Most fans would rather pay the 37.00 difference. Most fans would also still be buying season tickets. Anyone who attended the ITOO dinner and it's programs would gladly have it renewed. But like I said before, can't have that. Another coach favored that program. Not blaming Geno as I'm all for him to succeed.
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Red-White River Jam Updates
- Thread starter Bobby Parker
- Start date
Bobby Parker
New member
I am breaking my own rule with this post, as I really try to avoid the debates in favor of simply provide accurate infomation, but it's Friday and I'm feeling frisky.
Wiz,
WHICH OUGHT TO MAKE IT OBVIOUS WHY WE HAVE TRIED TO FIX IT!
I am glad you found the events worthwhile, as we always work extremely hard to put on good events for our fans, but if those events were doing everything that we needed them to do, you're right, it would be dumb to mess with them. So the fact that we have messed with them ought to speak volumes! Who is not listening? The world is changing and the events were not generating the return on investment required to keep repeating in the same manner.
I think we have listened pretty intently to what many of you have said you want:
1) You don't want to pay for a scrimmage (except for Chico, who apparently is willing to spend $37 for the scrimmage)
2) You don't want to have to watch another team play in order to watch the guys scrimmage
3) Perhaps I have confused you with someone else, but someone who at least reminds me of you, has specifically asked for the ability to attend practice
4) You want the opportunity to interact with the student-athletes and staff
5) Cheap tickets
6) Spaghetti
By introducing the Red-White River Jam and the Men's Basketball Open Practice, we are providing:
1) A FREE night of entertainment on the Peoria RiverFront
2-3) The opportunity to watch the men's basketball team, and only the men's basketball team, work out for two hours (I am sure there will be some scrimmaging involved)
4) An entire evening to spend with the men's and women's basketball players on the RiverFront
5) The opportunity to not only attend three great games during the season, but also experience both of the preseason events, for as little as $16 ($37 for Chico).
6) Okay, you got me on the spaghetti, but there will be a selection of pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings, ground beef and chicken burritos and chips 'n queso to choose from at the River Jam.
I cannot express enough how grateful we are to have such a loyal fan base, but everyone will agree it is an aging fan base. While the preseason events many not be perfect, we believe the River Jam, in particular, is a great event to engage Bradley students and young families alike, with the goal of adding to that loyal fan base.
And Wiz, please forgive me if I am mistaken, but I am pretty sure you were directly presented an opportunity to assist with the organization of another Spaghetti Supper at the ITOO Hall, and you refused the opportunity. If not you, then again someone who reminds me of you was given that opportunity.
Now you have gotten me a little frisky also. Many, many BU fans enjoyed the ITOO event and attended all the scrimmages and get togethers, whatever they might be, and didn't worry about how much it might cost, not much, and we didn't have to pay for the 3 games you mentioned because we had season tickets, when fans used to do such a thing,which you seem to forget. We may be old but not stupid. Good luck in your quest to get the students involved.
I'm really kind of amazed BP posts anything on here at all. Hats off to BP and his patience.He posts events going on and then has to sit back and watch it get blasted time and time again. I doubt anywhere in the country a person in his position would spend time explaining every decision made by the athletic department......
I have no idea if the River Jam will work.....I'm sure many here hope it fails so they can say "I told you so"...if it's a success many will make up something to downplay it. That's the way it happens on this board now....
I've tried many events over the years in business....some work and some don't. That's the way it goes.......I applaud BU for trying something different......
I guess we could go back to the ITOO hall....and maybe the players will go back to wearing short shorts too.
I have no idea if the River Jam will work.....I'm sure many here hope it fails so they can say "I told you so"...if it's a success many will make up something to downplay it. That's the way it happens on this board now....
I've tried many events over the years in business....some work and some don't. That's the way it goes.......I applaud BU for trying something different......
I guess we could go back to the ITOO hall....and maybe the players will go back to wearing short shorts too.
Bobby Parker
New member
Chico, as I also attempted (and apparently failed) to express, your loyalty to Bradley Athletics is most greatly appreciated, and as a season-ticket holder, you need to pay nothing additional to attend the preseason events. There is no doubt that there were many fans who attended those events every year, but when you are limiting yourself to the same 400 people every year, it becomes difficult to grow the fan base. Our obvious goal is to come up with events that continue to appeal to our long-time fans, but also are available to a larger audience for the goal of having them join the party. Given the success of those events, we have tried to incorporate many of the elements to keep the new events appealing to people like yourself. I hope you will give the River Jam and the Open Practice a try (and I won't even charge you the $37 
).
Engaging students continues to be a challenge, but we are trying to cast a much wider net than simply the students and we think the River Jam is an event that can appeal to young families and young professionals, as well as our students and our long-time supporters.
).Engaging students continues to be a challenge, but we are trying to cast a much wider net than simply the students and we think the River Jam is an event that can appeal to young families and young professionals, as well as our students and our long-time supporters.
Bobby Parker
New member
And as I continue to point out BU Fan 9, you can get your basketball fix Oct. 29 at the open practice, 6-8 p.m. at Renaissance Coliseum.
