(06-04-2021 01:13 PM)gulfcoastgal Wrote:  

(06-04-2021 12:54 PM)panama Wrote:  

(06-04-2021 12:34 PM)Attackcoog Wrote:  

(06-03-2021 04:26 PM)panama Wrote:  My preference means nothing. But most conferences are looking inward not outward. Fewer and fewer fans are going to games even pre-COVID. Student and fan engagement is a problem. The solution is probably going to be a combination of better fan engagement, better stadium and arena ammenities and better game day experiences which includes better opponents that local fans ae familiar with and care about. I am unconvinced that fans will care about a school 2500 - 3000 miles away.

Just yesterday someone came on our board (Temple fan) about openings in their schedule. The reception was lukewarm at best and most fans turned to, "when is Tech?" or "Can we get a Tennessee rematch?".

The schools I mentioned actually have Atlanta area alumni. People here are way more familiar with those programs than MWC or MAC programs for instance. Its probably the same in most large cities in the South.

I cant imagine there's much difference between the fan interest in a school 1000 miles away and one 2500 miles away. I suspect more people would get excited over a game with Boise or BYU than a game vs Charlotte or ODU. Once you get out of state or more than a few hudred miles away---BRAND is 1000X better predictor of local fan interest than distance.

Cant disagree and of course in the South it just means more. So Troy or UAB or Memphis will create more interest here than Colorado State but Boise would create a lot interest especially if they are ranked. Conversely you have to wonder if those western schools are willing to blow up their home schedule of familiar opponents for what the AAC is offering money wise. Again, WVU endures it for the direct deposit. Not sure any of those schools bites for 25% of that P5 money.

Really? I could see it in bball, but fball? Basketball fans typically travel farther and in greater quantities. As for filling up the Liberty Bowl, if the Tigers are winning (and it's not raining), people will come regardless of opponent. There's no mix of regional G5 opponents that will increase attendance. And, judging from the fan reaction (radio and online) of recently scheduled G5s by the former AD, MWC schools would be welcome.