Season Tickets - How Are We Doing?

[MJ1988]

I didn't read all the post and I'm not sure how this turned into a discussion on tailgating but here's my two cents. I love to tailgate and have invested in a lot of equipment. I've learned this over the years. Having an elaborate tailgate may not be the best idea. I've found myself spending way too much time and effort setting up my tailgate and too little time enjoying the day with my family and friends. As for time to drink, in my opinion 3 hours is plenty. I would not support tailgating during the game. We need the fans in the stands. I would love to be able to support along tailgating after the game but our crowded parking lots just won't allow it. The folks who want to stay will simply be in the way of those who want to leave. Just a recipe for trouble. I have started making it a point to have my tailgate torn down and finished at least 30 minutes prior to game time. I would encourage all of you to be in your seats at least 15 minutes before kickoff. Our team, the band and all the other folks involved in the game deserve our attention and encouragement. If you look at any of the really big time programs the stands are packed prior to the game. The traditions start early and go on thought out the game.

[APPRIDE]

We had this atmosphere in Boone for brief period. That is Until Charlie called took a page out of in nc state and UNC's book and restricted Tailgate to just 3.5 hours.

Personally, I have a plethora of tailgate accessories that takes a while to pack. In a 3.5 time frame, it almost makes the time packing unpacking and packing it back up not worth it. We like to target getting into the stadium 30 minutes before kickoff to provide for bathroom breaks, concessions, etc so as to not miss kickoff. This means starting to break down tailgate 60-75 minutes prior to kick-off. At some point, my wife and I find ourselves asking is 2 hours of tailgating worth the hassle?

say what? I know several people who start tailgating at 9:00 am for 3:30 games, 8:00 even once or twice...we sometimes start at 10-10:30. I think it's just the drinking that can start only 3.5 hours before kick off ...or am I wrong?

Another point, parking on rivers street inexplicably has been closed between the convo and stadium drive. For what ever reason it seems to always coned off.

I agree this sucks to see rivers street spots unused and "not festive".

Lastly, I would like to know the average distance our season ticket holders travel on gameday? See my 1st point above. "Is it worth it" for a short period of time?[/quote]

almost 2 hours but we don't even notice that part anymore it's just what it has always been...

[AppDawg]

We had this atmosphere in Boone for brief period. That is Until Charlie called took a page out of in nc state and UNC's book and restricted Tailgate to just 3.5 hours.

Personally, I have a plethora of tailgate accessories that takes a while to pack. In a 3.5 time frame, it almost makes the time packing unpacking and packing it back up not worth it. We like to target getting into the stadium 30 minutes before kickoff to provide for bathroom breaks, concessions, etc so as to not miss kickoff. This means starting to break down tailgate 60-75 minutes prior to kick-off. At some point, my wife and I find ourselves asking is 2 hours of tailgating worth the hassle?

say what? I know several people who start tailgating at 9:00 am for 3:30 games, 8:00 even once or twice...we sometimes start at 10-10:30. I think it's just the drinking that can start only 3.5 hours before kick off ...or am I wrong?

Another point, parking on rivers street inexplicably has been closed between the convo and stadium drive. For what ever reason it seems to always coned off.

I agree this sucks to see rivers street spots unused and "not festive".

Lastly, I would like to know the average distance our season ticket holders travel on gameday? See my 1st point above. "Is it worth it" for a short period of time?

almost 2 hours but we don't even notice that part anymore it's just what it has always been...[/quote]

You are right about starting earlier than 3.5 hours. We are often in our spot between 10 and 10:30 becuase of the drive from Raleigh and having to wait on the dog kennel to open Sat Morn. My point was the school makes a point to market 3.5 hours. You have to read the fine print to realize there is a distinction between lots open a d drinking. To those "not in the know" it's 3.5 hours and that has the impact of discouraging participation, which in our position, we should not be doing.

[Appsolutely]

We are a long way from that point, we currently only fund between 60-70% of the scholarship bill depending how you look at it.

Every dollar counts.

Understood, I was just responding to the "I look forward to the day" comment, because I don't think that day is coming.

And frankly, I don't care why people decide to give. I appreciate everyone who donates to YC and really don't think it's any of my business whether they're motivated by altruism or self-interest (or both).

Semantics is probably the problem here. I should have said "I am hoping for" instead of "I am looking forward to." Believe me, I am not holding my breath on this one. These days the prevailing philosophy seems to be "Me-ism"... the "if it doesn't affect/benefit me personally, I don't give a rat's ass" attitude. I don't look for that to change among our alumni, or in society, in general.

My guess is that the folks who are more motivated by the desire to support the athletic program and the student-athletes than by what food the YC serves at the Quinn Center on game days, or what the gift is in the membership packets, will be more likely to be long-term supporters and more likely to increase their giving level. I can't prove that, but I believe it.

