that the crowd really perked up

I feel like masks impact the fan engagement. Muffles the cheers.

[avid1010]

I think we're over-thinking this...win and fans will come and be loud.  Shaka and team are off to a hell of a start. 

[Mr. Nielsen]

My son and I went to the UWM game to see Cain and same size beer was $7.
I realize there is a difference on many fronts from the product on the floor to the facility, etc., but $13 is a bit steep

As someone who is in UWMPA 20 times per year for the Panthers & Admirals. Concessions prices are so much better.

Also, I thought the crowd had more energy for Seton Hall than Xavier. Others said it might be Packers fan sadness.

[warriorchick]

Get rid of dj snack daddy and the girl. That is all.

The female MC is under 18?  She looks older.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

I'm always amused by the beer price angst.  If a $13 beer is gonna kill your budget, plan your drinking appropriately before the game.  If it isn't, buy 2 and give one to a poor looking stranger!

This, people, is the proper way to rebate your Scoop membership fees.

[We R Final Four]

The student section has been absolutely fantastic IMO this year.
Always cheering loudly for Shaka especially.

[MUfan12]

I don't know,  I was there yesterday and while the students were numerous, I thought they were very stiff. Not that the STHs are better but they've always been more reserved. My section tried to stand on a couple big plays and we were asked to sit by the people behind us. It wasn't until the game was in hand that the crowd really perked up

Yeah the crowd yesterday was disappointing, I thought. The winning streak, the Nova win, a ranked team... That place should have been bouncing from the start.

[Shark]

I feel like masks impact the fan engagement. Muffles the cheers.

Was waiting to say this but didn't wanna rustle any jimmies

[StillWarriors]

Yeah the crowd yesterday was disappointing, I thought. The winning streak, the Nova win, a ranked team... That place should have been bouncing from the start.

I thought so too. I felt far more energy at the IL and UCLA games. Maybe I just expected too much, but I thought the place would be energized from the jump coming in on such a hot streak, big game and the students just back from break.

[mu_hilltopper]

I think we're over-thinking this...win and fans will come and be loud. 

Shaka and team are off to a hell of a start. 

This is the answer.  Just win.

TBH, though, I don't see any reduction in entertainment operations from the Crean era to now.  The bar was raised and people are used to it.   Not much else to be done besides giving every row their own personal cheerleader. 

[Warrior of Law]

I took a non-MU person to the game on Sunday.  He was impressed by the attendance and enthusiasm.  For a Sunday afternoon game, I thought it was a fantastic atmosphere.  There are two Saturday games left on the calendar and I would expect great environments at both. Most importantly, this is all due to Shaka.

[BrewCity83]

I'm always amused by the beer price angst.  If a $13 beer is gonna kill your budget, plan your drinking appropriately before the game.  If it isn't, buy 2 and give one to a poor looking stranger!

I don't like paying $13 for a pint but I won't let that stop me from having a few at the game if I want 'em.  My comment was meant more as a general observation that cheaper beer prices would result in higher arena-wide consumption, which would lead to a more raucous crowd.

[Galway Eagle]

$13 dollars for a beer is absurd. I'll still pay as i stress drink during games whether I went to the local bars beforehand or not but it's more than the United Center's 12 and Milwaukee's supposedly so much cheaper.

[MUfan12]

TBH, though, I don't see any reduction in entertainment operations from the Crean era to now.  The bar was raised and people are used to it.

I think it's just a far less organized operation. The DJ now has no feel for the game/momentum. Plays some bizarre songs (baby shark still?) and plays over the band.

[BrewCity83]

The DJ now has no feel for the game/momentum. Plays some bizarre songs (baby shark still?) and plays over the band.

This!  Exactly!!

[Ardmore Mug]

I think it's just a far less organized operation. The DJ now has no feel for the game/momentum. Plays some bizarre songs (baby shark still?) and plays over the band.

and the woman whom works with him, her voice so squeaky ! ! !  There were a few complaints before and she was removed from the act.  Now she's back ! ! !  AAAggghhh 

[Scoop Snoop]

I think it's just a far less organized operation. The DJ now has no feel for the game/momentum. Plays some bizarre songs (baby shark still?) and plays over the band.

 Who are the people who make the decisions regarding all this and more?  How much control do MU employees have the activities?

[rocky_warrior]

I don't like paying $13 for a pint but I won't let that stop me from having a few at the game if I want 'em.  My comment was meant more as a general observation that cheaper beer prices would result in higher arena-wide consumption, which would lead to a more raucous crowd.

Fair, although I think concessions are completely out of MUs hands now.  At least I think I recall that as a change from the BC -> FF.  Though I do wonder how they organize those $5 beer games?  I'm sure someone here has more info, so I'll just stop.