So why do I come away from the Convo with a feeling of "mehness"?
Is it because most games have been without the student fan base?
Is it because of the physical set up? (example-cheerleaders behind the basket)
Just FYI- before anyone rants on the cheerleaders in general, I need to say I am a parent of someone who did cheer for OHIO during the Brandon Hunter years (98-02). I am aware of the sometimes attitude of cheerleaders and their purpose. I am also aware of the skills and work that went into being a cheerleader (at least at that time). Our daughter was a gymnast and track person. The only 2 people who she couldn't beat in the hurdles in high school went to Ohio on a track scholarship. She decided she wanted to cheer with a squad that also would do competitive cheering with stunts, gymnastics, etc. This is just to point out that I have seen and heard all the arguments about cheerleaders. My point is that the physical set up does not give them any chance to be a part of the OZONE activities or even "lead" the place in cheers.
Is it the OZONE or lack of the OZONENESS that once was? Is there still an OZONE?
Is it the use of canned music when we have one of the best bands in the land?
Is it the constant commercialization of each timeout? When there is excitement going on there is no allowance for spontaneous crowd participation. Let the damn band play!
Is it the part of me that reacts negatively to the constant berating of the announcers about what our job is? Stand UP for defense, Light up the Convo, let them know we are here. Maybe we need a bobcat roar for each 3 point basket?
Is it that the style of SaulBall just is not exciting to me?
My wife and I talked about it on our 90 minute ride home again last night. Neither of us have left the convo for the last 2 years with that same exhilaration that we have in the past. Maybe we just go too old for exhilaration?!
Maybe it is because of decisions like the 9:00 start this Friday night due to ESPN scheduling. (I know, I know, exposure is great but it points out that the local fans are secondary to the exposure factor of TV)
OK finally--HEY KID, GET OFF MY LAWN!
Go BOBCATS!
Please, please, please, let's quit talking about how often and how long we think the band should play. Having been to two other college arenas besides The Convo this year, with 2-3 more to go, we're the only group of fans I've ever been around that cares about how frequently the band plays during a basketball game. (or football)
You know what would be better to get people engage during the game, and timeouts in particular? Modern examples of Audio/Visuals in the building as GoCats mentioned.
And I'm with and anyone else who says it - the Stand for Defense is worn out and needs to go. I love the concept of something to keep people on their feet, but this is as forced of a concept as there is. Also, at the Under 8 in the second half, we shouldn't need Lou's prodding to "Stand up and Cheer". The band should start playing, and it should just happen.
With Game Day experiences is that there should probably be a focus group of folks within the walls of The Convo that spend some time at other venues to see how their buildings look, feel, and sound before and during the game. Go to Hinkle, UD Arena, Cintas Center, Assembly Hall, Mackey Arena, etc. during game days. See what works there that might here. When people respond to it, KEEP DOING IT and don't change it. Unless I'm crazy, that's how traditions are made.
In terms of gametimes, I'd be curious to know why the MAC went to Tuesday's? Always used to be Wed/Sat except for TV.
So why do I come away from the Convo with a feeling of "mehness"?
Is it because most games have been without the student fan base?
Is it the OZONE or lack of the OZONENESS that once was? Is there still an OZONE?
I'm going to say these are the two biggest factors. That and the lack of really compelling home matchups this year.
Been to several games at home so far, and I'd agree it's been quiet on that front. Agree with those that the location of the cheerleaders has an effect on things.
-Take what you can get on the 9pm tip. But it's a Friday, live a little. Game will still be over by 11. If this were a Tuesday, I'd be a bit more concerned.
Agree with this. I don't see how Friday night changes this that much unless you're at a high school related sport at the same time. Unless you have toddlers, take 'em to the late game. It's special and fun, and a change from 7pm every Wednesday, and 2pm every Saturday.
....and the very poor lighting around the outside of the Convo. Driving by at night you wouldn't even know there was a game. For the reasons listed by other posters, there just isn't any buzz.
Totally agree with you on this Alan. Opportunities wasted by not lighting up the building, and not having some kind of lit up Marquee by The Convo or Peden. Making people aware there is a game happening is half the battle.