Voodoo Five column: "Dear USF Fans: It's Time To Give A **** And Show Up"

[Brad]

 

 

However, one of the guys I used to work with managed to get a club-access ticket for only $10, so that worked out well for him....

 

I've said it before and it's going to be true going forward. Just like with basketball, even if you do purchase season tickets, there is a finite number of times you're going to go see your school lose a game. There is no enjoyment - nothing special or great - about owning season tickets if every game is a crapshoot, or worse, the likelihood of a loss before the game even starts. That's what we're seeing now. And make no mistake, there is no moral obligation to attend a game simply because you are an alumni. If the product diminishes, those low numbers are going to be the norm, not the exception.

 

People attend to be entertained. That's it. And losing, let alone beatdowns, are not going to flip the turnstile. It's only idiots like me, sitting under that blazing sun, sauteing in a savory broth of sweat who continue to show up, week in and week out through this slow rolling train wreck. Unfortunately, other members of the household board of directors are making noises that the annual donation and season ticket program may have to be discontinued. If 9K season tickets are this year's numbers - and this doesn't turn around - next year may be when that big ole red panic button at Fowler Avenue gets pushed.

 

I sat there until 00:00. Can't recall ever walking out of the stadium with such a small crowd. 

 

You see I am one of the few that feels that I have a more obligation to support my school through bad and good times. I will be at all the games this season just like I was last season. Right now is when USF needs us the most. 

 

Yeah, but apparently there is a considerable population of season ticket holders who feel quite differently. I don't have what it takes to NOT go, so I am there as well. Considering the number of alumni resident within two hours drive of Tampa, you'd think that stadium - and season ticket sales - would be a wee bit higher. However, if this is just the beginning of a long trek towards mediocrity, I fear that football attendance may suffer the same fate as basketball has suffered. It's entirely possible. 

 

Still no response on my inquiry regarding number of season ticket holders this season.  It might take an FOIA.

[Triple B]

I'm not following this ... Why does the article look worse now?

Are you being serious...? Not sure whether to respond seriously or not..

Dead serious ....unless all you guys are saying is that his plea wasn't vey effective since it didn't seem to add to the attendance.

His plea was nonsense. Our team has won 4 times in the last 25 games now. It was already a miserable article to begin with given the state of our program and now after the absolute drubbing NC State just put on us it just looks worse. One of the points he tried to make was attendance is tied directly to teams winning games and programs "turning it around". There could have been 80,000 USF fans at RJS Saturday and we would've still lost by 32 playing like that.

Go back and read his column and then read the NCSU's hc comments about the atmosphere. His plea was dead on but pretty much wasted because there aren't enough that really care enough about the program right now ... the reason(s) why they don't is a moot point(s).

His plea was dead on? You're right. USF football has really turned a corner, and it's time for raymond james to be packed. Anything else doesn't make sense.

You obviously either didn't go back and re-read it or you're having a hard time grasping what he's saying. Nowhere did he say you should be going to the game because USF football has turned a corner. He's saying just the opposite:

This is going to be a process. Willie Taggart is going to need some time to improve the product on the field. But he can't do that without people watching while the rebuild happens.

We all we got. Go to the game.

 

Point is he called people out for not going to the game when obviously our team showed Saturday exactly why people are choosing to stay home. The notion that WIllie Taggart can't improve the product on the field without people in the stands is garbage. Period.

 

Agree that him saying CWT can't improve the product on the field without people in the stands is wrong... but it's not really the on the field product that's at risk here by not going to games. This is the more important part of what he's saying:

 

But if we're ever going to be good again, people need to be in the stands at games. Especially games against Power 5 conference opponents like Maryland. Because perception is reality, and what recruit is going to want to come here and play in front of more empty seats at the lower bowl of Ray Jay then fans?

 

18,101 (the actual attendance from the Tampa Sports Authority) to watch the Bulls take on a B1G opponent is pathetic. If that's the true level of support of the program, then we need to just pack it in and go home. That's not nearly enough to sustain a high-level program that can have consistent success.

 

.... If that's the choice the fans want to make, that's fine. We'll still be really good at men's soccer and softball. But if you ever want to compete at the highest levels of football, go to the **** game.

 

You can make all the excuses you want for "fans" not going but it doesn't matter WHY they're not there, it's the fact they're not and that perception. High level programs aren't built when you have considerably more fair weather fans than the diehards. Perfect example is the team we just played. Coming off a 3-9 season where they were winless in conference, announced crowds of 50K each for two chumps to start the year out.

 

Maybe one day we can discuss how moving to the BE and then hitting #2 may have been the worst thing to have ever happened to football program ...

[sloan1919]

It seems the only vote alumni has is with their wallet. Why would we give that up? I and apparently everyone else who is not spending money on this s. show are saying something very clear that seems to get ignored every year.

[USFbulls24]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm not following this ... Why does the article look worse now?

Are you being serious...? Not sure whether to respond seriously or not..

 

Dead serious ....unless all you guys are saying is that his plea wasn't vey effective since it didn't seem to add to the attendance.

