What can Indiana do better the game day experience

[82hoosier]

I was listening to the Ken Bikoff call in show after yesterday's game and the last caller had some very good points. He said that he had been to 91 straight Indiana football games and he talked about how the game day atmosphere was so much better at every other stadium.

Examples that he gave included swapping out the William Tell overture in the third quarter for John Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. He talked about car tire commercials being broadcasted live in the stadium.

Bikoff and his partner retorted that the problem was basically unfixable as long as the stadiums were only a quarter full in the 4th quarter and that was due to the fans not being loyal.

Personally I would go with more piped in music. I would get rid of the marching band. It is an anachronism that seems to drive people out of the stadium at halftime. Perhaps go with some concert live performances. Sure would be nice if the big jumbotron screens were actually facing the stands.

Does anybody care about the Rock? How about the flagpole? Or the walk? Personally I would put the spittoon back in an antique store. I feel a little sorry for the announcers who try to prop this up as a trophy game. And while we're at it get rid of the public address system announcers. They are terrible.

I haven't stepped foot in the state of Indiana and over 30 years. And I am not claiming that I know what the solutions are. But it's pretty easy to tell what is not working. By the way I got a glimpse of the end zone suites after Michigan State score the game-winning touchdown. A couple of them were empty and the others appeared to be occupied by squatters. There is so much that is broken here...

 

[TMFT]

I love the Rock and the Walk.

Think band programming needs to be better. But it’s important to have marching band, IMO.

Brass tacks, needs a better team and better fans.

 

[IUCrazy2]

I love the Rock and the Walk.

Think band programming needs to be better. But it’s important to have marching band, IMO.

Brass tacks, needs a better team and better fans.

Aren't we a world class music school? How do we put out such a poor band? Is it because that is viewed as beneath the Jacob's school folks?

 

[82hoosier]

Aren't we a world class music school? How do we put out such a poor band? Is it because that is viewed as beneath the Jacob's school folks?

Nobody wants to see marching bands. I think there's only two NFL teams that even have a band now. Personally I would rather watch a singer with a microphone.

 

[ribbont]

Aren't we a world class music school? How do we put out such a poor band? Is it because that is viewed as beneath the Jacob's school folks?

Why do you say the band is poor?

And many who do get into Jacob's quit M100 because of the time commitment.

 

[CaptainZigZag]

I was listening to the Ken Bikoff call in show after yesterday's game and the last caller had some very good points. He said that he had been to 91 straight Indiana football games and he talked about how the game day atmosphere was so much better at every other stadium.

Examples that he gave included swapping out the William Tell overture in the third quarter for John Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. He talked about car tire commercials being broadcasted live in the stadium.

Bikoff and his partner retorted that the problem was basically unfixable as long as the stadiums were only a quarter full in the 4th quarter and that was due to the fans not being loyal.

Personally I would go with more piped in music. I would get rid of the marching band. It is an anachronism that seems to drive people out of the stadium at halftime. Perhaps go with some concert live performances. Sure would be nice if the big jumbotron screens were actually facing the stands.

Does anybody care about the Rock? How about the flagpole? Or the walk? Personally I would put the spittoon back in an antique store. I feel a little sorry for the announcers who try to prop this up as a trophy game. And while we're at it get rid of the public address system announcers. They are terrible.

I haven't stepped foot in the state of Indiana and over 30 years. And I am not claiming that I know what the solutions are. But it's pretty easy to tell what is not working. By the way I got a glimpse of the end zone suites after Michigan State score the game-winning touchdown. A couple of them were empty and the others appeared to be occupied by squatters. There is so much that is broken here...

what was the reported attendance? it looked pitiful on the tube

 

[Carib04]

How about just winning more often?

 

[Vern Pain]

Aren't we a world class music school? How do we put out such a poor band? Is it because that is viewed as beneath the Jacob's school folks?

So I think the IU Pep band at Basketball games is outstanding. I don't know that TMH is bad so much as their program is dated.

What really annoys me is the overall programming. The team is taking the field with TMH playing Indiana our Indiana playing while a hip hop something or other blasts over the top of it. The whole thing just seems so confused. We have a great music department. We have a great performing arts school. I don't feel like we involve those folks in creating a "show". Obviously I could be wrong but...

