Started By
Message
re: Is Bama having hard time selling tickets?
Posted on 7/8/19 at 12:28 pm to prevatt33
Posted on 7/8/19 at 12:28 pm to prevatt33
That's not true that we have less than 50 yrs ago.
Counting inflation, we have over 25% more income than 50 yrs ago. And just look around at all the stuff that people own. Automobiles, homes, second homes, electronics, clothing, health care, and it goes on and on and on. Americans just like to spend it all. We hardly ever went out to eat when I was a kid, and very few times went more than 30 miles out of town on vacation. Have you driven around lately and compared it to pictures you see from back in the 50s and 60s? Look at the schools and colleges. Its just crazy how much we spend on that. Back in the 50s they were coming off of 2 wars and the great depression. Those people had a reason to believe their future wasn't very good. Probably one thing that is worse, is we are fat and out of shape now because we love to indulge. And don't tell me its just a small percentage of people that are better off. That just is not true.
Counting inflation, we have over 25% more income than 50 yrs ago. And just look around at all the stuff that people own. Automobiles, homes, second homes, electronics, clothing, health care, and it goes on and on and on. Americans just like to spend it all. We hardly ever went out to eat when I was a kid, and very few times went more than 30 miles out of town on vacation. Have you driven around lately and compared it to pictures you see from back in the 50s and 60s? Look at the schools and colleges. Its just crazy how much we spend on that. Back in the 50s they were coming off of 2 wars and the great depression. Those people had a reason to believe their future wasn't very good. Probably one thing that is worse, is we are fat and out of shape now because we love to indulge. And don't tell me its just a small percentage of people that are better off. That just is not true.
Posted on 7/8/19 at 5:08 pm to IB4bama
I don’t think overall economics has much to do with it as, there are just better options. Period.
The cost of going isn’t worth the product I receive. Lost money every year I sold tickets to games I didn’t go to.
It’s not worth it; I don’t care what anyone says. The ticket donations are no longer deductible, and “pride in my university,” won’t move the needle for me to waste 4K a year.
Look forward to going to 1-2 games a year, and watching the rest on a big TV, with other games to follow-suit right after.
The cost of going isn’t worth the product I receive. Lost money every year I sold tickets to games I didn’t go to.
It’s not worth it; I don’t care what anyone says. The ticket donations are no longer deductible, and “pride in my university,” won’t move the needle for me to waste 4K a year.
Look forward to going to 1-2 games a year, and watching the rest on a big TV, with other games to follow-suit right after.
Posted on 7/8/19 at 7:13 pm to ATLabama
I have been a season ticket holder for 8 years and almost gave them up this year. I just don't know if I want to keep paying for games that are dumpster games. I know that there is a waiting list and all, but I was a season ticket holder in the greatest era in Bama history...Roll Tide!
Posted on 7/9/19 at 10:44 am to ATLabama
quote:
I don’t think overall economics has much to do with it as, there are just better options.
I disagree, especially for families on the lower end of middle class. I recently came across my ticket stub for the 2001 UCLA game in Bryant Denny. Face value on that ticket was $35, not including the Tide Pride fee of course. That same ticket for a game against a similar opponent today would be at least $100. A lot of middle class salaries have not tripled in 18 years, so ticket prices have exceeded wage growth for many fans. Taking a family of 4 to a game in 2001 was relatively affordable, and that's just not the case today for the bigger games.
That said, for a lot of games you're a fool to pay above face on the secondary market. I haven't paid face or above for a ticket since the 2012 LSU game. Granted I haven't been to every big home game in that timeframe, but even tickets to a couple of Arkansas games, an A&M game, and a few others were below face outside the stadium.
But I do agree that a lot of people have weighed their options and decided their time and money was better spent somewhere else. This has been a growing concern in college football for over 5 years now, but because of the success of Alabama we've been somewhat insulated from it. The bubble is close to popping though, if it hasn't already, and I think our AD has mostly been reactive to it rather than proactive.
Posted on 7/9/19 at 11:37 am to The Spleen
quote:
I disagree, especially for families on the lower end of middle class. I recently came across my ticket stub for the 2001 UCLA game in Bryant Denny. Face value on that ticket was $35, not including the Tide Pride fee of course. That same ticket for a game against a similar opponent today would be at least $100. A lot of middle class salaries have not tripled in 18 years, so ticket prices have exceeded wage growth for many fans. Taking a family of 4 to a game in 2001 was relatively affordable, and that's just not the case today for the bigger games.
Completely agree. . . and it's specifically that lowest range of the middle class that's been growing in great numbers since the 80s.
If your experience is any type of retail that depends on all economic groups, it's very clear that there may be just as much overall money floating around but the percentage of people who have "disposable" income at all is shrinking in leaps and bounds.