 

His plea was nonsense. Our team has won 4 times in the last 25 games now. It was already a miserable article to begin with given the state of our program and now after the absolute drubbing NC State just put on us it just looks worse. One of the points he tried to make was attendance is tied directly to teams winning games and programs "turning it around". There could have been 80,000 USF fans at RJS Saturday and we would've still lost by 32 playing like that.

 

Go back and read his column and then read the NCSU's hc comments about the atmosphere. His plea was dead on but pretty much wasted because there aren't enough that really care enough about the program right now ... the reason(s) why they don't is a moot point(s).

 

His plea was dead on? You're right. USF football has really turned a corner, and it's time for raymond james to be packed. Anything else doesn't make sense.

 

You obviously either didn't go back and re-read it or you're having a hard time grasping what he's saying. Nowhere did he say you should be going to the game because USF football has turned a corner. He's saying just the opposite:

This is going to be a process. Willie Taggart is going to need some time to improve the product on the field. But he can't do that without people watching while the rebuild happens.

We all we got. Go to the game.

 

 

Point is he called people out for not going to the game when obviously our team showed Saturday exactly why people are choosing to stay home. The notion that WIllie Taggart can't improve the product on the field without people in the stands is garbage. Period.

 

 

Agree that him saying CWT can't improve the product on the field without people in the stands is wrong... but it's not really the on the field product that's at risk here by not going to games. This is the more important part of what he's saying:

 

But if we're ever going to be good again, people need to be in the stands at games. Especially games against Power 5 conference opponents like Maryland. Because perception is reality, and what recruit is going to want to come here and play in front of more empty seats at the lower bowl of Ray Jay then fans?

 

18,101 (the actual attendance from the Tampa Sports Authority) to watch the Bulls take on a B1G opponent is pathetic. If that's the true level of support of the program, then we need to just pack it in and go home. That's not nearly enough to sustain a high-level program that can have consistent success.

 

.... If that's the choice the fans want to make, that's fine. We'll still be really good at men's soccer and softball. But if you ever want to compete at the highest levels of football, go to the **** game.

 

You can make all the excuses you want for "fans" not going but it doesn't matter WHY they're not there, it's the fact they're not and that perception. High level programs aren't built when you have considerably more fair weather fans than the diehards. Perfect example is the team we just played. Coming off a 3-9 season where they were winless in conference, announced crowds of 50K each for two chumps to start the year out.

 

Maybe one day we can discuss how moving to the BE and then hitting #2 may have been the worst thing to have ever happened to football program ...

 

 

You're comparing a program that has had a team since 1892, who plays in a power 5 conference, who yes is coming off a bad year of 3 - 9 but were 7-6 the previous year and was in a bowl game, and the year before that was 8 -5 with a bowl win to a team that has been around for less than 20 years, is 4-25 over the same period, has won 2 out of the last 16 home games or something ridiculous, and plays in the AAC? You give NC State the success we've had over the previous 3+ seasons and their attendance would take a major blow as well.

 

High Level programs aren't built in 15 seasons either. Another line that was reaching from the article. What recruit is going to want to come and play when no one goes? Apparently enough to have a top 40 recruiting class because last year was dismal and Taggart still found a way. I understand that if attendance keeps declining and over the next few years then I agree, but Taggart has shown he can recruit even in the worst situations including dismal attendance.  

 

Skip Holtz was the worst thing that ever happened.

[Knight_Light]

It seems the only vote alumni has is with their wallet. Why would we give that up? I and apparently everyone else who is not spending money on this s. show are saying something very clear that seems to get ignored every year.

 

True...but I've always found its better to be involved (maybe at a lower level...but at least you are supporting your team), as your voice is actually heard (many more opportunities to speak to those in charge) vs if you don't support, don't show up, etc...

 

Also, recruits are at every football and basketball games (usually on unofficial visits) and you always want to give them the best impression possible...because if you don't show up...more empty seats will leave a lasting impression on them.

 

Stay involved...much easier to make change and/or get your voice heard than if you don't.

[Triple B]

It seems the only vote alumni has is with their wallet. Why would we give that up? I and apparently everyone else who is not spending money on this s. show are saying something very clear that seems to get ignored every year.

 

What are you doing that's being ignored every year? If you stopped spending money because of Skip, he's gone. If you stopped spending money after last year, all the "something very clear" you're saying is that your only interest is wins/losses on an annual basis ... which is fine, those fans will be needed too at some point... but as K_L said you have very little, if any, voice in all this right now. All you're doing is giving them less tools ($) to do anything with if that time comes.

[hbryan]

 

 

 

However, one of the guys I used to work with managed to get a club-access ticket for only $10, so that worked out well for him....

 

I've said it before and it's going to be true going forward. Just like with basketball, even if you do purchase season tickets, there is a finite number of times you're going to go see your school lose a game. There is no enjoyment - nothing special or great - about owning season tickets if every game is a crapshoot, or worse, the likelihood of a loss before the game even starts. That's what we're seeing now. And make no mistake, there is no moral obligation to attend a game simply because you are an alumni. If the product diminishes, those low numbers are going to be the norm, not the exception.