 

[82hoosier]

A couple years ago I went to a Miami dolphins home game in the Hard Rock stadium. First I was sitting in my own individual seat. And it was comfortable. They had four big jumbotron screens in the corners of the stadium so you had a great view of at least one screen. There where multiple replays of every snap. Between each play there was rocking music that faded out when the offense approached the line of scrimmage. At halftime there were video tributes to long time fans, players etc. Everything about the experience was fun.

 

[TMFT]

A couple years ago I went to a Miami dolphins home game in the Hard Rock stadium. First I was sitting in my own individual seat. And it was comfortable. They had four big jumbotron screens in the corners of the stadium so you had a great view of at least one screen. There where multiple replays of every snap. Between each play there was rocking music that faded out when the offense approached the line of scrimmage. At halftime there were video tributes to long time fans, players etc. Everything about the experience was fun.

I’ll credit our video board folks for being than Illinois. The visitor section was deep in the corner and you HAD to watch the video screen to see what was going on. It was fine during Illinois possessions. But when we had the ball it would have the “get loud” graphics or whatever until the play started and made it hard to see what was going on.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

I was listening to the Ken Bikoff call in show after yesterday's game and the last caller had some very good points. He said that he had been to 91 straight Indiana football games and he talked about how the game day atmosphere was so much better at every other stadium.

Examples that he gave included swapping out the William Tell overture in the third quarter for John Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. He talked about car tire commercials being broadcasted live in the stadium.

Bikoff and his partner retorted that the problem was basically unfixable as long as the stadiums were only a quarter full in the 4th quarter and that was due to the fans not being loyal.

Personally I would go with more piped in music. I would get rid of the marching band. It is an anachronism that seems to drive people out of the stadium at halftime. Perhaps go with some concert live performances. Sure would be nice if the big jumbotron screens were actually facing the stands.

Does anybody care about the Rock? How about the flagpole? Or the walk? Personally I would put the spittoon back in an antique store. I feel a little sorry for the announcers who try to prop this up as a trophy game. And while we're at it get rid of the public address system announcers. They are terrible.

I haven't stepped foot in the state of Indiana and over 30 years. And I am not claiming that I know what the solutions are. But it's pretty easy to tell what is not working. By the way I got a glimpse of the end zone suites after Michigan State score the game-winning touchdown. A couple of them were empty and the others appeared to be occupied by squatters. There is so much that is broken here...

Win and the rest takes care of itself.

BTW the video assets are pretty good and better than most. Few had boards at both ends. Things to upgrade in MS but that is not one of them.

 

[td75]

My dad, stepmother, wife and I were fortunate enough to attend the very classic Colts/Patriots 2006 AFC Championship game at the RCA Dome. The atmosphere was frigging electric, the noise level was rock concert like. Why?? Winning....

I'm sure I will never experience that level of energy again, and I'm OK with that. It was off the chain, it was surreal.

 

[Vern Pain]

My dad, stepmother, wife and I were fortunate enough to attend the very classic Colts/Patriots 2006 AFC Championship game at the RCA Dome. The atmosphere was frigging electric, the noise level was rock concert like. Why?? Winning....

I'm sure I will never experience that level of energy again, and I'm OK with that. It was off the chain, it was surreal.

I was at Soldier Field for the '85 Bears NFC Championship game vs LA Rams. 4th Quarter and the Bears force a fumble that gets scooped by Wilber Marshall and it starts snowing at that very moment (it's a Chicago thing) as he runs it to the end zone escorted by Dent and Otis Wilson.

The most electric moment I've ever experienced. That entire game, still gives me goosebumps to think about the atmosphere at that game.

Not something I expect at MS.

 

[ce36ei]

be good. The Cincinnati game was electric.

 

[TMFT]

My dad, stepmother, wife and I were fortunate enough to attend the very classic Colts/Patriots 2006 AFC Championship game at the RCA Dome. The atmosphere was frigging electric, the noise level was rock concert like. Why?? Winning....

I'm sure I will never experience that level of energy again, and I'm OK with that. It was off the chain, it was surreal.

Using the colts as an example is true and concerning at the same time. I remember being in Terre Haute and having Colts games blacked out in the early Manning years because they couldn’t sell out the smallest stadium in the league. This was during 10-6 or 12-4 year after having already gone 13-3 a couple years prior.

maybe we’re not fans of sports or teams but just winning?

 

[Jackskip23]

I was listening to the Ken Bikoff call in show after yesterday's game and the last caller had some very good points. He said that he had been to 91 straight Indiana football games and he talked about how the game day atmosphere was so much better at every other stadium.

