Sunbelt Football Conference Schedule delayed

[AppDawg]

Saturday was my preference but wouldn't have minded the Friday game. More TV exposure and that game is selling out regardless of the day it's played on.

Unless we negotiated at Saturday 3:30 or primetime slot on the motherhsip or the 2....

(I know nothing, just speculation)

[JTApps1]

This is probably one of the few times schools have stood up to say no to the ESPN machine.

The one thing I don't like about the Sun Belt is it seems the conference office will do anything to get a TV game no matter how much it will hurt the schools. TV is VERY important, but the schools have an obligation to their fans as well. I know a lot of the SB don't have large crowds, but schools like App and GS bring a different mindset to the league.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

Nnnnooooooooooo! Damn it. I had big plans. Got hotel rooms, my UM grad niece was going to come down from NY for the game. None of that will work if the game is not on Saturday. And BTW, I bought an extra season ticket just to be sure she could sit with us for that one effing game.

I know, I know "welcome to life in the FBS." This part of it SUCKS. Better not be too late to cancel that extra seat and get my money back if this does get moved.

I've fulfilled my Yosef Club donation, however holding off on season tickets for this exact reason.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

This is probably one of the few times schools have stood up to say no to the ESPN machine.

The one thing I don't like about the Sun Belt is it seems the conference office will do anything to get a TV game no matter how much it will hurt the schools. TV is VERY important, but the schools have an obligation to their fans as well. I know a lot of the SB don't have large crowds, but schools like App and GS bring a different mindset to the league.

Which is why once we have the money and ability to do so, along with GS, I think we leave the Sun Belt.

[appbud]

Fortunately I can make arrangements to attend no matter the date and time but I do prefer a Saturday afternoon game.

[RollNeers]

This is probably one of the few times schools have stood up to say no to the ESPN machine.

The one thing I don't like about the Sun Belt is it seems the conference office will do anything to get a TV game no matter how much it will hurt the schools. TV is VERY important, but the schools have an obligation to their fans as well. I know a lot of the SB don't have large crowds, but schools like App and GS bring a different mindset to the league.

Which is why once we have the money and ability to do so, along with GS, I think we leave the Sun Belt.

For the sake of argument and my genuine curiosity, what would/will be our next step? AAC? C-USA?

[EastHallApp]

Saturday was my preference but wouldn't have minded the Friday game. More TV exposure and that game is selling out regardless of the day it's played on.

Fans might have been there on Friday night, but recruits wouldn't. And they wouldn't be watching on TV either.

[boonetown1]

Crap, was hoping for Friday. Well I will not be ghere along with 3 others on Saturday.

[EastHallApp]

Ahem, "WE HAVEN'T BEEN TOLD." Not too subtle message there.

[CVAPP]

Ahem, "WE HAVEN'T BEEN TOLD." Not too subtle message there.

I reckon that there is proof positive "we" ain't the boss.

[boonetown1]

If ESPN wants the game on Friday night, we could always ask them to help with scheduling another home P5 game if we agree to do this.

[Saint3333]

There's a fine line here. It seems App wants to keep the game on Saturday for obvious reasons. There is a big push to increase season tickets having the Miami game carrot can help drive that. I'm sure many fans are awaiting to see how many Saturday games we have before purchasing.

On the other hand ESPN can be a great advocate for pushing matchups when buyouts happen and marketing them.

I think if this were 2017 and we had played Wake in 2016 on Saturday we'd be much more apt to throw in the towel and let ESPN get their wish, but we appear to be fighting this time.

My opinion is as long as Miami wants it to be Saturday it will stay that way if ESPN swings them it's going to be on Friday. If we're not trying to upset the applecart we're letting Miami take the fall for this one with ESPN.

[Rekdiver]

I have no doubt that Gillan wants a overflow crowd on a Saturday and will do everything he can to make that happen. The rational argument to ESPN and the SunBelt is what Gillan is trying to do for the long term health of the program....

[EastHallApp]

I just find it frustrating that this is happening at this relatively late stage. If the deal up front had been that we get a home game with Miami, but it has to be on a Friday night, I expect just about everyone associated with App would have jumped on that without a second's hesitation. But to try to move a game against our will that's been scheduled for a specific date for months is irritating.

[WVAppsfan]

I will say that either way, Miami comes to town. But Saturdays are a tradition, the Rock is our home, and we will not be turned way by a Hurricane on a Friday night or a traditional game day on a Saturday.

[NewApp]

Hoping it's not moving to Friday, but this game will sellout no matter what.

The real question is does this impact season ticket sales? Maybe so, but maybe not if season tickets are the only way to get a Miami ticket.
Tough call for the school no doubt as playing Miami on ESPN in prime time could have big implications down the road especially if we were to win.

Can't see us selling 22,000 season tickets. It will be a sellout + but it won't be because of season tickets.

[T-Dog]

[asutrnr81]

I have no doubt that Gillan wants a overflow crowd on a Saturday and will do everything he can to make that happen. The rational argument to ESPN and the SunBelt is what Gillan is trying to do for the long term health of the program....

Gillan was almost sure we were playing on Friday last night at the ASU University update at Quail Hollow.

The rest of the home schedule would be on Saturday.

GaSo probably a weeknight game!

[AppDawg]

I have no doubt that Gillan wants a overflow crowd on a Saturday and will do everything he can to make that happen. The rational argument to ESPN and the SunBelt is what Gillan is trying to do for the long term health of the program....

Gillan was almost sure we were playing on Friday last night at the ASU University update at Quail Hollow.

The rest of the home schedule would be on Saturday.

GaSo probably a weeknight game!

Fingers crossed ESPN didn't get its way. If by chance they did I hope they pay us millions for agreeing.

[/\PP ST/\TE GRAD 09]

This all comes with the G5 conference territory.

Last season was bad scheduling wise, with two Thursday night games. Wouldn't be surprised if we saw some dates this year and future years that are not ideal for most fans. We've got to take it for what it's worth. The alternative to this would be the SoCon.

Let's just continue our success on the field, and continue to increase interest from fans and keep the donations coming. As much as CFB changes these days who knows what the future holds.