attendance today

[luvyosef]

It's the economy. Truth hurts unfortunately. And the students leaving/never showing up, that is going to be a given at any school.

[Kgfish]

IMO, we don't have a great fan base. IF we did there would be just as many people in the stands at the end of the game as when it started and they would be there early. We have a core of about 15K who will come regardless of the record or the weather. The rest are split between the band-wagoners who only like it when we win and it isn't too cold or who are there for the meet and greet then head for the gates at the half to hit the parties and the first to the restaurant crowd. When you're winning you have supporters. When you lose you have fans.

Come on Fish - that's an awfully broad statement - I am happy for you that you can make every game and stay until the end - IT DOES NOT MEAN THOSE WHO WEREN'T THERE SATURDAY ARE NOT HARD CORE FANS - Don't think Moose was there? - our 6, who have only missed a handful of games in the last 12 years, weren't there - how many other families had conflicts and couldn't get there? - how many had to leave early for reasons other than restaurant reservations? - Winning brings out more people whether you are talking high school, college or pros - doesn't mean everyone who doesn't come is staying away because of any of the reasons you listed ---

The comment was intended to be broad. I don't know if "Moose" (?) was there, I don't have a clue if your family was there and I'm sure others missed the game due to personal situations. You've identified a few hundred people, maybe (but I doubt it) a thousand. We were down 10,000. It doesn't mean, as you imply, I think they are bad fans. Like everywhere else App has a hard core group the university can count on to be at the game come rain or shine, warm or cold, party or not, who can wait a little longer to eat dinner. Its been that way for years. Fortunately the core has grown substantially since 05 but App doesn't have a huge rabid fan base many like to claim. Even when we were winning big people left at the half, cold or not. Rabid fans don't do that. Sorry if I stepped on any toes.

[Kgfish]

IMO, we don't have a great fan base. IF we did there would be just as many people in the stands at the end of the game as when it started and they would be there early. We have a core of about 15K who will come regardless of the record or the weather. The rest are split between the band-wagoners who only like it when we win and it isn't too cold or who are there for the meet and greet then head for the gates at the half to hit the parties and the first to the restaurant crowd. When you're winning you have supporters. When you lose you have fans.

That describes about every fan base in organized sports, especially in these days of HD TV's and cable/satellite TV.

Yup.

Boone is a fun town. When there's 20-some-odd heated bars just a short walk away, you can't expect 25,000 people to stay for 4 hours. Not to say I ever leave early, but it doesn't reflect on our fanbase, at least not compared to any others.

The die hards are there and the die hards are rowdy. Short of a blowout at the hands of our visitors, our gameday experience it top of the line for a mid-major.

"I'd take our fans over Michigan's fan any day. When it's third down and those bells start ringing, 30 thousand fans are sounding like 50-60 thousand. I don't think you understand. These fans are ridiculous"
-Cory Lynch

You're right. Its just plain silly to expect people to dress appropriately and support the team for the whole game. Our game day atmosphere has slipped the last few years. Wonder what Cory would have said Saturday with half the student section empty and more aluminum showing than people mid way through the the 3rd qtr?

Here's what Nick Saban had to say during a press conference a few weeks ago.
"I've talked about players playing for 60 minutes in the game and competing for 60 minutes in the game. And, in some kind of way, everybody that chooses to go to the game should stay there and support the team for the game. Maybe if you're not interested in doing that, you should let someone else go who would really like to go, because I have a lot of people who want to go. We have lots of recruits there, we like to see an enthusiastic full stadium. We have a beautiful stadium and one of the nicest venues in all of college football and I think we all should show our appreciation for it by staying and supporting our team for the whole game." Saban said.

Amen Nick. I'm now a fan.

[Dmanuhone]

The main question is. Were you there Saturday?

[Gonzo]

The main question is. Were you there Saturday?

Only able to do A&T, Elon and Sammy this year due to an important three-year commitment. Hadn't missed a home game since 2007 before that and went to every game, home and away, this past season.

I'm a bandwagoner by coincidence.

[JCline0429]

Did you see how many folks were left in the stands on the Florida side of the stadium on Saturday in their loss to Georgia? Let's face it, most fan bases have a hardcore following and the rest are bandwagoners who will be there when they win. We are no different than any other fan base. The test for us will be a return to some success, that will bring back the fans.