Examples that he gave included swapping out the William Tell overture in the third quarter for John Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. He talked about car tire commercials being broadcasted live in the stadium.

Bikoff and his partner retorted that the problem was basically unfixable as long as the stadiums were only a quarter full in the 4th quarter and that was due to the fans not being loyal.

Personally I would go with more piped in music. I would get rid of the marching band. It is an anachronism that seems to drive people out of the stadium at halftime. Perhaps go with some concert live performances. Sure would be nice if the big jumbotron screens were actually facing the stands.

Does anybody care about the Rock? How about the flagpole? Or the walk? Personally I would put the spittoon back in an antique store. I feel a little sorry for the announcers who try to prop this up as a trophy game. And while we're at it get rid of the public address system announcers. They are terrible.

I haven't stepped foot in the state of Indiana and over 30 years. And I am not claiming that I know what the solutions are. But it's pretty easy to tell what is not working. By the way I got a glimpse of the end zone suites after Michigan State score the game-winning touchdown. A couple of them were empty and the others appeared to be occupied by squatters. There is so much that is broken here...

The band isn’t ever leaving. Ever. But it needs to be so much better than it is.

 

[SRIV94]

Win.

 

[Hoosiers47614]

Win.

Funny how IU fans don't think the basketball team has to win in order to deserve fan support and bitch whenever the student section is anything other than sold out at Assembly Hall, but still think that the football team somehow does have to "earn support". This fanbase is full of a bunch of worthless, fair-weather, f*cking hypocrites who don't deserve success or happiness in any sport or in any facet of their lives.

 

[SRIV94]

Funny how IU fans don't think the basketball team has to win in order to deserve fan support and bitch whenever the student section is anything other than sold out at Assembly Hall, but still think that the football team somehow does have to "earn support". This fanbase is full of a bunch of worthless, fair-weather, f*cking hypocrites who don't deserve success or happiness in any sport or in any facet of their lives.

As far as I'm concerned, both sports need to earn their fan support. But when the football team achieves the modicum of success the basketball team has, then we'll talk.

 

[jacksback]

Win.

Yep, just win baby! We wouldn't be talking about the game day atmosphere if we weren't putting such a clown show on the field!

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

A couple years ago I went to a Miami dolphins home game in the Hard Rock stadium. First I was sitting in my own individual seat. And it was comfortable. They had four big jumbotron screens in the corners of the stadium so you had a great view of at least one screen. There where multiple replays of every snap. Between each play there was rocking music that faded out when the offense approached the line of scrimmage. At halftime there were video tributes to long time fans, players etc. Everything about the experience was fun.

You’re an NFL fan. Not a college fan.

Not to mention, if you haven’t been to a game in over 30 years, I think you’re I’ll equipped to lead this conversation.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

You’re an NFL fan. Not a college fan.

Not to mention, if you haven’t been to a game in over 30 years, I think you’re I’ll equipped to lead this conversation.

But he has plenty of suggestions

 

[TMFT]

But he has plenty of suggestions

If there’s one thing these boards have it’s suggestions.

“We need to hire a young coach who has shown major success at a mid major level” forgetting Tom Crean.

“We need to hire a real up and comer who has shown ability at a small school level.” Forgetting Archie Miller.

“We need an Indiana guy and/or someone who has NBA legitimacy to the kids/recruits.” Complains about Woodson.

Those are just some basketball examples but making a point.

 

[walkerman]

I was listening to the Ken Bikoff call in show after yesterday's game and the last caller had some very good points. He said that he had been to 91 straight Indiana football games and he talked about how the game day atmosphere was so much better at every other stadium.

Examples that he gave included swapping out the William Tell overture in the third quarter for John Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. He talked about car tire commercials being broadcasted live in the stadium.

Bikoff and his partner retorted that the problem was basically unfixable as long as the stadiums were only a quarter full in the 4th quarter and that was due to the fans not being loyal.

Personally I would go with more piped in music. I would get rid of the marching band. It is an anachronism that seems to drive people out of the stadium at halftime. Perhaps go with some concert live performances. Sure would be nice if the big jumbotron screens were actually facing the stands.

Does anybody care about the Rock? How about the flagpole? Or the walk? Personally I would put the spittoon back in an antique store. I feel a little sorry for the announcers who try to prop this up as a trophy game. And while we're at it get rid of the public address system announcers. They are terrible.

