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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Stagophile, 05:56:32pm 11/22/05 Tue, [1]
Yes, I believe we can all do the math. But, the point is that AHY was far from being filled to it's 5200 capacity despite a high profile opponent and a significant marketing effort by the Leffler Agency. It seems that this all fell on deaf ears.
I do hope that GD is correct and we do fill the AHY to it's capacity against Providence. And while I don't expect things to happen overnight, my point above, is that we had a very compelling reason to attract new fans over the last four years and the hiring Leffler Agency while a good move strikes me as missing a golden opportunity to really drive fannies into the AHY. Our level of talent is not compelling right now. Saint Joseph's was not compelling. And we all know that MAAC competition will never be compelling. Our last chance this season to make a good impression with local fans is Providence. Alot is riding on next Monday evening in my humble opinion.
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- FUAlum, 09:00:15pm 11/22/05 Tue, [1]
The school needs to do a much better job marketing games to alums and bringing ticket prices down. I remember the first year when they ran a huge Homecoming mailing blitz to alums in Fairfield County, promising discount tickets for the Manhattan game. Well, it worked, as nearly 5,000 showed up. So why can't they do this for all our big games? Why not send alums special flyers for St. Joes and PC to let them know? Plus, reducing tickets down to say $14 and $8 might help, too. I think $18 is a deterrent to many people.
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Simple formula for filling the arena... -- GuyF, 10:31:30pm 11/22/05 Tue, [1]
Win a MAAC title.
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Re: Simple formula for filling the arena... -- Frank F, 11:16:03pm 11/22/05 Tue, [1]
That won't do it I do not think. The MAAC is soooo bad now that nobody cares.
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Not true. -- GuyF, 07:24:39am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
The MAAC's state is meaningless. Everyone just wants to Dance. The college basketball season doesn't begin until March for many people. Show them hoops in March by getting on the big board on Selection Sunday and you'll see a bunch of idiots come out from under rocks and say "I've been a Fairfield fan for years".
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Re: Not true. -- Moose, 07:39:04am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
Now, That is a statement I can agree with.
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Moose, 07:17:22am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
You are correct, saying that ticket prices make people not want to go. I don't go that often for that reason. They should try & drop ticket prices for a season & see what happens. Another point to make is, you normally outdraw the capacity of Alumni Hall, so, that was one of the reasons for the move. I have seen games at Alumni Hall when it is full & there is nothing better. The noise, the atmosphere, that makes it very tough for visiting teams to come in & win. You don't have that at the Arena. 2500 people doesn't make & dent, now if you could get 5000 people a game, that would make a big difference.
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- When the Stags Come Marching In..., 07:54:36am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
There has never been an attempt by the University to connect to the local area Bridgeport basketball fan, of which there are thousands. Are there any promotions? Any clinics for kids? Anything at all. You can talk all day about Alumni and student support, but without any local connection, Fairfield basektball support will remain what it always has been: Intereseting enough for a total of 3,000 people to attend a game. That may increase a bit for a name opponent like Providence, but a lot of good that will do when the league schedule begins. Take a look arround at mid-major basketball programs that are successful at drawing people: winning games is paramount but many have taken the extra step to connect to the local community (Siena being a good example over the years).
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Re: B'Port only cares about UConn, not the MAAC -- FUAlum, 01:35:43pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
No one outside the FU community cares about either the Stags or the MAAC right now, this state is wall to wall UConn all day, every day. The UConn women get ten times more attention than every other Div. 1 mens team combined! Geno is a God right now, Tim O'Toole is a nobody. Even many Stag alums I know are more interested in going to see UConn play than FU.
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Re: B'Port only cares about UConn, not the MAAC -- When the Stags Come Marching In..., 05:23:51pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
I agree that the perception is that it is all UCONN, although I believe there are many UCONN haters looking for an alternative winning basketball team to follow.
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Re: B'Port only cares about UConn, not the MAAC -- Stagophile, 05:34:29pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
Not everybody in Connecticut is a UCONN fan, but, everybody loves a winner! There is room in every market for a second winning team. I just look at the success of Xavier in southern Ohio despite competing for fans against Cincinnati, Dayton and even Ohio State up in Columbus. If Fairfield starts winning games, winning MAAC championships and goes dancing on a regular bases combined with a smart comprehensive marketing strategy, then we could easily carve out our own fanbase in Southern CT.
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Yes we need to win the MAAC -- JoeStag, 07:58:24pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
Winning the MAAC on a consistent basis is certainly a lofty goal, and would certainly elevate this program. Even one appearance would give us a boost.