But if some folks view a Yosef Club donation just like buying any other product, then so be it. We'll take their money all day long.

[MJ1988]

We had this atmosphere in Boone for brief period. That is Until Charlie called took a page out of in nc state and UNC's book and restricted Tailgate to just 3.5 hours.

Personally, I have a plethora of tailgate accessories that takes a while to pack. In a 3.5 time frame, it almost makes the time packing unpacking and packing it back up not worth it. We like to target getting into the stadium 30 minutes before kickoff to provide for bathroom breaks, concessions, etc so as to not miss kickoff. This means starting to break down tailgate 60-75 minutes prior to kick-off. At some point, my wife and I find ourselves asking is 2 hours of tailgating worth the hassle?

say what? I know several people who start tailgating at 9:00 am for 3:30 games, 8:00 even once or twice...we sometimes start at 10-10:30. I think it's just the drinking that can start only 3.5 hours before kick off ...or am I wrong?

Another point, parking on rivers street inexplicably has been closed between the convo and stadium drive. For what ever reason it seems to always coned off.

I agree this sucks to see rivers street spots unused and "not festive".

Lastly, I would like to know the average distance our season ticket holders travel on gameday? See my 1st point above. "Is it worth it" for a short period of time?

almost 2 hours but we don't even notice that part anymore it's just what it has always been...[/quote]



Pride, I'm a lot like you. 30 minutes to set up and 30 minutes to tear down. You can be in your spot much earlier than 1:00 or 3.5 hrs before game time. I'm usually in my spot by 10:00am for a 3:30 game. I don't like to set up for less than 4 hrs.

[Gonzo]

The cops generally don't bother alums, but they terrorize the student lot. They don't even open Raley to students prior to noon. They ticket every violation they can muster, no warnings.

Just a symptom of a college town that hates its college.

Relieving Barney Fife of his Saturday duties would be the most effective way to help our tailgating scene. I'm not saying it should go completely un policed, but bringing in the cavalry from across the State to monetarily exploit our students (and that is what they're doing) is excessive. One agency can handle it. Stop calling in the ALE.

There is no evidence to suggest relaxing enforcement and eliminating timing rules would lead to puking drunks shouting at your children.

[Saint3333]

I've been in the justice lot at noon for a night game.

[appsfan]

We normally hit our lot 9:30 to 10am for a 3:30 game. It takes 10 to 20 minutes to set up and about 15 to break it down. We try to head into the stadium about an hour before kick off to give us time to not have to rush in and also to enjoy the pregame activities.

[fjblair]

Just like the cups and ice debacle we need to roll back the overreaching restrictions on tailgating that Cobb put in place.

[appbio91]

It never really occurred to me but we did have better tailgates back when there was more open parking. We used to park over behind the post office and had a blast. Sometimes we had people with us that did not have tickets and they would just hang out and listen on the radio. No storm troopers ever came to sweep the lot.

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[bcoach]

Am I dreaming or was the conversation a couple years ago how Charlie had improved tailgating?

[Saint3333]

Am I dreaming or was the conversation a couple years ago how Charlie had improved tailgating?

Charlie improved a good many areas when he took over, but the bar was set pretty low.

As for tailgating there were no restrictions on hours the first couple years (2005-2008), then the Halloween game happened and fans complained how intoxicated the students (and maybe some non-students) were getting. That's when the CLASS system started. We were getting a little too rowdy, dare I say developing a GS type reputation from other fan bases.

There is a happy medium. If you get there early, pour it in a cup and don't be obnoxious during your time there.

[AppAlum1]

The cops generally don't bother alums, but they terrorize the student lot. They don't even open Raley to students prior to noon. They ticket every violation they can muster, no warnings.

Just a symptom of a college town that hates its college.

Relieving Barney Fife of his Saturday duties would be the most effective way to help our tailgating scene. I'm not saying it should go completely un policed, but bringing in the cavalry from across the State to monetarily exploit our students (and that is what they're doing) is excessive. One agency can handle it. Stop calling in the ALE.

There is no evidence to suggest relaxing enforcement and eliminating timing rules would lead to puking drunks shouting at your children.

Gonzo:

Just a different viewpoint. Three years ago, I too parked in the Raley lot.

I never saw Barney Fife give anyone a hard time or a ticket, much less the ALE. Never saw drunks shouting at my kids (if they did, they'd probably get their head handed to them). Never saw puking drunks either.

But, I personally did not like all the drunk students. Drunk alums are different ... more reserved & refined. Drunk students are loud and leave trash everywhere.

Maybe that was the problem. With some self-policing, the real police would have nothing to do.

Last couple years, I requested a move to the Duncan lot. No problems with drunk students there. When the police come by, we are all real nice to them.