I haven't stepped foot in the state of Indiana and over 30 years. And I am not claiming that I know what the solutions are. But it's pretty easy to tell what is not working. By the way I got a glimpse of the end zone suites after Michigan State score the game-winning touchdown. A couple of them were empty and the others appeared to be occupied by squatters. There is so much that is broken here...

If you have not been in Indiana in 30 years, I don't think I would be offering neither criticism nor suggestions on what should be done.

 

[Jackskip23]

Funny how IU fans don't think the basketball team has to win in order to deserve fan support and bitch whenever the student section is anything other than sold out at Assembly Hall, but still think that the football team somehow does have to "earn support". This fanbase is full of a bunch of worthless, fair-weather, f*cking hypocrites who don't deserve success or happiness in any sport or in any facet of their lives.

The distinction that you obviously don’t understand or appreciate is that football has a history as one of the worst records in the sport, while basketball has a history of conference and national championships. It would help you immensely if you had a basic understanding of both programs before you offer such misguided commentary and / or criticism.

 

[Hoosiers47614]

The distinction that you obviously don’t understand or appreciate is that football has a history as one of the worst records in the sport, while basketball has a history of conference and national championships. It would help you immensely if you had a basic understanding of both programs before you offer such misguided commentary and / or criticism.

I'm well aware of the history of both programs, you arrogant troll.

It doesn't change the fact that anyone who defends the neglect fans treat the football team with, year over year, is not a "fan". No matter what they say, no matter how much they protest, they aren't. They are useless, toxic fakes.

 

[Jackskip23]

I'm well aware of the history of both programs, you arrogant troll.

It doesn't change the fact that anyone who defends the neglect fans treat the football team with, year over year, is not a "fan". No matter what they say, no matter how much they protest, they aren't. They are useless, toxic fakes.

Yet you’ve enabled poor performance by defending it while accusing anyone who speaks out against it as disloyal, slimy fakes, frauds and hypocrites. You’re part of the problem because you’ll settle for far less than what we could achieve. “Fans” like you have the program you’ve demanded and deserve.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

Yet you’ve enabled poor performance by defending it while accusing anyone who speaks out against it as disloyal, slimy fakes, frauds and hypocrites. You’re part of the problem because you’ll settle for far less than what we could achieve. “Fans” like you have the program you’ve demanded and deserve.

What have you demanded Ordfan?

Please provide some specific examples of how you’ve demanded better.

 

[Jackskip23]

What have you demanded Ordfan?

Please provide some specific examples of how you’ve demanded better.

I’d settle for more knowledgable fans, at least as a starter. Otherwise, how about knowledgable leaders making responsible and intelligent decisions and taking knowledgable and responsible actions. I’m sure you’ll tell me that’s wrong, though.

You encourage and support mediocrity, which makes no sense to anyone with standards.

 

[Pazhoosier85]

Watch this and you will see why IU stadium atmosphere looks like High school compared to the big time programs. This is South Carolina, one of the lower tier SEC schools.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

I’d settle for more knowledgable fans, at least as a starter. Otherwise, how about knowledgable leaders making responsible and intelligent decisions and taking knowledgable and responsible actions. I’m sure you’ll tell me that’s wrong, though.

You encourage and support mediocrity, which makes no sense to anyone with standards.

So you haven’t demanded anything from anyone who matters is what you’re saying?

 

[TMFT]

Watch this and you will see why IU stadium atmosphere looks like High school compared to the big time programs. This is South Carolina, one of the lower tier SEC schools.

View embedded media

Wait, what are those things in the bleachers?

 

[Chriselli]

Here are my suggestions...
1. Improve timeouts/stoppages - End the rinky dink promotions. Play music non-stop. Show highlights from the past, national scores, interview a past player, but keep it moving. Throw sponsors on the board at the same time. If there was useful/entertaining content up there, more people would see the ads.

2. Inform the fans - Leaving an Indiana football game is like leaving a time capsule. Your phone doesn't work, so you have no idea about other scores, the game statistics (assuming you use the bathroom at halftime and miss the on-field mc guy snarling random player statistics at you), etc. We were able to show team stats 100% of the time in 1998...I believe we live in a world where that's still possible.

