In my opinion this is definitely an idea worth trying. If there's a possible extra revenue stream available it has to be looked at strongly (695's idea also). It wasn't a hastily made decision, as they tried it for the MAC East games last year.
With all due respect to some on this thread, I don't think they'll be going after people that gripe about the 100$ donation to get the 600/900 for these seats.
I know a couple people that said they'd consider getting these seats if they were offered as season tickets. Not sure if they'll pull the trigger or not. I have a lot of friends in platinum section that will probably pass on the seats. But I can't help but think XX years down the road when some of us will say "boy I would do anything to get into those seats now.. And to think I passed on them in 2011... " I'll bet that it happens.
I can empathize a bit with a couple O Zoners that have concerns about having people sit in front. But I hope that's just an initial reaction that may not end up being such a big deal when they realize they have people sitting down in front, as opposed to cheerleaders standing and in the way.
A couple other initial thoughts to some comments:
Fully agree with SBH on the above post, not going to list all of his points.
I will actually theorize that, at least in the short term, the O Zone will suffer from the cheerleaders moving.
I actually would have thought the exact opposite. What I noticed was the O Zone leading the cheerleaders, seemingly more often than not.
Exactly. This will hurt our home court advantage, IMO.
I could possibly buy this argument. But I also can make the argument that home court advantage has been slipping recently anyway, and that is why the band was brought into the O Zone.
There is a big risk being undertaken by the Athletic Department....
I think there is a risk, but I don't know if it's a large one. Sitting idle while the risk of reduced athletic funding is higher than this. 35K or whatever it may be, anything is better than having to cut another sport, play an all-road non-conf schedule for money, etc.
Should be interesting. I think it will be fine, but I would encourage students to be themselves and for the O-zone to do what they do best, regardless of the impact on some stuffy donors (if the floor people do in fact turn out to be stuffy).
Agree 100% here. Donors/O Zone ages (and vocabulary) may vary, but everyone in that section will be there for the same reason - Ohio basketball.
Last Edited: 4/26/2011 10:05:45 PM by mcbin