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Since we have no game today...
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:06 am
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:06 am
How about we talk about attendance, since that issue has never seem to come to any widely accepted explanation. Pre warning - it's long, so I am aware that you won't read.
Anyway, a lot of people complain these days about how LSU fans have really let the team down on game day with poor attendance and leaving early. It's common in these arguments to blame the newfound sense of entitlement amongst our fans for the reason that we have seen this fall-off.
However, while this may be some, small contributing factor, I feel this is very far off base of the biggest problem. The reason that the attendance lags for smaller games and decreases at halftime of every opponent not named Bama has far more to do with the advancement of technology rather than any apathy/entitlement in our fan base.
Seemingly every day, a new, better, bigger TV comes out with higher definition making at-home game watching a more viable scenario. Now don't get me wrong, I despise seeing Tiger Stadium empty as much as anyone, and it is, without a doubt, a far way off from what it use to be on any given game. However, when the enjoyment of the next best alternative increases, it makes the demand for actual attendance decrease. This is consumer behavior 101.
There are many things that we can blame on our, for whatever reason, shitty fan base (at least 20% of them anyway). But attendance really isn't something that should be put specifically on a change in our fans' attitudes, nearly as much as it should be put on the advancement in technology.
And in support of this, one would merely need to take a closer look at attendance across the rest of the country. We see our own collapse in attendance because that is all we observe, but plenty of schools across the nation are having these same problems. For example, Stanford had 31,000 people at their game last night because it was raining. I know that Stanford isn't nearly the football program we are, but 31,000 people with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line would be seemingly inexplicable. The only explanation is that individuals deemed that their enjoyment of being at the actual game would be severely diminished by the weather, whereas there is an extremely enjoyable environment to watch the game at home. I highly doubt they have that few people in attendance in any sort of weather if the alternative to actual attendance was watching the game on one of those old TV's popular in the early 90's. You remember, the ones that rarely were bigger than 27 inches and had a picture that looks like someone was intentionally trying to blur the screen (at lest when comparing them to what people have now).
TL, I know. But the point being, this isn't an LSU problem. It's a college football problem. Anyway, there's my rant for the morning. Whether you agree or bash it as nonsensical rambling of an old man, hopefully discussing will be more enjoyable than sitting around thinking about how we should be the ones kicking off verse Georgia in a few hours. Enjoy!
Anyway, a lot of people complain these days about how LSU fans have really let the team down on game day with poor attendance and leaving early. It's common in these arguments to blame the newfound sense of entitlement amongst our fans for the reason that we have seen this fall-off.
However, while this may be some, small contributing factor, I feel this is very far off base of the biggest problem. The reason that the attendance lags for smaller games and decreases at halftime of every opponent not named Bama has far more to do with the advancement of technology rather than any apathy/entitlement in our fan base.
Seemingly every day, a new, better, bigger TV comes out with higher definition making at-home game watching a more viable scenario. Now don't get me wrong, I despise seeing Tiger Stadium empty as much as anyone, and it is, without a doubt, a far way off from what it use to be on any given game. However, when the enjoyment of the next best alternative increases, it makes the demand for actual attendance decrease. This is consumer behavior 101.
There are many things that we can blame on our, for whatever reason, shitty fan base (at least 20% of them anyway). But attendance really isn't something that should be put specifically on a change in our fans' attitudes, nearly as much as it should be put on the advancement in technology.
And in support of this, one would merely need to take a closer look at attendance across the rest of the country. We see our own collapse in attendance because that is all we observe, but plenty of schools across the nation are having these same problems. For example, Stanford had 31,000 people at their game last night because it was raining. I know that Stanford isn't nearly the football program we are, but 31,000 people with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line would be seemingly inexplicable. The only explanation is that individuals deemed that their enjoyment of being at the actual game would be severely diminished by the weather, whereas there is an extremely enjoyable environment to watch the game at home. I highly doubt they have that few people in attendance in any sort of weather if the alternative to actual attendance was watching the game on one of those old TV's popular in the early 90's. You remember, the ones that rarely were bigger than 27 inches and had a picture that looks like someone was intentionally trying to blur the screen (at lest when comparing them to what people have now).
TL, I know. But the point being, this isn't an LSU problem. It's a college football problem. Anyway, there's my rant for the morning. Whether you agree or bash it as nonsensical rambling of an old man, hopefully discussing will be more enjoyable than sitting around thinking about how we should be the ones kicking off verse Georgia in a few hours. Enjoy!
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:10 am to funnystuff
My impression is that ticket prices (TAF fees +) have also priced out a lot of fans and given the way to more "corporate" tickets that are given as perks. People with those tickets are more likely to not show up, leave early, etc.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:21 am to funnystuff
I read it, but be ready for tl;dr replies
As for leaving early, the student section is to blame, imo.
They've become a joke in recent years with their profane chants embarrassing the University and leaving nearly all games at half or earlier because they're too concerned with "going out" and getting intoxicated.
They are the worst part of Tiger Stadium and should see a ticket reduction in subsequent years until they get their act together.
Give those tickets to real Tiger fans who'd rather watch the actual game than do silly, immature chants and pretend they're at a social event.