Posted on 7/9/19 at 11:38 am to The Spleen
First, let me say I’m not a big soccer fan. It’s difficult for me to watch on TV because I’m not a big fan of the sport.
Having said that, soccer does TV right. TV does not interrupt their game with commercials. If they want to run a commercial, they leave live action and come back or squeeze it in during rare stoppages of play. But the game doesn’t wait on TV, they keep going. Why can’t football do the same? Have the running ads on the video boards as in soccer but no more of this TV timeout bullshite that has stretched the average game to almost 3 and 1/2 hours. Changes in strategy have already lengthened the game with more passing and less running but the biggest culprit and atmosphere killer is the TV timeout.
TV is also a problem with their 11AM kickoffs. Who wants to be in BDS in early September in the heat of the day when it’s broiling? It’s unsafe for fans and reduces the quality of play. Early season games in the south should be twilight or later kicks in most circumstances.
The tail has wagged the dog for too long in college football. TV needs to realize they are helping kill the golden goose and make some changes. They could easily change the aforementioned problems. How about broadcasting other games on the video boards during stoppages? Instead of helping kill the fan experience, figure out ways to help enhance it?
Having said that, soccer does TV right. TV does not interrupt their game with commercials. If they want to run a commercial, they leave live action and come back or squeeze it in during rare stoppages of play. But the game doesn’t wait on TV, they keep going. Why can’t football do the same? Have the running ads on the video boards as in soccer but no more of this TV timeout bullshite that has stretched the average game to almost 3 and 1/2 hours. Changes in strategy have already lengthened the game with more passing and less running but the biggest culprit and atmosphere killer is the TV timeout.
TV is also a problem with their 11AM kickoffs. Who wants to be in BDS in early September in the heat of the day when it’s broiling? It’s unsafe for fans and reduces the quality of play. Early season games in the south should be twilight or later kicks in most circumstances.
The tail has wagged the dog for too long in college football. TV needs to realize they are helping kill the golden goose and make some changes. They could easily change the aforementioned problems. How about broadcasting other games on the video boards during stoppages? Instead of helping kill the fan experience, figure out ways to help enhance it?
Posted on 7/9/19 at 3:13 pm to phil4bama
quote:
If they want to run a commercial, they leave live action and come back
They haven't done this in nearly 20 years. They won't cut away until halftime or the end of the game.
This post was edited on 7/9/19 at 3:18 pm
Posted on 7/9/19 at 6:38 pm to phil4bama
quote:
TV is also a problem with their 11AM kickoffs. Who wants to be in BDS in early September in the heat of the day when it’s broiling? It’s unsafe for fans and reduces the quality of play. Early season games in the south should be twilight or later kicks in most circumstances. The tail has wagged the dog for too long in college football. TV needs to realize they are helping kill the golden goose and make some changes.
The playoff format TV pushed for so hard is far worse for fans that go to games as well.
The BCS was a better system for college. Maybe it wasn’t fair to some teams like Auburn in ‘04, but it was hell of a lot more entertaining.
Posted on 7/9/19 at 6:41 pm to TomRollTideRitter
I’ll say I still like going to the games more than sitting at home. I just have a lot more fun being in and around BDS than on the couch.
I think they should make the games shorter though. Honestly, I would be fine going to 12 minute quarters. They could pass it off as promoting player safety.
Also, the review system needs to be fixed. Allow for instant overturns on clear missed calls.
I think they should make the games shorter though. Honestly, I would be fine going to 12 minute quarters. They could pass it off as promoting player safety.
Also, the review system needs to be fixed. Allow for instant overturns on clear missed calls.
Posted on 7/9/19 at 7:04 pm to TomRollTideRitter
The neutral site games I am starting to pass up for TV a lot more. There’s just too many of them, and the atmosphere is usually mediocre at best.
The only pro stadium I like going to is the Falcons stadium.
The only pro stadium I like going to is the Falcons stadium.
Posted on 7/9/19 at 7:53 pm to TomRollTideRitter
quote:Just set a review max time limit to 1 minute.
Also, the review system needs to be fixed.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 8:50 am to BamaWins15
I've stopped going to away and neutral site games. Still love home games, but have considered giving up my season tickets and just going to one or two games a year.
I also used to do A Day every year, but haven't the last few seasons.
I also used to do A Day every year, but haven't the last few seasons.
This post was edited on 7/10/19 at 9:00 am
Posted on 7/10/19 at 10:04 am to Master of Sinanju
The problem I have with athletics is, it seems to have an identity crisis. It's hard to make savy, proactive business decisions when you're still trying to hide behind some mythical shield of "amateurism."
I feel like the reason professional sports continues to do well is, they don't lie about what they are. They are a business, and act as such.
Professional stadiums are 1000x better than virtually any college stadium. Even mediocre ones like Tampa Bay and Tennessee have modern wi-fi, varying food options, vast parking, alcohol sales, wide concourses... and the price to go those games (at least for those teams) fall in line, or even below the average cost of an Alabama football game.