 

People attend to be entertained. That's it. And losing, let alone beatdowns, are not going to flip the turnstile. It's only idiots like me, sitting under that blazing sun, sauteing in a savory broth of sweat who continue to show up, week in and week out through this slow rolling train wreck. Unfortunately, other members of the household board of directors are making noises that the annual donation and season ticket program may have to be discontinued. If 9K season tickets are this year's numbers - and this doesn't turn around - next year may be when that big ole red panic button at Fowler Avenue gets pushed.

 

I sat there until 00:00. Can't recall ever walking out of the stadium with such a small crowd. 

 

You see I am one of the few that feels that I have a more obligation to support my school through bad and good times. I will be at all the games this season just like I was last season. Right now is when USF needs us the most. 

 

Yeah, but apparently there is a considerable population of season ticket holders who feel quite differently. I don't have what it takes to NOT go, so I am there as well. Considering the number of alumni resident within two hours drive of Tampa, you'd think that stadium - and season ticket sales - would be a wee bit higher. However, if this is just the beginning of a long trek towards mediocrity, I fear that football attendance may suffer the same fate as basketball has suffered. It's entirely possible. 

 

Still no response on my inquiry regarding number of season ticket holders this season.  It might take an FOIA.

 

 

I saw that we had 2100 donors so probably less than 10k season tickets sold.  Lets say its for four avg, which puts us at 8400.  That's well below the 30K season tickets sold during the Leavitt years.

[hbryan]

However, one of the guys I used to work with managed to get a club-access ticket for only $10, so that worked out well for him....

 

I've said it before and it's going to be true going forward. Just like with basketball, even if you do purchase season tickets, there is a finite number of times you're going to go see your school lose a game. There is no enjoyment - nothing special or great - about owning season tickets if every game is a crapshoot, or worse, the likelihood of a loss before the game even starts. That's what we're seeing now. And make no mistake, there is no moral obligation to attend a game simply because you are an alumni. If the product diminishes, those low numbers are going to be the norm, not the exception.

 

People attend to be entertained. That's it. And losing, let alone beatdowns, are not going to flip the turnstile. It's only idiots like me, sitting under that blazing sun, sauteing in a savory broth of sweat who continue to show up, week in and week out through this slow rolling train wreck. Unfortunately, other members of the household board of directors are making noises that the annual donation and season ticket program may have to be discontinued. If 9K season tickets are this year's numbers - and this doesn't turn around - next year may be when that big ole red panic button at Fowler Avenue gets pushed.

 

I sat there until 00:00. Can't recall ever walking out of the stadium with such a small crowd. 

 

+1........I walked out with you and it was absolutely the smallest crowd ever leaving at that time.

[Triple B]

 

 

 

 

However, one of the guys I used to work with managed to get a club-access ticket for only $10, so that worked out well for him....

 

I've said it before and it's going to be true going forward. Just like with basketball, even if you do purchase season tickets, there is a finite number of times you're going to go see your school lose a game. There is no enjoyment - nothing special or great - about owning season tickets if every game is a crapshoot, or worse, the likelihood of a loss before the game even starts. That's what we're seeing now. And make no mistake, there is no moral obligation to attend a game simply because you are an alumni. If the product diminishes, those low numbers are going to be the norm, not the exception.

 

People attend to be entertained. That's it. And losing, let alone beatdowns, are not going to flip the turnstile. It's only idiots like me, sitting under that blazing sun, sauteing in a savory broth of sweat who continue to show up, week in and week out through this slow rolling train wreck. Unfortunately, other members of the household board of directors are making noises that the annual donation and season ticket program may have to be discontinued. If 9K season tickets are this year's numbers - and this doesn't turn around - next year may be when that big ole red panic button at Fowler Avenue gets pushed.

 

I sat there until 00:00. Can't recall ever walking out of the stadium with such a small crowd. 

 

You see I am one of the few that feels that I have a more obligation to support my school through bad and good times. I will be at all the games this season just like I was last season. Right now is when USF needs us the most. 

 

Yeah, but apparently there is a considerable population of season ticket holders who feel quite differently. I don't have what it takes to NOT go, so I am there as well. Considering the number of alumni resident within two hours drive of Tampa, you'd think that stadium - and season ticket sales - would be a wee bit higher. However, if this is just the beginning of a long trek towards mediocrity, I fear that football attendance may suffer the same fate as basketball has suffered. It's entirely possible. 

 

Still no response on my inquiry regarding number of season ticket holders this season.  It might take an FOIA.

 

 

I saw that we had 2100 donors so probably less than 10k season tickets sold.  Lets say its for four avg, which puts us at 8400.  That's well below the 30K season tickets sold during the Leavitt years.

 

 

Wooly's double secret number of 9K may be pretty accurate, then ..... and are you sure we had 30K season tix holders back then?

[DELdaBull]

If we ever start winning again, the fans will be back.