Austin Peay

[asu2000]

Yeah, was at the game yesterday, I just don't understand it at all. Great product, fun atmosphere. I took my son to his first game in Holmes (freshman at App) and he really liked it and asked me why more people don’t go. I asked him what he thought and he basically said it’s not a “happening” like football and no one goes. Not sure how to gain momentum here, but it has to somehow become an event. Would still like to see students moved to one side of the sidelines, instead of the baseline. Put all the season tix holders together on the side behind the floor seats. Let the students be on tv.

Good comments - the team looks like they will have a strong W/L record going into conference play at this time - attendance was down with the holiday and was an early game time on a Sunday, if it was 4pm more students would have been there. Students were not in there usual full force for the football game Saturday - still a great showing at football, but also 1pm Sunday is still hangover headache time for students from Saturday football and partying. It should get much better soon. I have "beef" with the expanded "high roller" section behind the basket near the App bench for a grand total of 10 people that sat there for this game, this needs to be a student section as well. I know last year more than 10 general population sat in this area for each game and sat close to the court! At minimum let students be at both baskets, both ends of the court and chant app state back and forth - cheering squad can get that going during timeouts. There was Not a great deal of life in the arena yesterday (partially because of opponent and game time) , but I think it will build.

[Stonewall]

Yeah, was at the game yesterday, I just don't understand it at all. Great product, fun atmosphere. I took my son to his first game in Holmes (freshman at App) and he really liked it and asked me why more people don’t go. I asked him what he thought and he basically said it’s not a “happening” like football and no one goes. Not sure how to gain momentum here, but it has to somehow become an event. Would still like to see students moved to one side of the sidelines, instead of the baseline. Put all the season tix holders together on the side behind the floor seats. Let the students be on tv.

Putting the students on TV might encourage them to show up. everybody wants their moment of fame.

I know this has been suggested to the AD along with other ideas to increase attendance by a Trustee last year. When I followed up with him he told me that he made the argument and that was all he could do.

[appgrad95&97]

I'm pretty sure that the year we made the NIT we averaged less than 2,500. App basketball isn't properly marketed.

[proasu89]

I realize we’re much better off now than we were 5 years ago. No doubt. However, winning 55% of your games by scoring 68-72 points a game ain’t going to draw the casual fan. Locals and sports invested students will be there to the tune of 1800-2500 a game max. I think Coach Kerns finally has a roster to still play great defense while scoring in transition. Turn em loose, score points, and build some excitement.

[spacemonkey]

Yeah, was at the game yesterday, I just don't understand it at all. Great product, fun atmosphere. I took my son to his first game in Holmes (freshman at App) and he really liked it and asked me why more people don’t go. I asked him what he thought and he basically said it’s not a “happening” like football and no one goes. Not sure how to gain momentum here, but it has to somehow become an event. Would still like to see students moved to one side of the sidelines, instead of the baseline. Put all the season tix holders together on the side behind the floor seats. Let the students be on tv.

[spacemonkey]

Yeah, was at the game yesterday, I just don't understand it at all. Great product, fun atmosphere. I took my son to his first game in Holmes (freshman at App) and he really liked it and asked me why more people don’t go. I asked him what he thought and he basically said it’s not a “happening” like football and no one goes. Not sure how to gain momentum here, but it has to somehow become an event. Would still like to see students moved to one side of the sidelines, instead of the baseline. Put all the season tix holders together on the side behind the floor seats. Let the students be on tv.

I could not agree more with this statement...I have been saying the same thing. Let the students have the side seats at least until demand from willing buyers becomes a problem. I would give them the whole bottom section and make old people like me buy tickets in the upper section. But definitely give them one side.

[ArmantiWaterSafety]

At least the vocal minority of student attendees on Twitter have said they absolutely want to stand where the currently are behind the goals.

Students used to be on the sidelines when I was a student in 2009-2013, not sure when they moved but apparently they like it there.

[agentpaul001]

Build with the students. Just like football. Throw the kitchen sink at driving student attendance and the rest will follow.

[BambooRdApp]

Yeah, was at the game yesterday, I just don't understand it at all. Great product, fun atmosphere. I took my son to his first game in Holmes (freshman at App) and he really liked it and asked me why more people don’t go. I asked him what he thought and he basically said it’s not a “happening” like football and no one goes. Not sure how to gain momentum here, but it has to somehow become an event. Would still like to see students moved to one side of the sidelines, instead of the baseline. Put all the season tix holders together on the side behind the floor seats. Let the students be on tv.

I could not agree more with this statement...I have been saying the same thing. Let the students have the side seats at least until demand from willing buyers becomes a problem. I would give them the whole bottom section and make old people like me buy tickets in the upper section. But definitely give them one side.

That's how Dook-y does it. When I lived in Columbia SC, students were on the side versus end. Not sure how USC does it now. Side would be cool...

[CharlotteApp05]

Agree with everything in this thread. I was at the game as well and the only thing I would add is where is the support from other athletes? When I was in school the football team would sit together (generally 15-25) of us every game. We should consider creating some type of requirement within our NIL contracts for athletes to attend a certain number of games to support other sports. Easy way to stay out of trouble and have fun.

[BambooRdApp]

I am not into requiring other athletes to attend games that is not related to their team. Yes, let's make them attend something they have zero desire to attend. I would rather they be studying or perfecting their craft in their sport if they have no desire to attend.
If they want to attend, great.

[spacemonkey]

I would make sure the whole town knew about a "$5 dollar Ticket"!!!!!!!!! (Of course it would be a bad seat). I also would make a club section for each group. Athletes, Greek, Honors and so on. I would have a retired/group section. BUT, I WOULD START WITH STUDENTS. They make the atmosphere.

[asu2000]

I realize we’re much better off now than we were 5 years ago. No doubt. However, winning 55% of your games by scoring 68-72 points a game ain’t going to draw the casual fan. Locals and sports invested students will be there to the tune of 1800-2500 a game max. I think Coach Kerns finally has a roster to still play great defense while scoring in transition. Turn em loose, score points, and build some excitement.

I agree - take the stairs and pick up the pace