3. Pick traditions and stick with them - Keepers...The Walk, Hep's Rock, the Redsteppers, Hail to Old IU, Back Home Again, Sing, Sing, Sing, Kick for Keeps, First Down March
Duds...Hoosier Wipeout, 4th quarter transition void, walkout videos for the past three years, third down prep, Marching Hundred song catalog

4. Imitation works - I go to the road games, and I can tell you unequivocally that 98% of the fans at MS don't. On our bye week, our entire gameday/marketing team should fan out (no pun intended) to games at other P5 stadiums and should be tasked with bringing three songs/video board content ideas/general observations that can be auditioned at MS. It was SO obvious last year that somebody on our staff went to the game at Cincinnati because they brought back the catchy "Pump it Up" song. Keep that up and multiply it by ten.

5. Look at Kentucky - They are a basketball school in theory, but I went there for their game against LSU on our bye week in 2021. It was incredible. If I had been a HS recruit, I would've committed on the spot. If I was a HS kid, I would've been a fan for life. They play "Grove St. Party" after every big play. It's an EXTREMELY inappropriate song, and 70 year old women sing it because it's their thing and they stuck with it.

6. Find a Grove Street - Mr. Brightside (UM), Shout (PU), Jump Around (UW), Don't Stop Believin (MSU), Sandstorm (USC), etc. The reason that a lot of traditions stick is because something good happens on the field the day the song is played. Some of this relies on the team, but it's a two way street.

7. Make it something a kid will talk about - Everything we do should be toward 10-18 year olds falling in love with Indiana football. Kids naturally look up to college kids, they're intimidating and cool as hell. How can we make kids (fans) feel like they're a part of it.

8. Get Bloomington (and surrounding communities) on the bus - There does not seem to be a concerted effort by the AD to reach out to the Bloomington community, Bedford, Martinsville, Columbus, etc. This is super low hanging fruit.

9. Pack the stadium with charities and youth sport organizations- Every game should have 2-3k seats reserved for pee wee league football players, local charities, etc. We should even have Columbus Day (no offensive pun intended) where every kid that goes to North or East gets a ticket. Kids cheer and become lifers.

10. End pass-outs - There's absolutely no reason for that nonsense. If you want to leave, you can leave. But the idea that you "might" come back isn't fair to the team. You can drink in the stadium now. No excuses.

11. Do simple stuff - First one is on the house...West Side "I" East side "U"...repeat

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

Here are my suggestions...
1. Improve timeouts/stoppages - End the rinky dink promotions. Play music non-stop. Show highlights from the past, national scores, interview a past player, but keep it moving. Throw sponsors on the board at the same time. If there was useful/entertaining content up there, more people would see the ads.

2. Inform the fans - Leaving an Indiana football game is like leaving a time capsule. Your phone doesn't work, so you have no idea about other scores, the game statistics (assuming you use the bathroom at halftime and miss the on-field mc guy snarling random player statistics at you), etc. We were able to show team stats 100% of the time in 1998...I believe we live in a world where that's still possible.

3. Pick traditions and stick with them - Keepers...The Walk, Hep's Rock, the Redsteppers, Hail to Old IU, Back Home Again, Sing, Sing, Sing, Kick for Keeps, First Down March
Duds...Hoosier Wipeout, 4th quarter transition void, walkout videos for the past three years, third down prep, Marching Hundred song catalog

4. Imitation works - I go to the road games, and I can tell you unequivocally that 98% of the fans at MS don't. On our bye week, our entire gameday/marketing team should fan out (no pun intended) to games at other P5 stadiums and should be tasked with bringing three songs/video board content ideas/general observations that can be auditioned at MS. It was SO obvious last year that somebody on our staff went to the game at Cincinnati because they brought back the catchy "Pump it Up" song. Keep that up and multiply it by ten.

5. Look at Kentucky - They are a basketball school in theory, but I went there for their game against LSU on our bye week in 2021. It was incredible. If I had been a HS recruit, I would've committed on the spot. If I was a HS kid, I would've been a fan for life. They play "Grove St. Party" after every big play. It's an EXTREMELY inappropriate song, and 70 year old women sing it because it's their thing and they stuck with it.

6. Find a Grove Street - Mr. Brightside (UM), Shout (PU), Jump Around (UW), Don't Stop Believin (MSU), Sandstorm (USC), etc. The reason that a lot of traditions stick is because something good happens on the field the day the song is played. Some of this relies on the team, but it's a two way street.

7. Make it something a kid will talk about - Everything we do should be toward 10-18 year olds falling in love with Indiana football. Kids naturally look up to college kids, they're intimidating and cool as hell. How can we make kids (fans) feel like they're a part of it.

8. Get Bloomington (and surrounding communities) on the bus - There does not seem to be a concerted effort by the AD to reach out to the Bloomington community, Bedford, Martinsville, Columbus, etc. This is super low hanging fruit.

