FAN FEST DATE CHANGE EXPLANATION

[nobullaboutit]

We have just had a meeting with a member of USF Athletics.  Due to conflict of the team being out of town on 8/14, they have to reschedule Fan Fest to our original tailgate party date of 8/22. 

THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE COMING OUT ON THE USF WEBSITE SOMETIME ON TUESDAY, 8/3.

We met because neither wanted to have both events on the same day and conflict with each other.  So since 8/22 was the only date open at RayJay after the team's return, Fan Fest will be 8/22 and we are moving our Tampa tailgate date to 8/15.  This should answer most, if not all your questions about the date changes. 

[Mama_Bull]

I assume that has to do with the team going camping in Vero Beach.

[nobullaboutit]

I assume that has to do with the team going camping in Vero Beach.

Mama you are a quick learner!

[Bull-by-Marriage]

Personally, I think that the date change is BS. What were they waiting for? As soon as the idea about moving "training camp" came out, they should have moved Fan Fest right then. It makes no big deal to me, as I'll still be able to attend both, but I've got some friends that will be out of town that weekend. I just think that it could've been handled much better. Does this also mean that CSH will not be throwing out the first pitch at the Rays game?

[BullMedic]

Personally, I think that the date change is BS. What were they waiting for? As soon as the idea about moving "training camp" came out, they should have moved Fan Fest right then. It makes no big deal to me, as I'll still be able to attend both, but I've got some friends that will be out of town that weekend. I just think that it could've been handled much better. Does this also mean that CSH will not be throwing out the first pitch at the Rays game?

+1 This is so true.

[South_Florida_Flip]

Personally, I think that the date change is BS. What were they waiting for?

In reading Scott Carter's article today it sounds like they were finalizing the contract to be down there. I'd hardly call it bs. It's a good idea to help the new coaching staff bring this team together.

[Guest Sunburned]

Personally, I think that the date change is BS. What were they waiting for? As soon as the idea about moving "training camp" came out, they should have moved Fan Fest right then. It makes no big deal to me, as I'll still be able to attend both, but I've got some friends that will be out of town that weekend. I just think that it could've been handled much better. Does this also mean that CSH will not be throwing out the first pitch at the Rays game?

I bet he will, it's a lot easier, less disruptive, less costly for Skip Holtz to get from Vero to the Trop, for a few hours than it is to transport an entire football team and staff to the RJ and back to Vero.   Besides, it's not like this "tailgate" thingy is some long established official event.  The team comes first, everything else is secondary.

[IncrediBULL]

Personally, I think that the date change is BS. What were they waiting for? As soon as the idea about moving "training camp" came out, they should have moved Fan Fest right then. It makes no big deal to me, as I'll still be able to attend both, but I've got some friends that will be out of town that weekend. I just think that it could've been handled much better. Does this also mean that CSH will not be throwing out the first pitch at the Rays game?

Not sure of the details, but I suspect it was related to the following factors.  In past years, they targeted mid august for fan fest, about 2 weeks before school starts so it does not conflict (remember, the players are also students).  Plus, when they coordinate it, it does not just involve USF Fans.   They usually practice first, then shower, and head over to the stadium where they do interviews, etc, and then the fan fest begins.  People who have to be part of this date change include USF, Athletics, RJS, TSA, Bucs, etc.  

So I suspect that changing teh date was not desirable.  Plus, if you read the TBO link, it sounds like it was just finalized the way it read.   So without a contract being final, how much effort would you put into changing something to a less desirable date if your ducks were not in a row.

Not trying to argue, just seems like they did the logical thing given the training change of venue and lateness of these changes.  I for one am okay with whatever date they change it too.  The good of teh team comes first.

[South_Florida_Flip]

The team comes first, everything else is secondary.

EXACTLY!!

[AndytheBull]

I understand why they are doing it, and dont want the expense of bussing the team back up from Vero for one day, etc. but I dont like that they are doing it on this short of notice. The team comes first, but an event called USF Fan Fest seems its about the fans. Some people that have to plan out their work schedule in advance or family events etc had it set to be off on the 14th or be available during that time slot. I understand the last minute Vero stuff, but it'd be nice if they didnt move events geared towards thanking the fans and selling season tickets so close to the event.