I really have to disagree with you here. I have watched people bail at the half and at the end is of the third qtr for years regardless of how the game is going or the season. This year is no different in that regard. The only difference is we are starting with less people so after the people that don't really care about the outcome are gone we are left with many fewer in the stands. I agree success will bring some back but the early leaving is nothing new for our fan base. Win, lose or draw we are going to lose 25% before the game is over. I have always seen this as soft support that will go away first. I really thought we had built our solid base up to 20 but I was wrong. Last weeek proves that. In any given week there will be 100's of people who have conclicts. But we are missing thousands so that is a decision by a lot of people to just not come. The sky is not falling but we need something. A freak show like Armanti needs to come along.

When you don't win fans don't come. I don't care who you are. UVA is certainly no football power but everyone starts the season with a sense of excitement. For UVA's first game versus BYU they drew 53,000. After some losses including to Ball State at home, they drew 39,000 for Duke. My daughter had friends at Va Tech and she said students there would leave at halftime as well. We may have a greater percentage that do, and I don't understand it, but it happens everywhere. That's not to say we shouldn't be concerned about our attendance long term because it does have financial ramifications.

"When you don't win fans don't come. I don't care who you are."

You're preaching to the choir as that is what I've always said, Hap App, and was often rebutted by those who said it was the game day atmosphere which was the primary determination. In my opinion, it takes a multitude of factors and attractions to have a consistent following. Most probably agree.

[WVAPPeer]

IMO, we don't have a great fan base. IF we did there would be just as many people in the stands at the end of the game as when it started and they would be there early. We have a core of about 15K who will come regardless of the record or the weather. The rest are split between the band-wagoners who only like it when we win and it isn't too cold or who are there for the meet and greet then head for the gates at the half to hit the parties and the first to the restaurant crowd. When you're winning you have supporters. When you lose you have fans.

Come on Fish - that's an awfully broad statement - I am happy for you that you can make every game and stay until the end - IT DOES NOT MEAN THOSE WHO WEREN'T THERE SATURDAY ARE NOT HARD CORE FANS - Don't think Moose was there? - our 6, who have only missed a handful of games in the last 12 years, weren't there - how many other families had conflicts and couldn't get there? - how many had to leave early for reasons other than restaurant reservations? - Winning brings out more people whether you are talking high school, college or pros - doesn't mean everyone who doesn't come is staying away because of any of the reasons you listed ---

The comment was intended to be broad. I don't know if "Moose" (?) was there, I don't have a clue if your family was there and I'm sure others missed the game due to personal situations. You've identified a few hundred people, maybe (but I doubt it) a thousand. We were down 10,000. It doesn't mean, as you imply, I think they are bad fans. Like everywhere else App has a hard core group the university can count on to be at the game come rain or shine, warm or cold, party or not, who can wait a little longer to eat dinner. Its been that way for years. Fortunately the core has grown substantially since 05 but App doesn't have a huge rabid fan base many like to claim. Even when we were winning big people left at the half, cold or not. Rabid fans don't do that. Sorry if I stepped on any toes.

The attendance this season has been roughly ---
26.000
29,000
25.000
24.000
and 19,000
I think it is a stretch to say we are down 10,000 from our norm this season - when we are averaging close to 25k with a 2-7 record and nothing to play for against teams (-GSU) we won't be seeing again personally I think that is damned good --- My guess is Western will be a solid crowd ---
If we only average 18k next season then that might be a troubling sign -
Fish maybe you could come up with a system listing reasons that are acceptable for missing a home game or leaving a game early and then we can all judge ourselves on how rabid a fan each of us is

[JCline0429]

Are these butts in the seats as measured by the electronic counters at the gates or the number of tickets sold?

[huskie3]

Are these butts in the seats as measured by the electronic counters at the gates or the number of tickets sold?

We have been over this numerous times, it is tickets sold and tickets compted. I have no idea who uses the scanned ticket info, maybe marketing.

[Maddog1956]

Fish maybe you could come up with a system listing reasons that are acceptable for missing a home game or leaving a game early and then we can all judge ourselves on how rabid a fan each of us is [/color]

I think we should do even more. First you would have to be branded, tattooed in some form to be able to buy a ticket. Secondly, if you miss a game you have to send your first born to a labor camp for a year to be able to buy another ticket. The gates should be closed after the game starts, fans would have to be in their seats and .50 cal machine guns would be at all exits making sure no one leaves. Each fan is given one ticket for a restroom break that can only be used during half time.

