KW Article: To Live, BU Spirit Must Get Younger

[lefty]

If the shoe fits...

I'm not trying to bash either medium. Simply stating that my circle of friends (20-30 yr olds) never discuss the paper, but often discuss the board. I don't think that's bashing, I think it's reality. It's why newspapers are going bankrupt - my generation and younger don't look to the newspaper for news. We'd rather read about it 24 hours earlier, for free, anywhere, any time, and be able to have our input be heard.

As far as reliability I'd would argue this board is equal to, if not more reliable than the PJS (see whether Sam asked for his release, if we've offered Biefieldt. where Wilkins committed, etc.) but I think that point is open for debate.

Don't disagree with that at all. I have 3 kids in your age bracket..and they don't read this board or the paper.

But I will say this you have many more casual fans reading the sports page of the paper including KW's columns than you do this board.....

Like I said I'm a fan of either board...but this board is mainly used by the fanatics( I mean that in a good way)....there are way more casual basketball fans that read the paper then this board....

 

[lefty]

Maybe not EVERYTHING is reliable, but you better believe that if someone comes on here with something that ain't legit, it will be corrected sooner or later. People on here have done their HW, and are always keeping up with the latest in the college hoops world.

If posters are quick to point out flaws of other poster's posts, wouldn't you expect them to point them out in the paper too?
Maybe those who have "bashed" KW or DR in the past should hold their toungues (or fingers when typing ), but their perspectives really make you think...and it's good to have a different perspective than the journalists, since it's only from one man's perspective.

I don't have a problem with perspectives...we all have our own slants. The difference here is we can debate back and forth and that doesn't necessarily happen in the paper...although it does a little on the PJS board....

I guess my main point is that the paper doesn't write for the people on message boards...they write for the people that read the paper....

 

[amckillip]

there are way more casual basketball fans that read the paper then this board....

For now, in a few years I don't think that will be true. Unfortunately the internet, and the lack of adaptation by traditional media outlets has put them in a position of no return, but that's my opinion. Either way, I think as time goes on, more and more information will be dissiminated via the masses on things like message boards and wiki-type outlets than the newspaper and such.

 

[SFP]

I was just saying that if those big schools are not above putting the students in the end zone, and the environment is just fine at these places, then why should Bradley do any different with a losing program with students who dont show up?

Is it a tough break for the students, yeah. Are the donors going to give up their seats, no. The culture of college sports has changed. $$$ talks, period. Like was said in the article or another post I dont remember, where BU messed up was not making the on campus arena big enough to even hold a few mens games. Is the RC built so it could expand or is it set pretty much in stone? I havent had a chance to go down there since I only make it back home a few times a year.

It's simple make the investment now or pay for it later. $$ do talk but someone looking for the long term success down the road will take the current student body and their relationship with the school into account! Carver is a good a place that BU could hope for except it is not walking distance. The problem is that the fan base with prime seats are older and the kids who could harass the visiting team are in locations that just are not where they should be for a greater impact for the game and making them feel a part of the experience. Students today are potential donors tomorrow.

 

[amckillip]

It's simple make the investment now or pay for it later. $$ do talk but someone looking for the long term success down the road will take the current student body and their relationship with the school into account! Carver is a good a place that BU could hope for except it is not walking distance. The problem is that the fan base with prime seats are older and the kids who could harass the visiting team are in locations that just are not where they should be for a greater impact for the game and making them feel a part of the experience. Students today are potential donors tomorrow.

Agreed, ignoring the younger fan base is penny smart, pound foolish. If you don't cultivate the younger fan-base now, you'll be wondering where your older fan base is in 10-20-30 years.

 

[Chico]

Cant happen because the big time donors will not give up there seats for the students.

And why should they? The student seats are where most teams have their students sitting. The places that have many students show up, still have them sitting behind the basket besides other sections of the arena. Get rid of the big donors and NAIA here we come.

