What happened to our fanbase?

[Seattleapp]

Attended the Idaho Homecoming game and took a friend. I talked up our crowd and how loud Kidd Brewer stadium was. Despite the less than impressive crowd, watching the legions of "fans" leave during halftime of a 10-6 game was disheartening to say the least. What happened to the loud, educated, focused crowd we used to have?

[Gonzo]

Homecoming attendees are always lamer and Saturday was abruptly cold. It was in the 70s all week up until Friday night.

It ain't what it used to be, but I'm not going to panic about our atmosphere. You got unlucky taking your friend to this particular game.

[CornCobPipes]

I agree......it's gotten to where you don't know what to expect from one week to the next.

[mtnjax]

Homecoming crowd is always the worst. There is always going to be a large group of people leaving at halftime to go do other things, regardless of how the game is going. i'm surprised more didn't leave with the new style of Homecoming court introduced this year.

[Seattleapp]

I was shocked at how dead the atmosphere was

[TractorApp]

One thing missing now is the leadership of Ken Peacock. I remember how involved he was with the game day experience. He was our biggest fan and students and alumni rallied around his leadership.

[AppinVA]

One thing missing now is the leadership of Ken Peacock. I remember how involved he was with the game day experience. He was our biggest fan and students and alumni rallied around his leadership.

You may have hit the nail on the head. I realize it's not Dr. Everet's job to be the head cheerleader (at least like Uncle Ken), but if we can somehow find a way to recreate his spirit, it may improve. Before he became chancellor, the game day experience was worse than bland, and it became great because of Peacock.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

It isn't just because it was homecoming. The atmosphere has been on a decline over the past few years. There just isn't that "I don't give a damn if I lose my voice" mentality by many people anymore.

[PhillyApp1]

I used to lose my voice but now music has given my voice back......AND I DON'T LIKE IT !!!!!!

[CornCobPipes]

Crowds are starting to act like wine and cheese crowd at tarhole carolina.

[PhillyApp1]

Amen, cornpipes....

I fear a tarhole malaise taking over.

[97grad]

Homecoming attendees are always lamer and Saturday was abruptly cold. It was in the 70s all week up until Friday night.

It ain't what it used to be, but I'm not going to panic about our atmosphere. You got unlucky taking your friend to this particular game.

This. Homecoming plus (unexpected) cold = a tame crowd. I'm also tired of hearing about people leaving. This is a "problem" nearly all schools have. Be glad they bothered to come out to begin with.

[ASUGrad2014]

Crowds have been pretty lame all year... Yes there have been a lot of people at Kidd Brewer (Miami) but it seems like fans don't want to stand up and cheer like they did in the last few years.

[PhillyApp1]

So people agree the crowd has changed..... could music blasting be killing enthusiasm??
I say YES

[luvyosef]

The era of "entertain me now" plays a lot to the overall feel, especially the college kids or the recent college attendees. There were about six around me and the girls, IIRC, never talked about the game although one gave her opinion about a certain sexual act and I was like "REALLY?"

I'm no prude but I am just thankful no children were around to hear that. I think the cold weather had a lot to do with it. October is supposed to be cool yes, but yesterday felt like December. Brought back 2014 South Alabama memories and that was a 6pm start. Go Apps!

[luvyosef]

Homecoming crowd is always the worst. There is always going to be a large group of people leaving at halftime to go do other things, regardless of how the game is going. i'm surprised more didn't leave with the new style of Homecoming court introduced this year.

So is the title "Homecoming Queen" now offensive? I didn't get what the PA dude was saying but I was scratching my head?

[PhillyApp1]

Yes, they have decided the title is offensive... head of student union and alumni association made the decision.

[luvyosef]

Yes, they have decided the title is offensive... head of student union and alumni association made the decision.

Do we any "safe places" on campus in case......nope, I'm shutting up. Unreal.

Edit- after reading the "Changes to HC format" doesn't grate me as much. Just seems weird after years and years. Oh well, guess I'm an old man in a young world.

[appchicago]

Hate to say it, and I wasn't at this game, but might our style of play this year have something to do with it? The first half, especially, just wasn't very exciting. Not even in a "we might lose this" kind of way. I never felt like defeat was a looming threat, but I also didn't see. If explosive plays from our offense or defense.

Now, the second half changed that, but I'm sure by then the crowd was thinner. Several folks I know left at half because trey had young kids with them. We didn't go for the same reason: babies. I've heard that mentioned as a possible cause for flagging crowds: that our most excited football-loving alumni have young families. There might be something to that. Anecdotally, I can say that the reason I don't have season tickets is because it just doesn't make sense with two kids under 3.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

Hate to say it, and I wasn't at this game, but might our style of play this year have something to do with it? The first half, especially, just wasn't very exciting. Not even in a "we might lose this" kind of way. I never felt like defeat was a looming threat, but I also didn't see. If explosive plays from our offense or defense.

Now, the second half changed that, but I'm sure by then the crowd was thinner. Several folks I know left at half because trey had young kids with them. We didn't go for the same reason: babies. I've heard that mentioned as a possible cause for flagging crowds: that our most excited football-loving alumni have young families. There might be something to that. Anecdotally, I can say that the reason I don't have season tickets is because it just doesn't make sense with two kids under 3.

To expand on your point...We aren't the most exciting team to watch by most football fans standards. We run the ball a lot, and that might bore some people (casual fans).