Thanks for the offer BP, but never been afraid to pay for anything. Been on many road games, charter flights etc. and they weren't free. Our 12.00 at the ITOO hall included food, drinks and meeting the players, drawings etc.. After arriving at the river front, how many will go without spending a penny? Not too many. Most will make an evening out eating, drinking whatever is available and pay for it. I'm in favor of any event Bradley puts on and have been to most of them. Guess most of us loyal old timers just miss the good old days and wonder why with all the new events they can't keep the ones that drew the best and most loyal BU fans also, and who were mostly season ticket holders.
Bobby Parker
New member
Chico, thank you again for the longtime support, but like I said earlier, times are changing. I feel your pain in that it would be great to continue to cater specifically to one group, but especially as playing seasons continue to expand, it becomes increasingly difficult to attract new fans with new events while also keeping the old events. Instead, we have have tried to offer a new event that will still appeal to those who have loyally attended the old events by offering many of the same elements in a new environment.
Something to keep in mind as it relates to how times are changing, Bradley's 31-game 2014-15 men's basketball season will open on Nov. 14 and on that same day we will host the NCAA Cross Country Midwest Regionals at Newman Golf Course and the semifinals of the MVC Men's Soccer Championship at Shea Stadium.
Using the 1996 MVC Championship season as an example, the 26-game men's basketball season did not end begin until Nov. 25 and we did not play a home game until Dec. 2. By Nov. 25, the soccer season had been completed for more than two weeks and the cross country season ended on Nov. 16.
Something to keep in mind as it relates to how times are changing, Bradley's 31-game 2014-15 men's basketball season will open on Nov. 14 and on that same day we will host the NCAA Cross Country Midwest Regionals at Newman Golf Course and the semifinals of the MVC Men's Soccer Championship at Shea Stadium.
Using the 1996 MVC Championship season as an example, the 26-game men's basketball season did not end begin until Nov. 25 and we did not play a home game until Dec. 2. By Nov. 25, the soccer season had been completed for more than two weeks and the cross country season ended on Nov. 16.
Buesch N Chips
New member
A wise man once said: "never complain, and never explain." Mr. Parker I hope the new events are a rousing success. People will complain regardless. Kudos to BU for trying to accommodate the kids, and the curmudgeons, which is almost impossible.
You'll be a curmudgeon someday also. As for drawing the kids, like I said good luck. Most of the students complain about having to go downtown to a game, but don't mind going down the hill on Farmington Rd. GO BRAVES
Buesch N Chips
New member
My kids would call me one right now, and you're right about the students, but the beer on Farmington Rd is 1/3 the price of the PCC, and college kids are poor.
Red-White River Jam updates
Red-White River Jam updates
Bobby...First of all, thanks for responding to our posts. Having a reasonable dialog with message board posters and BU people is really great! Now for the rest...
Regarding your comments on what I may or may not have asked for and what "opportunity" I allegedly turned down, you are batting 50%...one is correct and one is absolutely incorrect.
First - I have been and continue to be a 100% advocate of having open practices on several select dates throughout the season and not using these as a fund raiser. I know from actual experience that these can and will increase fan interest. Stowell, Versace, Molinari, and Les opened practices. Why doesn't Geno?
Secondly - I was NEVER asked to assist with the operation of the Itoo spaghetti supper.
You obviously do not know who I am and are only guessing. However, I will make it a point to introduce myself to you at the River Jam (barring terrible weather) and/or the Augustana game.
And finaly, regarding the remainder of your "frisky" post, I am not against the River Jam...I think it is a teriffic idea and I support it 100% and my wife and I will be there. I just hope the weather cooperates.
However, you still seem to miss the point regarding the old preseason events.
1) We don't mind at all paying for a good Red & White scrimmage or the Itoo supper. We just don"t want to be forced into watching a boring womens BB game or a bad volleyball game beforehand.
2) The Itoo hall event was great for mixing with the players and it was weather proof.
3) We don't need "cheap" tickets but these events should not be viewed as a fund raising opportunity by the Ath. Dept. but rather as events designed to generate fan interest prior to the next season.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Wiz
Red-White River Jam updates
Bobby...First of all, thanks for responding to our posts. Having a reasonable dialog with message board posters and BU people is really great! Now for the rest...
Regarding your comments on what I may or may not have asked for and what "opportunity" I allegedly turned down, you are batting 50%...one is correct and one is absolutely incorrect.
First - I have been and continue to be a 100% advocate of having open practices on several select dates throughout the season and not using these as a fund raiser. I know from actual experience that these can and will increase fan interest. Stowell, Versace, Molinari, and Les opened practices. Why doesn't Geno?
Secondly - I was NEVER asked to assist with the operation of the Itoo spaghetti supper.
You obviously do not know who I am and are only guessing. However, I will make it a point to introduce myself to you at the River Jam (barring terrible weather) and/or the Augustana game.
And finaly, regarding the remainder of your "frisky" post, I am not against the River Jam...I think it is a teriffic idea and I support it 100% and my wife and I will be there. I just hope the weather cooperates.
However, you still seem to miss the point regarding the old preseason events.
