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Let me first start off by saying that I have obviously been a fervent Panther supporter for many years. I would like to think I have a considerable amount of level headed, and yet admittedly optimistic, posts over the course of the 11+ years I've been affiliated with this message board. I would imagine it's hard to find many pessimistic posts with my name to it. So, understand that as I proceed to make the following statements.
I am well aware of the budget situation at UNI. TD and his staff have made some incredibly difficult decisions over the years. I respect him and the entire AD for that. Because of his leadership, insight, and enthusiasm donors are opening their pocket books up more, buying tickets at all time levels, and general total athletics interest has grown.
Something that needs to be addressed, however, is the single game marketing. I don't think you will find many more connected and passionate fans than myself (as is probably the case with most on this website), and I find it hard to see and hear game promotions for upcoming events. I don't hear a build up on tv, radio, or social media. Admittedly, I'm not a print subscriber, but I do read most of the online sports sections that cover UNI athletics. I'm disappointed that there doesn't seem to be much buzz being created for students attending the SFA game Tuesday. This is our only ESPN2 home game all year! I get that it's a unique time, but if there aren't students there, the place will be tempered down in enthusiasm. I think season ticket holders will show up, but we don't know that yet. The best chance for atmosphere and butts in seats is from the students for this game...and I would hope there is more than just President Ruud handing out doughnuts (good start).
As a season ticket holder (and one who has been a strong encourager of getting fans to participate in this as well), I get to the games b/c I'm engaged and I know when game times/dates are. But I'm a die hard fan. They announced a Tuesday game once on Saturday during the game. No video promotion. There was no mention (to my knowledge) of the basketball games while at the last home football game (video wise). There is no build up whatsoever. You have a quality product that sells itself, but it has to be able to catch the eye/ear of the casual fans.
The progress made in season ticket sales has been phenomenal, but it can't stop there. It needs to be built up on a game by game basis and through tv, radio, print, and especially nowadays, social media. There hasn't been anything on social media from UNI athletics and we are less than 36 hours from game time! Please, UNI marketing, do what you can to build these single game events up. Yes, there is a difference between Dubuque and SFA...so please emphasize the importance of this/these games.
Anyway, I needed to get this off my chest. The AD has come a long way and I'm only bringing this to light because I'm so passionate about the university, athletics, and personal connections/history I have with it. Please take this less as criticism and more and constructive feedback...the fans aren't seeing the single game emphasis/attention.
I am well aware of the budget situation at UNI. TD and his staff have made some incredibly difficult decisions over the years. I respect him and the entire AD for that. Because of his leadership, insight, and enthusiasm donors are opening their pocket books up more, buying tickets at all time levels, and general total athletics interest has grown.
Something that needs to be addressed, however, is the single game marketing. I don't think you will find many more connected and passionate fans than myself (as is probably the case with most on this website), and I find it hard to see and hear game promotions for upcoming events. I don't hear a build up on tv, radio, or social media. Admittedly, I'm not a print subscriber, but I do read most of the online sports sections that cover UNI athletics. I'm disappointed that there doesn't seem to be much buzz being created for students attending the SFA game Tuesday. This is our only ESPN2 home game all year! I get that it's a unique time, but if there aren't students there, the place will be tempered down in enthusiasm. I think season ticket holders will show up, but we don't know that yet. The best chance for atmosphere and butts in seats is from the students for this game...and I would hope there is more than just President Ruud handing out doughnuts (good start).
As a season ticket holder (and one who has been a strong encourager of getting fans to participate in this as well), I get to the games b/c I'm engaged and I know when game times/dates are. But I'm a die hard fan. They announced a Tuesday game once on Saturday during the game. No video promotion. There was no mention (to my knowledge) of the basketball games while at the last home football game (video wise). There is no build up whatsoever. You have a quality product that sells itself, but it has to be able to catch the eye/ear of the casual fans.
The progress made in season ticket sales has been phenomenal, but it can't stop there. It needs to be built up on a game by game basis and through tv, radio, print, and especially nowadays, social media. There hasn't been anything on social media from UNI athletics and we are less than 36 hours from game time! Please, UNI marketing, do what you can to build these single game events up. Yes, there is a difference between Dubuque and SFA...so please emphasize the importance of this/these games.
Anyway, I needed to get this off my chest. The AD has come a long way and I'm only bringing this to light because I'm so passionate about the university, athletics, and personal connections/history I have with it. Please take this less as criticism and more and constructive feedback...the fans aren't seeing the single game emphasis/attention.
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