Anyone that breaks any of the above rules would have their name, picture and DOB post on social media sites and the post office with the heading "Fake APP Fan".

I think that would make the game so much more fun that people couldn't wait to buy a ticket. After all this letting ppl just enjoy a football game in their own fashion is destroying this country. We've just gave ppl too much freedom to come and go as they please.

[appbio91]

This is my final in this thread. There are legitimate reasons people have to miss games and legitimate reasons to leave early from games. No one disputes that and no one is being judged here. But if you do not notice that we have A LOT of people leaving games at unconscionable times (tie ballgame late in fourth) you are just not looking. Put up all the numbers you want but just like some started seeing a performance slide two or three years ago (even though we were still winning) this is a slide in attendance that will eventually bite us. If 25%, and yes I pulled that number out of my ass, really don't care about the outcome when the going gets tough they will disappear. I imagine some of the math justifying the move up was based on > capacity attendance at home games. I mean hell at the beginning of this season people were calling for an immediate expansion to 30k seats.

Beat Wuff and Can'ts!!!!

[JCline0429]

Are these butts in the seats as measured by the electronic counters at the gates or the number of tickets sold?

We have been over this numerous times, it is tickets sold and tickets compted. I have no idea who uses the scanned ticket info, maybe marketing.

Yes. We have been over this before, however, other posters said contrary to your explanation.

[JCline0429]

This is my final in this thread. There are legitimate reasons people have to miss games and legitimate reasons to leave early from games. No one disputes that and no one is being judged here. But if you do not notice that we have A LOT of people leaving games at unconscionable times (tie ballgame late in fourth) you are just not looking. Put up all the numbers you want but just like some started seeing a performance slide two or three years ago (even though we were still winning) this is a slide in attendance that will eventually bite us. If 25%, and yes I pulled that number out of my ass, really don't care about the outcome when the going gets tough they will disappear. I imagine some of the math justifying the move up was based on > capacity attendance at home games. I mean hell at the beginning of this season people were calling for an immediate expansion to 30k seats.

Beat Wuff and Can'ts!!!!

We have always had people leaving at various times during the game and half-time, so I don't see why we are even having this discussion and I have said many times that I don't care what they do as long as they buy a ticket. Sure we will miss that portion of the crowd noise, but the rest of us just have to shout louder..

As to "WE" calling for expansion, some of us were arguably more realistic and calling for a :wait and see."

[bcoach]

This is my final in this thread. There are legitimate reasons people have to miss games and legitimate reasons to leave early from games. No one disputes that and no one is being judged here. But if you do not notice that we have A LOT of people leaving games at unconscionable times (tie ballgame late in fourth) you are just not looking. Put up all the numbers you want but just like some started seeing a performance slide two or three years ago (even though we were still winning) this is a slide in attendance that will eventually bite us. If 25%, and yes I pulled that number out of my ass, really don't care about the outcome when the going gets tough they will disappear. I imagine some of the math justifying the move up was based on > capacity attendance at home games. I mean hell at the beginning of this season people were calling for an immediate expansion to 30k seats.

Beat Wuff and Can'ts!!!!

We have always had people leaving at various times during the game and half-time, so I don't see why we are even having this discussion and I have said many times that I don't care what they do as long as they buy a ticket. Sure we will miss that portion of the crowd noise, but the rest of us just have to shout louder..

As to "WE" calling for expansion, some of us were arguably more realistic and calling for a :wait and see."

Like a broken record, I am still calling for paying off what we have already done.

[Gonzo]

I just want the track out of KBS ASAP. Additional seating can wait.

[App91]

This is my final in this thread. There are legitimate reasons people have to miss games and legitimate reasons to leave early from games. No one disputes that and no one is being judged here. But if you do not notice that we have A LOT of people leaving games at unconscionable times (tie ballgame late in fourth) you are just not looking. Put up all the numbers you want but just like some started seeing a performance slide two or three years ago (even though we were still winning) this is a slide in attendance that will eventually bite us. If 25%, and yes I pulled that number out of my ass, really don't care about the outcome when the going gets tough they will disappear. I imagine some of the math justifying the move up was based on > capacity attendance at home games. I mean hell at the beginning of this season people were calling for an immediate expansion to 30k seats.

Beat Wuff and Can'ts!!!!

We have always had people leaving at various times during the game and half-time, so I don't see why we are even having this discussion and I have said many times that I don't care what they do as long as they buy a ticket. Sure we will miss that portion of the crowd noise, but the rest of us just have to shout louder..