So, I guess what I am saying is instead of complaining about Barney, maybe the drunk students should just behave and act like adults.

[BlueCreekAppFan]

Just secured my first pair of season tickets since 1984. (Moved out of area for way too long.) Was amazed at the quality of seats available. I plan to hold on the these for a long time. Wake me up when it's September.

[JTApps1]

The cops generally don't bother alums, but they terrorize the student lot. They don't even open Raley to students prior to noon. They ticket every violation they can muster, no warnings.

Just a symptom of a college town that hates its college.

Relieving Barney Fife of his Saturday duties would be the most effective way to help our tailgating scene. I'm not saying it should go completely un policed, but bringing in the cavalry from across the State to monetarily exploit our students (and that is what they're doing) is excessive. One agency can handle it. Stop calling in the ALE.

There is no evidence to suggest relaxing enforcement and eliminating timing rules would lead to puking drunks shouting at your children.

Gonzo:

Just a different viewpoint. Three years ago, I too parked in the Raley lot.

I never saw Barney Fife give anyone a hard time or a ticket, much less the ALE. Never saw drunks shouting at my kids (if they did, they'd probably get their head handed to them). Never saw puking drunks either.

But, I personally did not like all the drunk students. Drunk alums are different ... more reserved & refined. Drunk students are loud and leave trash everywhere.

Maybe that was the problem. With some self-policing, the real police would have nothing to do.

Last couple years, I requested a move to the Duncan lot. No problems with drunk students there. When the police come by, we are all real nice to them.

So, I guess what I am saying is instead of complaining about Barney, maybe the drunk students should just behave and act like adults.

A few years back I had two friends get drinking tickets in Raley because they had liquor. They had solo cups and the bottle was in the trunk out of sight. Neither one had even finished half their drink and they were both sitting and talking with several of us. These were both alumni who were keeping to themselves. Two undercover ALE officers walked up to them and asked what they were drinking then showed their badge once they told them.

Meanwhile in the student section of their lot there was a huge party with people openly funneling beer. Nobody said a word to the students while my friends got a ticket. We asked if they were going to walk through the stadium lot and they just changed the subject and walked away. These type of rules/laws and their unjust enforcement are an issue. Im all for keeping people who are getting rowdy in check, but people that are being responsible shouldn't have to worry about going to court. Especially when liqour is served in the Club Room and in the suites.

[NewApp]

The cops generally don't bother alums, but they terrorize the student lot. They don't even open Raley to students prior to noon. They ticket every violation they can muster, no warnings.

Just a symptom of a college town that hates its college.

Relieving Barney Fife of his Saturday duties would be the most effective way to help our tailgating scene. I'm not saying it should go completely un policed, but bringing in the cavalry from across the State to monetarily exploit our students (and that is what they're doing) is excessive. One agency can handle it. Stop calling in the ALE.

There is no evidence to suggest relaxing enforcement and eliminating timing rules would lead to puking drunks shouting at your children.

Gonzo:

Just a different viewpoint. Three years ago, I too parked in the Raley lot.

I never saw Barney Fife give anyone a hard time or a ticket, much less the ALE. Never saw drunks shouting at my kids (if they did, they'd probably get their head handed to them). Never saw puking drunks either.

But, I personally did not like all the drunk students. Drunk alums are different ... more reserved & refined. Drunk students are loud and leave trash everywhere.

Maybe that was the problem. With some self-policing, the real police would have nothing to do.

Last couple years, I requested a move to the Duncan lot. No problems with drunk students there. When the police come by, we are all real nice to them.

So, I guess what I am saying is instead of complaining about Barney, maybe the drunk students should just behave and act like adults.

Good post.

[AppDawg]

The cops generally don't bother alums, but they terrorize the student lot. They don't even open Raley to students prior to noon. They ticket every violation they can muster, no warnings.

Just a symptom of a college town that hates its college.

Relieving Barney Fife of his Saturday duties would be the most effective way to help our tailgating scene. I'm not saying it should go completely un policed, but bringing in the cavalry from across the State to monetarily exploit our students (and that is what they're doing) is excessive. One agency can handle it. Stop calling in the ALE.

There is no evidence to suggest relaxing enforcement and eliminating timing rules would lead to puking drunks shouting at your children.

Gonzo:

Just a different viewpoint. Three years ago, I too parked in the Raley lot.

I never saw Barney Fife give anyone a hard time or a ticket, much less the ALE. Never saw drunks shouting at my kids (if they did, they'd probably get their head handed to them). Never saw puking drunks either.

But, I personally did not like all the drunk students. Drunk alums are different ... more reserved & refined. Drunk students are loud and leave trash everywhere.

Maybe that was the problem. With some self-policing, the real police would have nothing to do.

Last couple years, I requested a move to the Duncan lot. No problems with drunk students there. When the police come by, we are all real nice to them.