9. Pack the stadium with charities and youth sport organizations- Every game should have 2-3k seats reserved for pee wee league football players, local charities, etc. We should even have Columbus Day (no offensive pun intended) where every kid that goes to North or East gets a ticket. Kids cheer and become lifers.

10. End pass-outs - There's absolutely no reason for that nonsense. If you want to leave, you can leave. But the idea that you "might" come back isn't fair to the team. You can drink in the stadium now. No excuses.

11. Do simple stuff - First one is on the house...West Side "I" East side "U"...repeat

Some good stuff in here. Some totally subjective stuff. Some stuff that’s dumb/can’t do.

I have no clue what Grove St is. You can’t give away tickets to HS kids. My phone works perfectly, your provider sucks. Our lack of scores and stats blows my mind.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

Here are my suggestions...
1. Improve timeouts/stoppages - End the rinky dink promotions. Play music non-stop. Show highlights from the past, national scores, interview a past player, but keep it moving. Throw sponsors on the board at the same time. If there was useful/entertaining content up there, more people would see the ads.

2. Inform the fans - Leaving an Indiana football game is like leaving a time capsule. Your phone doesn't work, so you have no idea about other scores, the game statistics (assuming you use the bathroom at halftime and miss the on-field mc guy snarling random player statistics at you), etc. We were able to show team stats 100% of the time in 1998...I believe we live in a world where that's still possible.

3. Pick traditions and stick with them - Keepers...The Walk, Hep's Rock, the Redsteppers, Hail to Old IU, Back Home Again, Sing, Sing, Sing, Kick for Keeps, First Down March
Duds...Hoosier Wipeout, 4th quarter transition void, walkout videos for the past three years, third down prep, Marching Hundred song catalog

4. Imitation works - I go to the road games, and I can tell you unequivocally that 98% of the fans at MS don't. On our bye week, our entire gameday/marketing team should fan out (no pun intended) to games at other P5 stadiums and should be tasked with bringing three songs/video board content ideas/general observations that can be auditioned at MS. It was SO obvious last year that somebody on our staff went to the game at Cincinnati because they brought back the catchy "Pump it Up" song. Keep that up and multiply it by ten.

5. Look at Kentucky - They are a basketball school in theory, but I went there for their game against LSU on our bye week in 2021. It was incredible. If I had been a HS recruit, I would've committed on the spot. If I was a HS kid, I would've been a fan for life. They play "Grove St. Party" after every big play. It's an EXTREMELY inappropriate song, and 70 year old women sing it because it's their thing and they stuck with it.

6. Find a Grove Street - Mr. Brightside (UM), Shout (PU), Jump Around (UW), Don't Stop Believin (MSU), Sandstorm (USC), etc. The reason that a lot of traditions stick is because something good happens on the field the day the song is played. Some of this relies on the team, but it's a two way street.

7. Make it something a kid will talk about - Everything we do should be toward 10-18 year olds falling in love with Indiana football. Kids naturally look up to college kids, they're intimidating and cool as hell. How can we make kids (fans) feel like they're a part of it.

8. Get Bloomington (and surrounding communities) on the bus - There does not seem to be a concerted effort by the AD to reach out to the Bloomington community, Bedford, Martinsville, Columbus, etc. This is super low hanging fruit.

9. Pack the stadium with charities and youth sport organizations- Every game should have 2-3k seats reserved for pee wee league football players, local charities, etc. We should even have Columbus Day (no offensive pun intended) where every kid that goes to North or East gets a ticket. Kids cheer and become lifers.

10. End pass-outs - There's absolutely no reason for that nonsense. If you want to leave, you can leave. But the idea that you "might" come back isn't fair to the team. You can drink in the stadium now. No excuses.

11. Do simple stuff - First one is on the house...West Side "I" East side "U"...repeat

Like several of these but big #1 is win. That makes almost anything else acceptable.

I hate the lame promotioal crap and always have but they need the money for buyouts, suites and training facilities.

Some say the U8 does not translate to the football field but I think it is a good tradition to use.

I hate to see passouts go, they have far less impact than the detractors claim.

Most people that leave at halftime actually leave or go to the tailgates to stay. We watch them pour down the hill toward the purple lots often with kids.