 

[lefty]

The problem is that the fan base with prime seats are older and the kids who could harass the visiting team are in locations that just are not where they should be for a greater impact for the game and making them feel a part of the experience. Students today are potential donors tomorrow.

Don't you think they can harrass the team in the end zone? I mean those seats are right there looking at the opposing coach and players.

 

[Chico]

Full disclosure: I'm one of them and tired of being blamed for occupying the better seats, not standing for the entire game, and contributing to the overall decline of attendance in particular and the BB program in general.

Me too and many others.

 

[Chico]

I agree 100% with the above posts! Runningfield I have posted over the years as much! The chance of it changing though is probably very low because just like our politics today, money talks, not doing what is right. The game should be for the students first and then for us old guys.

BTW...Versace did not connect with the students either but we were winning so nobody really cared.

The game is for students, but they have to show up first. As for "us old guys", try having a basketball program at Bradley and Peoria without us. The game is for us also. As for JL not connecting with the students, IMO, just another excuse.

 

[Chico]

Did you really just compare a Division 1 athletic program to high school athletics?! Wow...

But I do agree with your last paragraph. All you other people saying "well, Duke and Michigan St. do it, we should too!" How many national titles do they each have to back that up? Also, the Michigan St. student body is like 3x more than Bradley, Duke enrollment is about the same, maybe a little bigger than Bradley, but its Duke for crying out loud. I can name you multiple schools where the student section is in the end zone and they dont complain about it. And these schools are a HE!! of alot bigger than Bradley. Changing the seats is not going to guarantee more students at the games. Duke, Michigan St., and Illinois are the exception, not the rule

Just to name a few whose student sections are in the end zones: Kansas, Mizzou, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, UNC, Texas A&M

And you could go on and on and on.

 

[thefish7]

Chico, just because someone wants to support the students doesn't mean they're diametrically opposed to the "old folks." You can be supportive of both... I am.

 

[JMM28]

The game is for students, but they have to show up first. As for "us old guys", try having a basketball program at Bradley and Peoria without us. The game is for us also. As for JL not connecting with the students, IMO, just another excuse.

Just win baby, win. That is all it will take to consistently get students to the games. Look at the record at the Fieldhouse (RIP), 400-100. It wasn't because it was on campus, or they had good seats, or whatever cockamamie excuse is next. It was because THE TEAM WAS GOOD! This isn't rocket science. Seriously.

Look at the 2007 season. Student attendance was fairly good, coming off a S16 appearance.

Sure Jim could have gone to the fraternity houses and drummed up support, but it wouldn't have made 2000 students appear at a home for a game on a Saturday night against Evansville. I'd rather him spen(d/t) that time looking at tape, coaching, and recruiting.

 

[SFP]

And why should they? The student seats are where most teams have their students sitting. The places that have many students show up, still have them sitting behind the basket besides other sections of the arena. Get rid of the big donors and NAIA here we come.

Chico I was wondering where you were? Of course you want your seats and I can't blame you but to believe that the basketball program should be primarily focused on the highest bidder or try not to get the students involved as much as possible because it may have an impact on fund raising today is a subject matter as well as other that we will just never see eye to eye. I'm also not saying give up all the choice seats just enough. That will piss off some season holders but if it comes to money well I guess the old adage can be used for what is left and talk about supply and demand. Just like the students are priced out of choice seats today, so would some of today's season ticket holders.

 

[BUFanatic]

Chico, just because someone wants to support the students doesn't mean they're diametrically opposed to the "old folks." You can be supportive of both... I am.

K, first post on this thread so this is a bit sporadic hahaha

1st. In response to the whole mess of lower bowl seats and students and blahblahblah. I think that students can be effective where they are now, but I would not be opposed to filling the ring around Carver with students IF we could fill them. Remember that the lower bowl is split into two halves (well it USED to be anyway. I think they took the railing down. Don't sit in Grandpa's seats anymore, so I don't know). What's the harm in putting the students in that lower half?

