Chattanooga Tailgate - Best in UNI history?

[CF Panther]

Alot of great ideas. We have been tailgating at UNI for 17 years and Homecoming this has been the best turn out ever. We were in the purple lot. A very good turn out.

Here is a question for the PN students. Why don't more students go to the games? The season ticket side is pretty much full every game. Isn't it free?

It is "free"...sort of. They build the fee into student fees, so we do indirectly pay, but it is not a choice. I think a lot of the problem stems from the fact that students are used to going home on the weekends at UNI. That and the fact that many are still Cyclone or Hawk fans that came to UNI for an education, but still pull for the "bad guys". With this year's success and the buzz it created; I have a feeling things might be different in the future. We must remember that we are in an interesting position though having 2 decent IA programs within an hour and a half drive of Cedar Falls. I can sometimes see students perspective that want to go to Kinnick or Trice though too. I mean I personally would rather see Nebraska, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, etc. than Missouri State, Illinois State, Indiana State, etc...

[Dome fan]

cf panther, I agree with you 95%. All very good points. But I personally would not rather see Nebraska, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, etc. I am not realy a "football" fan just a UNI football fan.

I sure hope with the GREAT season the panthers had this year that next year we'll have more folks at the games.

[UNI MadCat]

Well, someone needs to get on it about these ideas.

I think dedicated students do have the ability to get this done. They need to work in conjunction with those that control the lots to make this happen. I think it would be great to get a radio station on board that will come out to the lot for every game in that area. Live bands would be good too. Many radio stations know of local bands that will come out and perform for free.

I think the key is the marketing of it. You cant really leave it up to the school to market this b/c tailgating=alcohol=bad rep.

Man, I wish I was still there, I would be all over this. I hope some of you students on this board will be.

What always bothered me while I was at UNI was my friends from Iowa and ISU who would be like, "Dude, tailgating ROCKS at UNI for homecoming." DUHH!!! Why can't it ROCK every game??? I always thought that was proof that it could have. Our house was always full homecoming weekend with Iowa and ISU people who came up for the party so we know the potential is there.

[JayJ79]

I think it would be great to get a radio station on board that will come out to the lot for every game in that area.

I know 108 is out in the parking lot for each home game already. perhaps they would be willing to get involved if something did come together (though I'd best be careful mentioning radio stations... )

[MGLD Panther]

I know 108 is out in the parking lot for each home game already. perhaps they would be willing to get involved if something did come together (though I'd best be careful mentioning radio stations... )

I worked for The Hog/KCRR/KOEL radio group about 10 years ago and we tried that then. We actually lined up all of the station trucks along the sidewalk along the old gold lot. Not very productive! This was back in the day when radio stations weren't all run by a couple of companies.

I was at the Hog when Jeff Linn was there, when Bucky started, remember Turkey? I actually have an old Hog Station Letter Jacket that I would sell! Any takers?

[ralph]

I loved the streamers! Nice touch!

I was having flashbacks from the previous year and JMU... looked exactly the same!

[UNI MadCat]

I think the key is everything has to start from somewhere. I think a lot of times (especially when finances are an issue) people "throw stuff against a wall to see what sticks" and then if it doesn't have an immediate impact, its done. The truth is, this is something that a group of people need to take part in that are committed to more than one year. You have to build a base and grow it the next year.

And there is no better year to capitalize than after the run to the Championship. I think of how big soccer was after the World Cup in the US in 1994 and how MLS missed the boat by not getting started until 1996. Not exactly the same but shows why you need to strike while the iron is hot.

[UNI MadCat]

I was having flashbacks from the previous year and JMU... looked exactly the same!

Teams with Purple know how to do it up in style.

Next year we'll come over at like 4 a.m. and do every tree in that lot!!!