1) We don't mind at all paying for a good Red & White scrimmage or the Itoo supper. We just don"t want to be forced into watching a boring womens BB game or a bad volleyball game beforehand.
2) The Itoo hall event was great for mixing with the players and it was weather proof.
3) We don't need "cheap" tickets but these events should not be viewed as a fund raising opportunity by the Ath. Dept. but rather as events designed to generate fan interest prior to the next season.
Looking forward to meeting you!
Wiz
I agree with everything said in here.
tornado
New member
but again - why wouldn't BP want to both HEAR the views of the very fans they are trying to appeal to - and respond to them?
Some have a crazy idea that if interest & attendance has fallen 40-50% then anyone who offers a suggestion as to why is unfair, a villain, and "blasting" Bradley.
Whatever happened to the "concept that the customer is always right"?
Everyone in business hears complaints or maybe even "gets blasted" - --- this should be almost expected after a 5-year run of bad finishes....
...and how you reply or respond might just make the difference between keeping the fans vs. alienating them further.
Newsflash - the fans are NOT the bad guys here and treating them such is part of the problem.
Gotta learn from things like this - where the Michigan State AD criticized his own fans - LINK
One more separate thought - that if the fans "here" are the bad guys, then what about the small group of fans "there" who prodded, cheered, and demanded all the changes that brought us all the Thursday night?
one more thing- someone told me today & I am not sure how true...
that there's concerns if a men's only Red-White were held on campus it might cause criticism from certain vocal sources that always look for things to complain about...
- which is why so many schools combine the men's & women's events - but if held independently elsewhere it would avoid those concerns..
And nobody here wants Bradley to fail - although I can say I have heard people wanting Bradley to fail and wanting Bradley to lose -
such an amazingly bizarre scenario happened as the 2010-11 season was winding down and I heard multiple people express that they wanted Bradley to lose badly to guarantee the housecleaning they wanted and that got us here.
Some have a crazy idea that if interest & attendance has fallen 40-50% then anyone who offers a suggestion as to why is unfair, a villain, and "blasting" Bradley.
Whatever happened to the "concept that the customer is always right"?
Everyone in business hears complaints or maybe even "gets blasted" - --- this should be almost expected after a 5-year run of bad finishes....
...and how you reply or respond might just make the difference between keeping the fans vs. alienating them further.
Newsflash - the fans are NOT the bad guys here and treating them such is part of the problem.
Gotta learn from things like this - where the Michigan State AD criticized his own fans - LINK
One more separate thought - that if the fans "here" are the bad guys, then what about the small group of fans "there" who prodded, cheered, and demanded all the changes that brought us all the Thursday night?
one more thing- someone told me today & I am not sure how true...
that there's concerns if a men's only Red-White were held on campus it might cause criticism from certain vocal sources that always look for things to complain about...
- which is why so many schools combine the men's & women's events - but if held independently elsewhere it would avoid those concerns..
And nobody here wants Bradley to fail - although I can say I have heard people wanting Bradley to fail and wanting Bradley to lose -
such an amazingly bizarre scenario happened as the 2010-11 season was winding down and I heard multiple people express that they wanted Bradley to lose badly to guarantee the housecleaning they wanted and that got us here.
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Lefty, I wouldn't mind an ITOO get together, team wearing short shorts and a 32-3 season again. Ah, the good old days.
Like the short shorts Chico??¦things do change. I never had a problem with any of the old events. I don't think I went to the ITOO but I use to go to the Red-White scrimmage chilli supper event??¦??¦.
BU is trying something different to get fans involved and I have no idea if it will work or not??¦.I won't be able to go because of some other things but I hope the weather cooperates and the event goes well??¦??¦??¦the biggest thing is how we do during the season
I have no problem with trying new things, and I like the idea of the Riverfront Jam, but why abandon the events that have traditionally proven successful? And at what point do the marketing people at Bradley finally admit their new ideas aren't working? As far as drawing in younger fans, what evidence is there that these new formats and events are doing that? They have tried everything to get the students to come, including moving the games to campus, free transportation, food, free tickets, and gifts to the students and we still can't get them interested. And if these new ideas are alienating the established fans, then is it really worth it? I am guessing the older, established fans are the ones buying most of the tickets and making most of the donations. We've lost enough of those fans from the negative effects of all the fallout and losing already, why abandon the standard Red-White intrasquad scrimmage which people look forward to every year?
Lefty, I know you don't seem to talk to the same fans and season ticket holders that I do, but one of the most common complaints I have heard lately from the fans I've talked to is about these preseason events and that the successful events they have enjoyed (Red-White scrimmage, Itoo Hall, Chili supper or spaghetti supper, Open House events where fans can meet the players and coaches, the community night events, etc.) have been altered or taken away, and replaced by new formats like the volleyball/Red-White, the late starting time, and the Red-White games that required fans to watch women's scrimmage, and now an outdoor Red-White that does not even include a scrimmage or a chance to actually see the players compete.
I have to agree with bu fan 9 and wizard, as well as many others who I have talked to and have PMed me, I don't think these new approaches are working, and they are alienating some of Bradley's best, loyal fans.