East side concessions

[WASU 93]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

[appgrad95&97]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s a typical crowd was in the neighborhood of 12-15k. There's really not room in the concourses for tables like that now with the attendance double that.

[bigdaddyg]

Seems almost too easy to set up a few tent locations with a simple walk up deal to sell water and just sodas. Spread them out on the endzone concourse. No way I’m missing half a quarter for a diet soda.

[AppSt94]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s a typical crowd was in the neighborhood of 12-15k. There's really not room in the concourses for tables like that now with the attendance double that.

People also carried cash.

[AppSt94]

Seems almost too easy to set up a few tent locations with a simple walk up deal to sell water and just sodas. Spread them out on the endzone concourse. No way I’m missing half a quarter for a diet soda.

Or maybe on the south endzone where it is more open for lines and people can see the game action.

[NewApp]

Must not have been as bad as it sounds. There was more beer being consumed around me in 212 or whatever than in the average tavern. They did not seem to have minded missing action from the field..

[APPChad90]

I see no reason they can’t set up some additional point of sale locations with tents and tables on the South end zone side that offer soft drinks, ice and peanuts. As mentioned, have tables with cups already lined up and filled with ice. This was was the norm back in the day and other schools like NC State still do similar. Keep it simple at these added locations. I know I would have no problem walking the added distance for quicker service and the ability to still follow the action. It’s all the stuff like nachos and the warm items that seem to keep lines from moving. Too much money is being lost. I surely hope some effort is made to solve these issues instead of adding menu items. I have no complaints about using the restrooms except negotiating the ridiculous concession congestion. We can be better and more efficient.

[Deano]

On a positive note, I have noticed and used some of the extra porta pottys that they have put under the concourses, that was very convenient. I noticed some of the concessions windows were not even open. I don't know if they just don't have the man power to staff all of the concessions, but look around in every city there are help wanted signs so I am not sure there is a quick answer.

[HighlandsApp]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s a typical crowd was in the neighborhood of 12-15k. There's really not room in the concourses for tables like that now with the attendance double that.

There isn't room for BOTH bathrooms and concessions under the West stands period. There has not been room for both since the athletic center building was built. Concessions need to move to the loop or build bigger bathrooms back there where the current ones are.

[bcoach]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s a typical crowd was in the neighborhood of 12-15k. There's really not room in the concourses for tables like that now with the attendance double that.

People also carried cash.

They need to again because those that don't are part of the problem.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

Lines would move quicker if the workers didn't have to disappoint people by telling them "We have Pepsi products".

[bcoach]

What is really embarrassing is that we have majors that can solve many of our problems. Do we use them? I hope not because if we do our programs must not have much value. Have we approached hospitality about our concession problems? Have we put the business school on ticketing and marketing? Again I hope not as that would be a reflection on our value. It is long past time to use the resources we have under our noses. Continuing to accept things as they are encourages those in charge to leave things as they are. Can you imagine an ag school with a dirt field? If we really want to be big time we need to act like it. We want bigger crowds but we can't handle what we have. We need to bring our off field up to the quality of our on field. Now you can take this as a rant and bring up a million excuses, or see it as a problem that needs to get solved.

[Cro-Magnon App]

Smugglers arise! Now the weather is chilly and the heavy jackets are out, it’s easy to bring in anything you want - an entire cache of goodies and whiskey.

[NewApp]

I see no reason they can’t set up some additional point of sale locations with tents and tables on the South end zone side that offer soft drinks, ice and peanuts. As mentioned, have tables with cups already lined up and filled with ice. This was was the norm back in the day and other schools like NC State still do similar. Keep it simple at these added locations. I know I would have no problem walking the added distance for quicker service and the ability to still follow the action. It’s all the stuff like nachos and the warm items that seem to keep lines from moving. Too much money is being lost. I surely hope some effort is made to solve these issues instead of adding menu items. I have no complaints about using the restrooms except negotiating the ridiculous concession congestion. We can be better and more efficient.

True, but they had many food trucks or vans and two or three tents with mucho beer.

[Rekdiver]

Have none of you seen the “help wanted” signs all over Watauga County? You can’t find people to work the concessions we have!

[WASU 93]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s a typical crowd was in the neighborhood of 12-15k. There's really not room in the concourses for tables like that now with the attendance double that.

Sure there is. If you make a more efficient line, you remove people out of other lines and make more room. Plus, we have many more concessions windows/food trucks, etc. You could set it up in front of the scoreboard for that matter. You asked for an answer, than immediately shot it down.

[WataugaMan]

Queuing Theory

[AppYosef!]

Totally agree with all these sentiments. Things like this have gone on long enough! The trend has been in relation to changes and progression only concerned with Big changes and Big money correlating with Big debt.

No attention to volume business and small quality. The lost revenue really does add up as well as the impact it has on returning fans and guest. The PTB need to learn to understand the smaller back burner issues with attention to detail. These things can have simple solutions/ easy fixes. The price gouging is irrelevant when no one is tempted to make a purchase due to missing the event they are there for in the first place. That's why people say I can watch from home and enjoy the game. This is why the stands look empty for periods of time during the game. Professional sports have venders selling in the stands to offset this as well as more access per capacity. If you go to the game make preparations and enjoy the game. Maybe someday they will realize the lost revenue and do something about it. If we ever add more seats they need to consider more concessions, more bathrooms, walk path design and sensible pricing first and foremost.

Like what?

I've suggested this before: Back in the late 80's/early 90's there were long wooden tables full of small (16 oz, I believe) Souvenir cups with Ice (and they may have already been filled with Coke/Sprite, etc). As you walked in under the West Concourse, you veered to the right, picked up a cup, paid in Cash and went to your seat.

There's no reason these stations can't be set up under each concourse, cash only (yes, it's old school) with Coke/Diet Coke and water bottles. No one would ever stand in line longer than 5 minutes.

Also, Drink Vendors in the stands (although I hate the distraction) could be a possible solution.

For the record, my 10-year-old wanted Pizza yesterday. So, we headed down from the East Grandstands, saw the Stephen Jones TD. Hit the bathrooms under the East Side (concession lines were minimal at that time), walked over to the Hungry Howie's Food Truck, Stood in line during the band performance, grabbed a $10 Pepperoni Pizza and were back in our seats comfortably before the second half kick.

Back in the late 80s and early 90s a typical crowd was in the neighborhood of 12-15k. There's really not room in the concourses for tables like that now with the attendance double that.

Actually during the late 80s and early 90s we were regularly getting around 20,000 per game and at times closer to 25,000. Concessions were run much better. For some reason it takes a long time to serve each customer even without having to count change. Should not take more than 60 seconds to fill any order with the limited options available.

[TractorApp]

How about this:

* $20/hour for concessions workers, 6 hour minimum, 1:30 to 7:30
* All cash and all items $5. No change, you bring cash and if you got a $10 buy two items. A $20, buy 4 items. Making even simple change calculations takes time for the math challenged.
* seperate tables on hill for water only, pepsi only, candy, nuts, and popcorn only
* no nachos or hot dogs. Nothing that takes time to prepare.

There, I have reduced wait times by 75%. Putting my 1982 degree in business to use. No charge to App Athletics because I love my school. And I want to enjoy some M & Ms at games.

[AppSt94]

So you want to pay $5 for M&Ms?