College athletics hit it's peak of popularity in 2012; and rightfully, the SEC cashed in on it with the network and broadcasting rights. However, they need to work to get us back in the door. It's just not worth the time or hassle most of the time.
I don't think it will go the way of NASCAR, but those "geniuses" fell into the same trap CFB did. They moved outside their loyal fanbases to appease TV, kept raising prices, didn't improve schedules... and now, look at Bristol. Look at Daytona. What used to be literally impossible tickets to get, are now discounted with a Happy Meal.
I feel like the reason professional sports continues to do well is, they don't lie about what they are. They are a business, and act as such.
Professional stadiums are 1000x better than virtually any college stadium. Even mediocre ones like Tampa Bay and Tennessee have modern wi-fi, varying food options, vast parking, alcohol sales, wide concourses... and the price to go those games (at least for those teams) fall in line, or even below the average cost of an Alabama football game.
College athletics hit it's peak of popularity in 2012; and rightfully, the SEC cashed in on it with the network and broadcasting rights. However, they need to work to get us back in the door. It's just not worth the time or hassle most of the time.
I don't think it will go the way of NASCAR, but those "geniuses" fell into the same trap CFB did. They moved outside their loyal fanbases to appease TV, kept raising prices, didn't improve schedules... and now, look at Bristol. Look at Daytona. What used to be literally impossible tickets to get, are now discounted with a Happy Meal.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 10:15 am to ATLabama
I actually think football is a slowly dying sport. As more research into the effects of CTE come to light, player safety is going to effectively kill the game as we know it. Couple that with the current attendance issues, growing ticket prices, higher coaching salaries, less attractive schedules, etc., and in 20-30 years there may not even be a college football.
Maybe that's a bit alarmist or hyperbolic, but it certainly can't survive at its current trend and still be an attractive in-person spectator sport.
Maybe that's a bit alarmist or hyperbolic, but it certainly can't survive at its current trend and still be an attractive in-person spectator sport.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 11:01 am to The Spleen
quote:
I actually think football is a slowly dying sport.
I tend to agree.
quote:
and in 20-30 years there may not even be a college football.
But I think it has way more years than that left on its clock.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 1:00 pm to BamaWins15
To reiterate some points on here as Greg Byrne was our AD. He pulled some similar stuff in our basketball seating in the late 2000s and as a result, it killed both our student section and season tickets. I will hate Byrne forever for that decision for a few quick bucks.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 1:40 pm to The Winner
New Mexico State
Southern Miss
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Arkansas
LSU
Western Carolina
I think I found the problem. Two of those seven games are worth watching. I'm sorry but that's a pathetic slate of games at BDS.
Southern Miss
Ole Miss
Tennessee
Arkansas
LSU
Western Carolina
I think I found the problem. Two of those seven games are worth watching. I'm sorry but that's a pathetic slate of games at BDS.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 4:51 pm to The Spleen
quote:
Maybe that's a bit alarmist or hyperbolic, but it certainly can't survive at its current trend
What current trend? Just declining attendance?
It’s still the only college sport that makes lots of money, and despite declining attendance it’s making more than ever before. Football dwarfs every other sport in this country.
NBA ratings are a joke compared to the NFL. I think people drastically underestimate just how big football is in this country. If you look at the top 10 telecasts of 2018 in the US, 6 of 10 were football.
6 of 10! The only way football is gone in 20 years is if some radical pussy of a politician bans the thing.
Posted on 7/10/19 at 4:58 pm to ATLabama
quote:
I feel like the reason professional sports continues to do well is, they don't lie about what they are. They are a business, and act as such.
If college teams acted like professional teams, I wouldn’t watch at all. There would be no point. It’d just the professional experience with worse players.
And what is this nonsense that college sports aren’t doing well? Alabama brings in near $100M more than it did a decade ago.
In 2018, the NFL also posted its worst attendance numbers since 2011 by the way. Their TV ratings increased though.
Swapping live for the TV isn’t just a college sports issue.
This post was edited on 7/10/19 at 4:59 pm
Posted on 7/10/19 at 5:10 pm to TomRollTideRitter
quote:
What current trend? Just declining attendance?
CTE awareness, declining attendance, higher ticket prices, expanded playoffs causing more off campus games with high ticket prices, increasing coach's salaries, and there is growing concern of kids not wanting to play youth football.
Not saying it will happen, but it's going to take some soul searching a perhaps a paradigm shift of some kind. And yes, popularity is high, but how long can these programs survive with declining attendance if that declining attendance is due to lack of sales? Alabama will always be fine most likely. It's the Kentucky's, Indiana's, Washington State's, etc. that will feel the crunch.
Latest Alabama News
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News