As for leaving early, the student section is to blame, imo.
They've become a joke in recent years with their profane chants embarrassing the University and leaving nearly all games at half or earlier because they're too concerned with "going out" and getting intoxicated.
They are the worst part of Tiger Stadium and should see a ticket reduction in subsequent years until they get their act together.
Give those tickets to real Tiger fans who'd rather watch the actual game than do silly, immature chants and pretend they're at a social event.
This post was edited on 12/1/12 at 10:25 am
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:26 am to covlatiger
I agree. They've priced the good ol' boys and Boudreaux/thibodaux out of tiger stadium to only to be replaced by corporations and the wine/cheese crowd. I was priced out and the tickets had been in my family for a looooong time. I don't remember many people leaving early from the late 70's until around 2000. There were some instances but no where near what it is now. I've sat in those stands through hot, cold, rain, skull draggings whatever until the end. That's the way my grandpa was and it rubbed off on me. Not to say there aren't true fans with money but it seems that people without it appreciate being there more. Take the crowd from the earthquake game and multiply it to the amount of seats we have now. It would have shown up on a seismograph in New Orleans.
This post was edited on 12/1/12 at 10:29 am
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:28 am to covlatiger
after the loss to the gators,LSU played USC.The # 2 or #3 team playing the #9 Tigers.This was a Sat night live in Death Valley.There were a lot of tickets for sale, some for $10....No takers.The Bandwagon LSU fans were nowhere to be found.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:30 am to bddwolfpack
quote:
Give those tickets to real Tiger fans who'd rather watch the actual game than do silly, immature chants and pretend they're at a social event.
A football game is a social event, chief. It's not life or death, it's entertainment. And no, I'm not a student so have no real dog in this fight. That's just a ridiculous statement.
And why put quotes around "going out"? Do you believe that going out is not a real thing?
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:30 am to funnystuff
quote:
a lot of people complain these days
it's in their DNA and it is fueled by 24/7 talk radio and 24/7 "news experts" regurgitating this, that and whatever serves their agenda. as I told a guy at the bus stop the other morning, "We're americans....we were born to bitch."
quote:
how LSU fans have really let the team down on game day with poor attendance and leaving early.
poor attendance? no
leaving early? freedom of choice....some people do enjoy the tailgate experience more than the heavy lifting part of supporting your team to the end. also, factor in that we are on CBS alot and those games are stretched to 4-4.5 hours. that can be very uncomfortable if you aren't in a suite. just sayn'.
happy holidays.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:31 am to G I Jeaux
That's sad. If I was in town, I would've jumped on those tickets.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:34 am to byubengalboy
That's true. Sitting on those bleachers for 4.5 hours is brutal. I wish they would've let bob broadhead chair back the whole damn stadium like he wanted to.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:37 am to wahootiger
quote:
And why put quotes around "going out"? Do you believe that going out is not a real thing?
It's slang for going to the bar, which the students are more fond of than supporting the University and athletics.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 10:58 am to bddwolfpack
I know what going out means, I just don't think you fully understand when to appropriately use quotes.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 11:16 am to wahootiger
Obviously you don't, chief
Posted on 12/1/12 at 11:17 am to funnystuff
Reason #1 - cost of season tix
This has "priced out" a lot of the "average" LSU. The one that would go early, booze it up all day, and scream his lungs out until all zeroes. This is not to say there are not such fans, but they are now the minority of the fans in the stands.
#2 - television. This has the two-fold effect because of a) convenience, and, b) moving the game times.
#3 - shitty home schedule. The OOC for this season (and most seasons in the last few years) blows.
This has "priced out" a lot of the "average" LSU. The one that would go early, booze it up all day, and scream his lungs out until all zeroes. This is not to say there are not such fans, but they are now the minority of the fans in the stands.
#2 - television. This has the two-fold effect because of a) convenience, and, b) moving the game times.
#3 - shitty home schedule. The OOC for this season (and most seasons in the last few years) blows.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 11:27 am to funnystuff
TL; DR; (I always wanted to do this...)
Fact is everyone on the Rant IS an avid reader. They read everything! The tl;dr is just a cover..... That's why the Rant is the best online vehicle for communication in the entire college football world!
Now, what I suggest is that for those people who leave the game early just walk up to a tailgater outside the stadium and give them your ticket stub so they can enjoy the final few moments of another Tiger blowout victory.!!!!!
Of course, they may prefer to just stay put sipping on their bourbon/beer and watching the game on their TV next to their RV in recliner..... Got to love Tiger Stadium on a Saturday afternoon/night....
Fact is everyone on the Rant IS an avid reader. They read everything! The tl;dr is just a cover..... That's why the Rant is the best online vehicle for communication in the entire college football world!
Now, what I suggest is that for those people who leave the game early just walk up to a tailgater outside the stadium and give them your ticket stub so they can enjoy the final few moments of another Tiger blowout victory.!!!!!
Of course, they may prefer to just stay put sipping on their bourbon/beer and watching the game on their TV next to their RV in recliner..... Got to love Tiger Stadium on a Saturday afternoon/night....