But does that mean if we don't get to the NCAA, that we are really stuck with the support that we have. Is it really a "chicken and egg" situation where we have to achieve before we get repect and grow??????
IMO, to gain respect and create ecitement from the Fairfield County community, we have to win the MAAC. But for Alumni, I would hope that a larger portion of our 35,000+ Alumni could support this team.... win or lose. We have about 350 season ticket holders, that hold about 1,000 season tickets. Of those 350 season Ticket holders, my guess is that less than 200 Alumni own those seats. 200 out of 35,000..... think about what that means 200 out of 35,000 alum are willing to the hoop program their unconditional love...... thats our biggest lost opportunity. And the comment about many Fairfield alum are more interested in UCONN is right on. We address that situation, and we solve a lot of problems.
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So how do we better engage the alumni? -- Stagophile, 08:16:40pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
I don't know. So why not ask them? And I don't mean us "crazy" alumni on this board. I mean the alumni that live within an hour of campus and don't regularly, if ever, attend games. Have Fr. Von Arx send out a survey or have some marketing major run a telephone survey of alumni to ask them why they have not supported the basketball team up until now and what it would take to get them to support the program. I am pretty certain the alumni were asked in the past, but, maybe the school went about it the wrong way. Maybe they don't see the connection between their supporting the program (both financially and physically in the stand) and the ultimate success of the program.
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Re: So how do we better engage the alumni? -- FUAlum, 08:33:00pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
Like I said up above, the Manhattan Homecoming crowd of almost 5,000 a few years back was the result of a very successful alumni mailing blitz WITH the offer of discounted tickets. It worked extremely well, and it should serve as a model of future marketing. I really think the alums in Fairfield and NH counties need to be mailed ticket info on upcoming games almost every 3-4 weeks during the season, with special promotions set up for selected games, like giveaways or discounts for kids tickets. And, let's be honest, the prices of tickets could come down a bit, I think it would help.
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Re: So how do we better engage the alumni? -- JoeStag, 08:47:01pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
If that mailing went to all Alumni, then that is what is needed. But that game also had the biggest build-up of any MAAC game in a while, we were on a 6 game winning streak and it was a battle for 1st place. Students showed big time and Manhattan bought some fans.
I thought last year that email's went out with discounted tickets for selected games. I will have to check why that has not happen this year.
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Re: So how do we better engage the alumni? -- FUAlum, 11:23:45am 11/24/05 Thu, [1]
Joe Stag, I think you're talking about the weeknight game that was a battle for 1st place where about 5400 showed up. But the Homecoming game was during the first year when we kinda sucked, it was a Saturday game that was heavily marketed to alums as a Homecoming special with discounted tickets AND alumni receptions before and after at the arena. Considering the team wasn't playing well, the crowd of almost 5,000 was tremendous. But that's the thing, because of the constant media UConn blitz, I really think alums MUST be sent regular reminders of upcoming games that include things like receptions, giveaways, etc., because alums tend to "tune out" on the Stags if they don't get off to a quick start (like this year).
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Re: So how do we better engage the alumni? -- Stagophile, 05:13:14pm 11/24/05 Thu, [1]
Three ways to remind fans of upcoming games as suggested by the Marketing Manager of the Iona Gaels...
http://www.iona.edu/gaels/marketing/media_ads.cfm
SCHEDULE CARDS
Reach thousands of loyal Iona followers and businesses by sponsoring schedule cards that are produced for men’s and women’s basketball games. Your company will receive their logo, phone number, address, and web address on each card. Schedule cards are available at games and are distributed in high traffic areas around Westchester County. Schedule cards are produced for men’s and women’s basketball games.
Corporate Partners will receive:
• Company name and logo placed on each schedule card. Schedule cards are produced for football and men’s and women’s basketball).
SCHEDULE POSTERS
This opportunity represents outstanding repeat viewing media for your company's logo and/or message. Schedule posters find their way to prominent locations in retail businesses and restaurants throughout Westchester County. Schedule posters are produced for men’s and women’s basketball games.
Corporate Partners will receive:
• Company’s name and logo placed on each schedule poster. Schedule posters are produced for football and men’s and women’s basketball.
SCHEDULE MAGNETS
Schedule Magnets are produced for men’s and women’s basketball games. Magnet schedules are a great way for a sponsor to find their way into fan's homes and remain there for many years as part of collections.
Corporate Partners will receive:
• Company’s name and logo placed on each schedule magnet. Schedule magnets are produced for football and men’s and women’s basketball.