Those that park close and like to go back in don't hurt or bother anyone and any cost in manning a single return gate is infinitesimal and serves those that pay the most to be there. What will happen is that some (typical returners) will stay in and some will stay out or a net wash all while pissing a lot of their biggest supporters off. Like other places that used to have pass outs, "security"" will be the laughable reason posted with a snicker. Just say "money" and be honest.

Definitely need to do a better job reaching out to the community and do more discount promotions. Tip of the cap to Purdue for promoting the hell out of discounted tickets, I got emails every week from them becuse of my previous purchases. Their attendance was better than ours all year and they suck too.

 

[abraxis]

I was listening to the Ken Bikoff call in show after yesterday's game and the last caller had some very good points. He said that he had been to 91 straight Indiana football games and he talked about how the game day atmosphere was so much better at every other stadium.

Examples that he gave included swapping out the William Tell overture in the third quarter for John Mellencamp's Jack and Diane. He talked about car tire commercials being broadcasted live in the stadium.

Bikoff and his partner retorted that the problem was basically unfixable as long as the stadiums were only a quarter full in the 4th quarter and that was due to the fans not being loyal.

Personally I would go with more piped in music. I would get rid of the marching band. It is an anachronism that seems to drive people out of the stadium at halftime. Perhaps go with some concert live performances. Sure would be nice if the big jumbotron screens were actually facing the stands.

Does anybody care about the Rock? How about the flagpole? Or the walk? Personally I would put the spittoon back in an antique store. I feel a little sorry for the announcers who try to prop this up as a trophy game. And while we're at it get rid of the public address system announcers. They are terrible.

I haven't stepped foot in the state of Indiana and over 30 years. And I am not claiming that I know what the solutions are. But it's pretty easy to tell what is not working. By the way I got a glimpse of the end zone suites after Michigan State score the game-winning touchdown. A couple of them were empty and the others appeared to be occupied by squatters. There is so much that is broken here...

Well, getting rid of The Rock, marching band, flagpole, walk, brass spittoon and public address announcers would cure nothing so it’s certainly not the solution to your delusion.

 

[ams66]

My dad, stepmother, wife and I were fortunate enough to attend the very classic Colts/Patriots 2006 AFC Championship game at the RCA Dome. The atmosphere was frigging electric, the noise level was rock concert like. Why?? Winning....

I'm sure I will never experience that level of energy again, and I'm OK with that. It was off the chain, it was surreal.

Yep. Put a good product on the field and you don't need to distract everyone with recorded music and blathering announcers between every play.

 

[mushroomgod_1]

Here are my suggestions...
1. Improve timeouts/stoppages - End the rinky dink promotions. Play music non-stop. Show highlights from the past, national scores, interview a past player, but keep it moving. Throw sponsors on the board at the same time. If there was useful/entertaining content up there, more people would see the ads.

2. Inform the fans - Leaving an Indiana football game is like leaving a time capsule. Your phone doesn't work, so you have no idea about other scores, the game statistics (assuming you use the bathroom at halftime and miss the on-field mc guy snarling random player statistics at you), etc. We were able to show team stats 100% of the time in 1998...I believe we live in a world where that's still possible.

3. Pick traditions and stick with them - Keepers...The Walk, Hep's Rock, the Redsteppers, Hail to Old IU, Back Home Again, Sing, Sing, Sing, Kick for Keeps, First Down March
Duds...Hoosier Wipeout, 4th quarter transition void, walkout videos for the past three years, third down prep, Marching Hundred song catalog

4. Imitation works - I go to the road games, and I can tell you unequivocally that 98% of the fans at MS don't. On our bye week, our entire gameday/marketing team should fan out (no pun intended) to games at other P5 stadiums and should be tasked with bringing three songs/video board content ideas/general observations that can be auditioned at MS. It was SO obvious last year that somebody on our staff went to the game at Cincinnati because they brought back the catchy "Pump it Up" song. Keep that up and multiply it by ten.

5. Look at Kentucky - They are a basketball school in theory, but I went there for their game against LSU on our bye week in 2021. It was incredible. If I had been a HS recruit, I would've committed on the spot. If I was a HS kid, I would've been a fan for life. They play "Grove St. Party" after every big play. It's an EXTREMELY inappropriate song, and 70 year old women sing it because it's their thing and they stuck with it.

6. Find a Grove Street - Mr. Brightside (UM), Shout (PU), Jump Around (UW), Don't Stop Believin (MSU), Sandstorm (USC), etc. The reason that a lot of traditions stick is because something good happens on the field the day the song is played. Some of this relies on the team, but it's a two way street.