Posted on 12/1/12 at 11:56 am to bddwolfpack
quote:
bbdwolfpack
The student section is the single reason that stadium has the reputation that it does. Without us, it would never be as rocking as it is.
I do hate those who leave early and the ones who are more concerned about going out, but not everyone is a die hard football fan like us. Trust me, it still pisses me off, but to say what you did is a completely idiotic statement. You sound like a douche.
This post was edited on 12/1/12 at 11:58 am
Posted on 12/1/12 at 12:03 pm to DrD
This is a case where LSU is a victim of their own success.
Very successful football program=
Higher ticket prices and TAF fees.
Average joe priced out.
Game on TV every weekend.
Many fans prefer to watch at home in comfort.
Demand for quality product increases.
Fans show disdain for cupcake games by leaving early.
High performance during game day.
Many games (esp OOC games) over by third quarter.
High expectations of entitled fan base.
Close games (esp SEC games) are met with incredulity and promises never to return and demands for coaching changes.
These are just off the top of my head, and may help to explain the attendance "problem."
ETA: udtiger made many of my points in his post.
Very successful football program=
Higher ticket prices and TAF fees.
Average joe priced out.
Game on TV every weekend.
Many fans prefer to watch at home in comfort.
Demand for quality product increases.
Fans show disdain for cupcake games by leaving early.
High performance during game day.
Many games (esp OOC games) over by third quarter.
High expectations of entitled fan base.
Close games (esp SEC games) are met with incredulity and promises never to return and demands for coaching changes.
These are just off the top of my head, and may help to explain the attendance "problem."
ETA: udtiger made many of my points in his post.
This post was edited on 12/1/12 at 12:06 pm
Posted on 12/1/12 at 12:59 pm to funnystuff
I go to some games, but as a few have stated, it's just to much money for 4 hours sitting on hard seats. I can find better things to do with that money. And, I am not poor.
Forget season tickets. I'll stick my finger in the air and let somebody else pay fee. Thanks.
Forget season tickets. I'll stick my finger in the air and let somebody else pay fee. Thanks.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 1:42 pm to bddwolfpack
Are you SERIOUS? The student section is the heart of the noise created in the stadium. And while some of us do leave, don't talk specifically to us. From where I sit in the SS, I've got a great view of the East Upper which is almost always emptying earlier than the student section.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 2:02 pm to funnystuff
I'll throw in another possible reason people leave early or don't show up, the style of football we have played the past few years. If your not a die hard football fan and your there for the social experience, then running the ball and playing great defense isn't sexy enough to stay. I'm not in that group and probably no one on this site is either but I'm sure someone hearing "I'm bored" by their significant other after sobering up can get old pretty quickly.
Posted on 12/1/12 at 2:14 pm to bddwolfpack
quote:
They've become a joke in recent years with their profane chants embarrassing the University and
Personal aside.
quote:
leaving nearly all games at half or earlier because they're too concerned with "going out" and getting intoxicated.
I love how the SS gets all the blame for leaving early in reality, its may only 25% of the SS that leaves, which by the way is on par with THE REST OF THE STADIUM.
quote:
They are the worst part of Tiger Stadium and should see a ticket reduction in subsequent years until they get their act together.
Recruits, players, media, and pretty much anyone not personally biased disagrees with you.
quote:
Give those tickets to real Tiger fans who'd rather watch the actual game than do silly, immature chants and pretend they're at a social event
And then Tiger Stadium will become like a Duke football game. The student section is what makes Tiger Stadium. Period. It has willed the team to victory, inspired talent to want to play for us, and has been written as something of legend on so many different occasions. Just look at this year.
5-Star DB Laurence Jones
quote:
“That crowd was what I really liked. It was all into the game and never really gave up on the Tigers when they got down in the first half. I’d love to play in an atmosphere like that. Some people knew my name and I was surprised. They were yelling at me and saying I needed to come to school there.
5-Star DB Edward Paris
quote:
“When LSU lost yesterday, the student section and fans were still there for the team and were trying to pick them up. That’s the kind of fans you want to play for and I pay attention to that a lot. I would love to play for a fan base that is 100 percent behind the team win or lose, and I see LSU fans as being behind their team through thick and thin.”
The top target on our recruiting board, Kendell Beckwith
quote:
Kendell Beckwith, one of LSU's top targets left on the board for the 2013 signing class, took in the Tigers' dramatic win over South Carolina from inside Death Valley, watching all four quarters - decked out in purple - from just outside the LSU student section.
It was nothing but screaming and jumping up and down from all the people in there," he said. "There were drinks flying, and I saw guys next to me throwing peanuts everywhere. Everyone was going crazy.
That stadium was just crazy," Beckwith said. "I have never seen anything like that. I have never heard anything like that. It was really cool to be there for that.
2014 recruit Kenny Young
quote:
It was crazy,” Young said. “People went wild when Eric Reid got that pick then when they scored it was crazy. People were throwing their drinks and that was something that was just wild. That place was as wild as you can imagine.
Jeremy Hill celebrates with the LSU students after the win
This post was edited on 12/1/12 at 2:17 pm
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