Heard some good news about the SUNDOME upgrades.

[CyberBull]

We ***** when improvements aren't made, we ***** when they are made.  What a diverse bunch we have here.

It's better than nobody ******** at all b/c wholesale apathy has set into the fanbase.

******** and complaing is part of sports. Some people try the lemmings approach where the team can't do any wrong, while other hate everything. Most of us fall somewhere in the middle.

[Ricky the Bull]

I hope that's true...........

On a related note, I heard on the radio the Mike Lapan <sp> was leaving the SunDome for the same positon at the Lakeland Center ....

Here's the story:

Longtime USF Sun Dome Director Leaving

By BRETT McMURPHY bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: Dec 21, 2004

     

TAMPA - Mike LaPan, the Sun Dome's executive director since 1984, is leaving to become executive director at The Lakeland Center.

LaPan's final day with the Sun Dome at the University of South Florida is Dec. 31. He will replace outgoing Lakeland Center Executive Director Allen Johnson on Jan. 10.

``It's a tough decision. It's tough to leave your comfort zone,'' LaPan said. ``This is a great opportunity at a great time.''

For nearly 21 years, LaPan directed Sun Dome Inc., a nonprofit, direct-support organization that generates 85 percent of its revenue from events. It also manages and operates the Sun Dome, USF golf course, USF soccer stadium, Red McEwen (baseball) Field and other athletic facilities.

``This [Lakeland Center] position opened up when the Sun Dome is doing well,'' said LaPan, 49, a 1980 USF graduate. ``I'm intrigued by the challenge of strengthening the [Lakeland Center] entertainment package, working with the strong sports commission in Polk County, continuing to build amateur sports in the market, and the convention center side of it. They have a great selling point. It's a great opportunity to have a great economic impact on Polk County.''

It has not been determined whether LaPan's position will be filled. USF might assume control of the Sun Dome. The Florida State Golf Association is negotiating to take control of USF's golf course.

``I've always said I had one of the best jobs on campus: I work at USF and not for USF,'' he said, ``but this was a great opportunity to advance my career and stay in the market.''

http://bulls.tbo.com/bulls/MGB5DZWHZ2E.html

[Brad]

It's better than nobody ******** at all b/c wholesale apathy has set into the fanbase.

I'm less worried about apathy setting into the fan base as I am about the fan base disappearing.  Most fans are not apathetic - that alone does not fit the description fo a fan.

[CyberBull]

You really think that there is no apathy regarding USF basketball?

I think the 4000 to 5000 fans we used to get on a regular basis are still around, they just haven't gotten anything worth getting excited about in terms of the product on the floor or the amenities at the Sundome.

[Brad]

Right and that is not a true fan...Fans by nature follow their team and don't forget about them during down times.  That's all I am saying.  If anyone says there were a fan in 1991 - well, that's what they were.

I don't wish to divert the direction of this thread.  Let's just say we're talking about the same thing in different ways.

[Guest AstroBull]

I'm hope they get those upgrades done.  It would be nice for the last two years I'm there and beyond.

[smazza]

diversity is good