So, I guess what I am saying is instead of complaining about Barney, maybe the drunk students should just behave and act like adults.

A few years back I had two friends get drinking tickets in Raley because they had liquor. They had solo cups and the bottle was in the trunk out of sight. Neither one had even finished half their drink and they were both sitting and talking with several of us. These were both alumni who were keeping to themselves. Two undercover ALE officers walked up to them and asked what they were drinking then showed their badge once they told them.

Meanwhile in the student section of their lot there was a huge party with people openly funneling beer. Nobody said a word to the students while my friends got a ticket. We asked if they were going to walk through the stadium lot and they just changed the subject and walked away. These type of rules/laws and their unjust enforcement are an issue. Im all for keeping people who are getting rowdy in check, but people that are being responsible shouldn't have to worry about going to court. Especially when liqour is served in the Club Room and in the suites.

Have witnessed a similar situation to this play out as well first hand. Only we were drinking beer, standing in grass and a couple of us just happened to have a singular foot on the sidewalk (standing in a semi-circle minding our own business). Upon asking the same question about the students openly walking around with liquer bottles the cops ignored us. When they left they went in the opposite direction from the student shenannigans. Was obvious to us they were targeting contributing alumni and not the students.

Further, I respect law enforcement and they have a difficult job. However, the 2 we encountered that day were arrogant and rude. Very short with us and certainly did not represent Boone and the High Country very well.

[proasu89]

Just secured my first pair of season tickets since 1984. (Moved out of area for way too long.) Was amazed at the quality of seats available. I plan to hold on the these for a long time. Wake me up when it's September.

Welcome back!

[3rd]

It seems each of us have our different stories but the same issue keeps arising. Their is a mentality that needs to be toned down. Let people have a good time if people are getting out of hand step in it is not hard. I mean I have seen ASU police drive against traffic pull up on the sidewalk jump out of the car and chase a student to get him a jay-walking ticket when their weren't any cars close to him crossing the street. These are the type of experiences that can turn a student away from becoming an alum.

[Gonzo]

The cops generally don't bother alums, but they terrorize the student lot. They don't even open Raley to students prior to noon. They ticket every violation they can muster, no warnings.

Just a symptom of a college town that hates its college.

Relieving Barney Fife of his Saturday duties would be the most effective way to help our tailgating scene. I'm not saying it should go completely un policed, but bringing in the cavalry from across the State to monetarily exploit our students (and that is what they're doing) is excessive. One agency can handle it. Stop calling in the ALE.

There is no evidence to suggest relaxing enforcement and eliminating timing rules would lead to puking drunks shouting at your children.

Gonzo:

Just a different viewpoint. Three years ago, I too parked in the Raley lot.

I never saw Barney Fife give anyone a hard time or a ticket, much less the ALE. Never saw drunks shouting at my kids (if they did, they'd probably get their head handed to them). Never saw puking drunks either.

But, I personally did not like all the drunk students. Drunk alums are different ... more reserved & refined. Drunk students are loud and leave trash everywhere.

Maybe that was the problem. With some self-policing, the real police would have nothing to do.

Last couple years, I requested a move to the Duncan lot. No problems with drunk students there. When the police come by, we are all real nice to them.

So, I guess what I am saying is instead of complaining about Barney, maybe the drunk students should just behave and act like adults.

It seems a few people have posted stories more similar to what I've experienced after you posted this. I see ALE almost every game. I'm with Big C's group, which has a wonderful relationship with law enforcement, but until I graduated from App in 2011 I recall being hounded frequently by ALE and police at Raley. I never got a ticket (in this context), but several friends, acquaintances, and other people I observed were cited and even arrested. Keep in mind that was back before the tailgate became, apparently, lame. I haven't been to the student lot in five seasons. People at Big C's have been ticketed for having a single foot on the side walk. I've seen people ticketed for having an open beer as they walked from one lot to the next.

Everyone is different. I'm sure I could find some drunk alums that would make the drunkest student seem like a pillar of society. The Jort Nation tailgated every home game in Raley for years when we were in college and I never witnessed a fight, a public puking, or anything besides a typical jeering of an away team fan and general increase of the collective volume. You're probably right, generally, about the relative behavior of students vs. alums. I was just offering what I thought would be the best solution to what we were discussing: how to address people's complaints about the tailgate being more lame these days than it used to. I'm sure most people complaining on the thread are not students, but alums, who feel that their experience has declined as a result of the increased presence of law enforcement.

Again, I'm not suggesting we don't police our campus on game day, but I've been to many college and NFL football games, concerts, festivals, craft beer events, etc and I've never seen more police officers per-capita than the presence they hold in Boone, NC gameday. And I don't think rolling the 3-hour rule to a 5 or 6 hour rule would change the collective BAC all that much.