As to "WE" calling for expansion, some of us were arguably more realistic and calling for a :wait and see."

I have wanted to place a Huge banner over the gate in the first qtr that says where the hell are you going, go back and support the team, keep people in the stadium

[Kgfish]

The main question is. Were you there Saturday?

Yep. Can only recall missing one home game since 2000. Including playoffs. You have to walk the walk if you're going to talk the talk.

[Kgfish]

Are these butts in the seats as measured by the electronic counters at the gates or the number of tickets sold?

Tickets sold and estimated student attendance based somewhat on scanned IDs. Tickets are scanned not for accounting purposes but to ensure no fake tickets are being used or people trying to get in tickets already used.

[Kgfish]

IMO, we don't have a great fan base. IF we did there would be just as many people in the stands at the end of the game as when it started and they would be there early. We have a core of about 15K who will come regardless of the record or the weather. The rest are split between the band-wagoners who only like it when we win and it isn't too cold or who are there for the meet and greet then head for the gates at the half to hit the parties and the first to the restaurant crowd. When you're winning you have supporters. When you lose you have fans.

Come on Fish - that's an awfully broad statement - I am happy for you that you can make every game and stay until the end - IT DOES NOT MEAN THOSE WHO WEREN'T THERE SATURDAY ARE NOT HARD CORE FANS - Don't think Moose was there? - our 6, who have only missed a handful of games in the last 12 years, weren't there - how many other families had conflicts and couldn't get there? - how many had to leave early for reasons other than restaurant reservations? - Winning brings out more people whether you are talking high school, college or pros - doesn't mean everyone who doesn't come is staying away because of any of the reasons you listed ---

The comment was intended to be broad. I don't know if "Moose" (?) was there, I don't have a clue if your family was there and I'm sure others missed the game due to personal situations. You've identified a few hundred people, maybe (but I doubt it) a thousand. We were down 10,000. It doesn't mean, as you imply, I think they are bad fans. Like everywhere else App has a hard core group the university can count on to be at the game come rain or shine, warm or cold, party or not, who can wait a little longer to eat dinner. Its been that way for years. Fortunately the core has grown substantially since 05 but App doesn't have a huge rabid fan base many like to claim. Even when we were winning big people left at the half, cold or not. Rabid fans don't do that. Sorry if I stepped on any toes.

The attendance this season has been roughly ---
26.000
29,000
25.000
24.000
and 19,000
I think it is a stretch to say we are down 10,000 from our norm this season - when we are averaging close to 25k with a 2-7 record and nothing to play for against teams (-GSU) we won't be seeing again personally I think that is damned good --- My guess is Western will be a solid crowd ---
If we only average 18k next season then that might be a troubling sign -
Fish maybe you could come up with a system listing reasons that are acceptable for missing a home game or leaving a game early and then we can all judge ourselves on how rabid a fan each of us is

Those figures do not reflect the number of people passing though the gates. Anyone thinking there were 19,000 there Saturday isn't paying attention. Attendance is based on tickets sold and number of students through the gates. Although the stadium was half empty the game tickets were still sold & counted. The difference was in the big drop in students. Easily the worst student turnout since 2004. The middle section was filled, but the two beside it were not and almost nobody in the others.

[AppfaninCAALand]

The main question is. Were you there Saturday?

I woke up and was at one of my girl's soccer games by 9am in Richmond, then took another one to a classmates' birthday party nearby, then drove up to Fredericksburg to drop all the girls off at the in-laws house, rode up to Fairfax County to help the Mrs with family portrait session she was shooting in the late afternoon, had a dinner date with the Mrs in Woodbridge, drove back to get the girls and made it back home to Richmond about 11.

But after about 2:30, while physically in Virginia, in mind and spirit I was in Boone - and of no use as a photography assistant (or at dinner for that matter) because I had David Jackson talking in my ear.

I'll you one thing, had I been in Boone I would NOT have left early - I never leave a sporting event early if I bought a ticket, you pay for the whole game so why leave early? I even stay until the credits are over at the movies.

Now, in a couple weeks, the plan is to leave Richmond before dawn, drive 5 hours to Winston-Salem, pick up a college buddy, drive to Boone, tailgate all afternoon, watch App beat WCU one last time, drive back to Winston, drop that guy off again and be back in Richmond by 3am (or maybe I'll crash on the guy's couch for a few hours, but I've got a noon obligation in Richmond so who knows?)