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Re: So how do we better engage the alumni? -- JoeStag, 08:37:28pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
The University (meaning Fr. van Arx) needs to seriously ask Alumni to support this venture at Harbor Yards, and paint the Vision of why that is important to the Unversity.
It is either important or not to the University..... he needs to tell us..... and ask for our support, not in money, but in support to attend games and support the team.
The development office contacts ten's of thousands of Alumni each year by phone asking for money. How about ask them for support.
Alumni getting involved in supporting athletics is not just a men's hoops issue, its an issue for all sports, and homecoming events But all is not falling apart as Men's hoops get the most support as far as attendance, and we are still 2nd in the MAAC in attendance, and we have progressed from when we played at Alumni Hall where we only averaged less than 2,000 fans with many people getting in free.
Stago, do you know if Soccer or Lacrosse charge for their games?????
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Re: So how do we better engage the alumni? -- Stagophile, 08:55:48pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
I am not sure about soccer, but I believe lacrosse charges a $5 admission.
Just one last nuance...alumni need to be treated like and must feel like they are a part of the program. They are not just fans paying for their tickets and sitting in the stands. There needs be a shared understanding with the alumni that we (Fr. Von Arx, GD and TOT) appreciate your vested interest in your alma mater and that you, the alumni, are an extremely important part of making this program and AHY a success. Without you, the alumni, this will never work!!!
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Re: Yes we need to win the MAAC -- Stags57, 08:32:12pm 11/25/05 Fri, [1]
In response to the question as to how we engage alumni, I believe the answer is quite clear. Nothing succeeds like success. Every year we hear that the U wants to re-energize the Alums and the student Red Sea. The way to accomplish this is to WIN. I have never felt that the administration and the board is as dedicated to excellence in athletics as they are to academics. As an alum that does travel some 90+ miles to the home games, I would NEVER recommend that any other classmate that they do this. You go to the games, especially at the start of a new season, you go TO the games with such hope, and then have a long ride home with such frustration. The team either loses, very often badly (ie:St Joes) or just about wins in spite of passing the ball back and forth near half court instead of attacking the basket. Let's face it, the games are BORING!
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Stags Alumni Fan of the Week -- Stagophile, 08:01:44am 11/26/05 Sat, [1]
Stag57,
You are my nominee for Stags Alumni Fan of the Week. Any alumni fan willing to travel 90 miles to see the Stags play is a diehard fan and a winner in my book. We need more alumni fans like you!!!
Go Stags!!!
Stagophile
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Stagman, 08:42:15am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
The Stags need to string together a couple of 20 win seasons culminating in NCAA bids and then bring in high profile teams in order to draw large crowds.
To us basketball fans, St Joes is a very nice opponent to bring into your building. To the average guy on the street, who will only attend a game if it is fashionable or trendy, St Joes just doesn't cut it.
Get Duke, UNC, Notre Dame, Syracuse, or bring in a good team with a strong local following (BC) and you'll get a good crowd. You'll also lose by 40.
I don't think this problem is specific to Fairfield. I work a mile from George Mason U. They have been strong the past few years, nearly beat Wake Forest a week ago, have 20,000+ students, and they had their home opener last night, against powerhouse Creighton, on campus, in a 10,000 seat arena...and drew only 3,100.
College hoops is great for us hoops junkies, but to the casual observer it only becomes important in March.
Additional advertising would likely cost far more money than it brings in via incremental ticket revenue.
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Running Man, 11:36:17am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
My opinion is that the only way that we have a chance of attracting the local fan is to start beating high profile teams regularly, demonstrating that this is no marginal operation by going to the NCAA Tourney three or four years in succession and by winning games in the tourney. And sadly even this is no guarantee that we attract anyone to AHY. To exacerbate matters we play in the backyard of one of the nation's best teams and this diverts attention from our enterprise.
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- QuinnipiacStagFan, 01:08:03pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
Stag57,
Sorry, but I don't agree.
1. If you bring Duke in you might get a surge in attendance. But do you think people are going to spend $18 a ticket to see Duke beat Farifield by 50. I'm sure alot of people thought they didn't get their moneys worth Monday vs. St. Joe's. People want to see competative basketball. How about the G. Washington game Fairfield won at AHY a few years ago... that was excitement. They need that type of game consistantly.. with some marketing.. It will draw people.
2. If you could bring in Duke and sold out the arena, and Fairfield gets blown out.. do you think those same people are coming back to see Siena/Niagra/Ryder ? I don't...
