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Fan support for football ?

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  • #1

    Fan support for football ?

    Just a topic to talk about that has always baffled me, that is the fan support for Panther football. I grew up in CF, my dad new alot of the coaches at UNI and my brother and myself even got to help with spring camp one year ( something to keep us out of trouble I am guessing). I could and never been able to understand why the Dome is not sold out alot for football, even when the team has been ranked highly.
    Any suggestions on how the school could get more fan support ?
    The ticket prices are sure not a problem.
    Is the state of Iowa just to Hawkeye and Cyclone blind to know better ?
    Just wondering ideas on the matter to try and understand why people in CF/Wloo would rather drive to Ames or IC when they have a great football program in their back yard.
    Feel the Power of Purple !!!!!!
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  • #2
    I think UNI has had a good fan following in the past. When I was a sophomore in 1992, and UNI was ranked highly all year, the DOME was PACKED and there was an electricity on campus about football. Now...at the same time, Iowa was down and ISU was down right awful, so people gravitate to a winner.

    I think Iowa's unprecedented success over the last three seasons has taken fans away from UNI football. People love being in Iowa City on gameday. It's exciting and they are playing (most weekends) Big Ten teams with 'name recognition' for even the most casual fans.

    Even if ISU doesn't win, they bring in the Oklahoma's, Texas's, Nebraska's and A&M's of the world and people want to see those teams play live and in person. It's an easier sell than McNeese State, Northwestern State or Northern Michigan.

    Now, that being said, a family of four can get season tickets to UNI football for $100. (at least they ran that promotion a couple of seasons ago) There isn't a better deal out there for good family fun. Students get in FREE with their student ID and the general public can get tickets at $12 for GA tickets (I think). People looking for good quality football and family fun should take advantage of UNI sports. More students need to get involved from a fan perspective. Student apathy is one of my most passionate topics. There is a good core group of student fans on campus...but it needs to expand to include more. Also, UNI Alums need to quit subsidizing Iowa and ISU's athletic department with their ticket revenue. Drive back to CF on a weekend and tailgate, call other friends and have a reunion of sorts and attend the football games. $100 season tickets for a family of four. You can't beat that! 6 games, 4 tickets each game, 24 tickets...that's $4.17 per ticket. You can't get into a movie that cheap anymore!!!

    GO PANTHERS!!!
    "10% of life is what happens to you, 90% is how you react to what happens."

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    • #3
      When I was a young kid in Cedar Falls I remember the Dome being packed and electric when Terry Allen was the head coach. People loved the chuck-it-up offense that could light up the scoreboard for 50 on any given night.

      Comment

      • #4
        Interesting approach by SIU athletics: Drive For 25

        http://siusalukis.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061605aaa.html


        The goal of the campaign is to increase the number of Saluki football season-ticket holders to the 2,500 mark prior to the 2005 season.

        Current season ticket holders are being offered incentives to recruit friends and neighbors to buy season tickets....
        The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice, clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him, and consumes his foes on every side; His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles; the mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim His righteousness and all peoples will see His glory.

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        • #5
          I never go to games alone.....

          Always bring as many people with you as possible.....
          "We're not an ordinary school," said Fort. "We have tradition. We have a good team year after year. We rebuild, and it doesn't matter who we have coming back."

          dti

          Comment

          • #6
            Yeah I remember some exciting games when TA was there to but I am just saying the Dome doesnt even hold 17,000, I see where they have more then that go to the spring games at IC sometimes.

            I just havent seen to many sell outs is all, and I have been to alot of games.

            Well to say the least sold out or not its still a great time, I think one of the best ones i can remember was just a couple years ago when UNI came from a behind to win against SIU in the fourth to win the Gateway !
            Feel the Power of Purple !!!!!!

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by Panthers to the Bone
              Interesting approach by SIU athletics: Drive For 25

              http://siusalukis.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061605aaa.html


              The goal of the campaign is to increase the number of Saluki football season-ticket holders to the 2,500 mark prior to the 2005 season.

              Current season ticket holders are being offered incentives to recruit friends and neighbors to buy season tickets....
              I see one of the prizes offered are tickets to the UNI game!!

              peace

              igo4uni
              peace

              igo4uni

              Comment

              • #8
                I have always wondered what it would take to consistently sell out the UNI-Dome for football. I remember how cool it was a few years back when there were a few sell outs.

                It's hard to fault the University. They offer inexpensive tickets, promote the games on local media, and provide great facilities.

                The local media (especially the Waterloo Courier) does a very good job of covering the team, in my opinion. They do a good job of letting people know about the team and when and where they play.

                I think it comes down to the Hawks and the fact that people want to see a winner. We can't do anything about the Hawks, but if we can put a consistent team on the field that challenges regularly for the national title, I think the fans will come. Just my opinion. Let me know what you think.

                peace

                igo4uni
                peace

                igo4uni

                Comment

                • #9
                  I was just offered tickets to see Iowa vs. ISU this year and declined. My friend asked, "how can you turn down tickets for this game?" I replied, "because UNI is playing". I explained that I am loyal to the purple and gold and while this may be a big in-state game there is no atmosphere like the dome. After my friend asked me 2-3 more times I asked him, "didn't you graduate from UNI?" He replied, "yes". I said, "how could you turn down tickets to this game?"

                  We fill the dome by talking about it and bringing friends. Once they go they are hooked. I agree marketing is doing a great job and this is a great value.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    I've said it before, I'll say it again... we just have to keep at it. The biggest thing moving in UNI's favor is the unprecedented success of their men's basketball team, making people all over the state (even in Iowa City) take notice. I really think this will affect our standing in the state, and the biggest thing it might do is make our all-important student body take notice. The marketing department does a good job of making UNI athletics accessible, so I say just give it time.

                    "Once it starts, it never ends."
                    -Eldon Miller

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