7. Make it something a kid will talk about - Everything we do should be toward 10-18 year olds falling in love with Indiana football. Kids naturally look up to college kids, they're intimidating and cool as hell. How can we make kids (fans) feel like they're a part of it.

8. Get Bloomington (and surrounding communities) on the bus - There does not seem to be a concerted effort by the AD to reach out to the Bloomington community, Bedford, Martinsville, Columbus, etc. This is super low hanging fruit.

9. Pack the stadium with charities and youth sport organizations- Every game should have 2-3k seats reserved for pee wee league football players, local charities, etc. We should even have Columbus Day (no offensive pun intended) where every kid that goes to North or East gets a ticket. Kids cheer and become lifers.

10. End pass-outs - There's absolutely no reason for that nonsense. If you want to leave, you can leave. But the idea that you "might" come back isn't fair to the team. You can drink in the stadium now. No excuses.

11. Do simple stuff - First one is on the house...West Side "I" East side "U"...repeat

Nice list....some comments:

---Band needs to be larger, louder, better at marching, and play better songs. And stop amping their music so damn much. It's strange and pathetic.

---Have more highlights from past seasons---video of Bo, Mallery, George T., AT, ARE et al....show bits and pieces of really old games like the '45 team with a little history for explanation....pics of old memorial stadium etc. Examples---Dumas' play against Purdue in WL; Harkraders' game against Purdue in W.L.; AT going off against Wisconsin.

---Announce that you're going to show the scores 15 seconds before you actually do so they're not over before you even know they are on the screen---and show them earlier and more often....or better yet actually announce other scores rather than just putting them on the screen.

---Have some of the better, bigger college games on some of the TVs around MS. Why do we have to have 50 TVs all showing the IU game and/or band?

---People hate the promotions.....if you're going to have promotions tie them to the game.....when they score more than 30 points, 20% off etc....and stop the screaming announcers with their fake enthusiasm...and for God's sake don't put women out there and ask them to kick a 30 yard FG.

---Show bits about IU History/IU alums/other IU sports history...examples the bell tower, President Wells, Mark Cuban, history of the Union, IU scholars of the past who earned major awards, IU soccer championships, IU basketball championships

 

[bbh_42]

Was listening to the show on the drive home from the game. The easiest answer to all is winning. However, having been to several different college football stadiums over the years the IU experience is pretty underwhelming.

I do like the Rock, the Walk and I don't have any issue with the Band. I do think the IU team taking the field entry is pretty lame and the whole start of the games just lends itself to a low energy crowd and I do think the players feed off of the energy a crowd brings.

For Saturday, one of my daughters friends went to grab something from the concession stand and they didn't have any Pizza brought up to the upper ones so she had to walk down. Then midway in the third they went to grab some popcorn and the concession was already closed so again had to walk all the way to the lower level ones.

If you want to keep more students in the stands, then award them bonus points for staying to the end. Or strike a deal with all the Fraternities and Sororities on Cease and Desist or probation if they attend and stay that you'll knock time off their punishment.

I can't stand the Hype guy so I would get rid of him first. Also, the little games are lame. Really a set of tires is the best giveaway for a college student? The catch a punt is a nice idea but the footballs are rarely remotely in play for the fan to come close.

I lived in Atlanta back in the 90's and I remember Aurthur Blank wanted fans in the stands so he took large sections of the stadium and dropped the tickets very low to get butts in the seats. Then of course they drafted Vick so that helped but making it affordable was his first move.

 

[dillonpgp]

Every time I attend a game in Bloomington, I wind up with the same thought.

The first and last impression people have of their GameDay experience is getting in and out of the parking lot. Any time there is a crowd over 30-35k, IU has failed management of this most basic task. If you have a family in the car, messing this up will put some vocal vetoes on future plans to attend. So if you want to invite youth groups or other first timers tied to building attendance, you can’t screw this up. Add the realities of TV windows creating more later windows and trying to get out of parking lot after 10:30pm (with kids in tow) becomes magnified.

It goes beyond preference of Marching band music, age demographics of music played (and at what decibel level), and quality of concessions. It is Dad or Mom sitting in their car finding streets blocked off, ineffective traffic flow, and just piling up the minutes (and sometimes over an hour) of wasted time and being alone in the thoughts that a supposed leading University is either too inept or doesn’t give a shit to manage the most basic element of GameDay. It’s this experience that puts a negative on the overall value of a day in Bloomington.