3. I have posted it many times before, as have many of you. There is NO marketing, do you think the St. Joe's game was marketed well.....How about Providence. How about a commercial on WICC to get the word out. How about a pull out section in the CT Post... I didn't hear or see any.
The team has to win and has to market correctly.. they go hand in hand. I thought over the last three years there have been some good teams that were very exciting to watch... Rob Thompson/D. Gai there was no marketing. Now this team seems a little weaker...and still there is no marketing.
I will be there vs. Providene, already have my tickets. Hopefully it will be close to 4K people and more importantly hopefully it is a competative game.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all......
QC Brave >>----->
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- JoeStag, 03:06:19pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
While more could have been done to market the St Joes game, Its not like it was not marketed. I drove up thru Fairfield County on Sat and Monday and on both days I heard Radio comercials in WICC for "Hot Hoops at Harbor Yards"..... and I only listened to WICC to get traffic reports, so I do not know how many spots they had . There were CT Post ads for Hot Hoops, and a nice Puma story on Martelli a few days before the game, along with a few other preview stories during the week. Stamford Advocate also had a preview story.
I think that is the type of marketing that should be is expected for a game like St Joes....... Thats why the attendance was so disappointing..... even with decent pregame marketing.
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Eric, 07:45:54am 11/24/05 Thu, [1]
BC does not even have a strong hoops following in Boston. Poor example
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Carlo Matterasse, 10:24:12pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
If Manhattan, with about 100,000 people within WALKING DISTANCE of the school can't draw more than a 1900 average or so, what makes you think that Fairfield can get decent crowds in "The Arena" in Br'port?
The team belongs back in its own space with its own identity, period!
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Re: Arena lacking Stag fans -- Red Rugger, 11:50:34am 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
The "YOUNG JESUIT" is in the house!
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We have to be successfull in the MAAC -- JoeStag, 01:19:49pm 11/23/05 Wed, [1]
There a lot of factors that go into being successful at Harbor Yards like Marketing, Winning, Scheduling, Championships....etc. But I think there are 2 critical components that form the basis for us to succeed.
1) Season Ticket base has to Increase - we cannot rely on walk-up sales of 2-4K a night in order to get good attendance. Our Season Ticket base has to increase from 1,000 fans to at least 2,000 to 3,000. That means there as to enough fans that care to come to to games irregarless if the team is 19 wins or 12 wins, or if we are playing St Joes or Elon, or if the ticket price is $10 or $15, or if its raining or snowing, or if it Monday night football, or a Giants Playoff game. People have to want to see Fairfield play, and thats the key. If we get 5,000 or 3,000 for the Providence or St Joes games it really means nothing if those people only come to see those team/games. This is where I think Fairfield Alumni and Fairfield University has not stepped up to the plate. The University has not Seriously asked Alumni to support Basketball as Harbor Yards, and when they have asked Alumni to attend games/events..... the Alumni has voted to not attend. Remember we only need about 700 Alumni to buy 3 tickets apiece to reach 2,000 season tickets. Fr van Arx needs to ask Alumni if they (and their families and friend) will step-up and support Fairfield Basketball.
2) We have to have Fans of MAAC Basketball - wanting to be in a Higher league is a great goal, but we are currently in the MAAC, and we have to appeal to fans that Mid Major basketball is exciting and Fairfield's pursuit of a MAAC Championship and NCAA berth is an exciting journey. Maybe its not always a successfull journey, but it is exciting. We play 9 games vs MAAC in the Arena, and only 3-4 OOC teams, the league games have to be the most important..... thats how it is for almost all schools..... why are we the exception The league games have to be built into big rivalries and important contests. That is what is going to build interest. We need people to come to the games because of the Rivalry and the importance of the game in the standings. St Joes and Providence games are very nice games, but they will never be rivalries, because their is no special meaning to the game . To build rivalries, we have to have constant and interesting coverage in the CT Post (and other Newspapers), and being committed to having the best Athletic Website, and Radio coverage that talk not only Fairfield Basketball but MAAC Basketball.
It is interesting that the University has decided to have Pregame Receptions for St Joes and Fordham home games, but have nothing planned for Iona or Manhattan home games. And away receptions for St Joes and Fordham and Georgetown in Philly, NYC and DC/Balt , but little or nothing is done for Rider (Philly area), Iona/Manhattan (NYC) and Loyola (DC/Balt). Think about what message is that sending. We cannot be successfull if Fans, Alumni, and Fairfield County become MAAC Fans.
Fans have to want to see Fairfield Basketball and MAAC Basketball.... win or lose..... Providence or Elon or Loyola
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