2nd. Still on that topic, I know I'm going to get attacked for using Duke, BUT you don't see their alums complaining about being in the upper bowl. They had their time as a student in the lower bowl, and they know it's time to let the new group have their fun. They won't tell you to sit down....

3rd. If you are looking straight at the SS and Band, that half of the half circle to the left of the band... is that students or what?

Oh yeah.... WIN WIN WIN!!! lol

 

[molar50]

Keep the Red Sea in the end zone and move some students (the most dedicated and enthusiastic) into the first two rows that surround the court. All season ticket holders would only have to move up two rows. Small sacrifice to get more students closer to the action. Have some free food nights. Have some shooting contests for students: 8 out 10 free throws made and you get free books. Make a half court shot and get free tuition for a semester. Have a contest for free air travel for spring break.

 

[ancona flash]

The best marketing plan in the world can't successfully attract people to patronize a restaurant chain specializing in chicken crap. I love the students that support BU and we need more of them, but to expect the students to come en masse with the current product on the court is unrealistic.

If you field a winning (MVC title winning, NCAA tourney caliber) basketball team in a town like Peoria, you will have packed houses. Students or no, the atmosphere will be rocking. Just like it was in the 80's with no promotions, no fancy videos for the starting lineups, ect. Just great basketball, and we ate it up. Bring great basketball back, and I guarantee you, we'll have Carver rocking. And a new generation of Bradley hoops addicts like yours truly.

The Peoria area and this program is a sleeping mid major giant waiting to be awakened. All we need is someone to ignite the flame.

 

[Braves4Life]

The best marketing plan in the world can't successfully attract people to patronize a restaurant chain specializing in chicken crap.

Geez dude! I wouldn't go that far. :?

 

[ancona flash]

Geez dude! I wouldn't go that far. :?

I don't think BU hoops is chicken crap, but against ISU at home, vs. EIU, Utah, and a few others............let's call it what is was. Crappy D-1 basketball. We're kidding ourselves if discounted tickets or visiting frat houses or billboards on War Drive will help bring in the masses if that's what the young, casual fan sees.

Maybe a bit over the top on the analogy, but point being, when you have a less than stellar product to sell, it's that much harder to close the deal. The BU athletic dept is trying to "sell" to BU students and other younger people the product of BU basketball. But if the product is below average in comparison to other entertainment options, it is a much tougher product to promote.

On a positive, I really do feel the potential for attracting (and sustaining) a large fan base is off the charts at BU. I'm really hoping we can get it done, and believe me, I do what I can to help things along with those I interact with.

 

[jrish12]

Chico I was wondering where you were? Of course you want your seats and I can't blame you but to believe that the basketball program should be primarily focused on the highest bidder or try not to get the students involved as much as possible because it may have an impact on fund raising today is a subject matter as well as other that we will just never see eye to eye. I'm also not saying give up all the choice seats just enough. That will piss off some season holders but if it comes to money well I guess the old adage can be used for what is left and talk about supply and demand. Just like the students are priced out of choice seats today, so would some of today's season ticket holders.

And you can make the students involved where they are. Why cant they have a good time and be active where they are?! It would be easier to get the free food and what not because of the way that end zone is built with the stairs that go down to the ground level to make a "hospitality area" that you show student ID and you get in.

Im just saying if its good enough for the likes of Kansas and Mizzou who actually have students show up at the games, then it should be good enough for Bradley. When students start to show up in droves then you change. In this scenario, and I know alot of people are going to light me up for this, but you react to the situation you dont act and hope things will happen. You think having that few students in the end zone looks dumb, how would pretty much an entire ring of empty seats around the floor look?!

 

[tornado]

....Unfortunately the internet, and the lack of adaptation by traditional media outlets has put them in a position of no return....

oh no -- just another thing I am gonna get blamed for.... :roll:
causing all the "traditional media" people to get fired because I am part of a phenomenon -- a system & network that provides for FREE what they charge to provide....