You do realize you just proved the point, right??! Wow

That’s what everyone wants, not just college kids.

Not a single thing you mentioned is precluded by a new scoreboard, yet you've managed to bemoan the fact that we now offer something that virtually all of our MAC peers offer, and something that makes the game experience better for everyone who doesn't want to sit with a pencil, pad and abacus to keep score.

While I disagree with virtually everything else that Alan has said in this thread I agree totally with two of his points: 1. We should light up the Convo on game nights, not make it look like some kind of deserted cave. 2. Make access by students (and others) easier.

On #1 above: I have for some reason a very vivid memory back in the days when I was a graduate student at OHIO after returning from getting my masters at Fake Ohio. I was doing some work at the Computer Center (then located on the top floor of Clippinger); my wife came to join me and we walked over to the Convo for a game against, as I recall Loyola (Chi). The image of the lit up Convo as we walked over what was then mainly green space is vivid in my mind. It looked so inviting with the light streaming out of the huge glass area in the front of Convo. Now it looks more like a dungeon on game day.

On #2: I realize that limiting of the ways you can access the Convo is largely due to security concerns, but I think there are other ways to achieve the proper level of security that are less restrictive. Our whole security protocol needs to be re-thought. Maybe a few sheriff deputies stationed in crucial spots with machine guns (as we've done at football games) would make it possible to allow people to walk the outside Convo circle again and allow students easier access to the Convo. Terrorists look for soft targets, and machine-gun armed police are certainly not a soft target. I do agree with the decision a few years ago to prevent parking under the Convo during games because of the remote possibility of a bomb in someone's trunk. But, keeping people from walking around the outside ring of the Convo is really stupid, when a little visible security would virtually erase any terrorist threat.

On this board of course I'm in the minority. I have been on most topics when it comes to spending money. I've never said that I'm right and anyone else is wrong in that respect. I, and I suspect that there are others, just don't need all the bells and whistles to enjoy a well played game. The only thing I'm looking forward to with the new scoreboard complex is an improved sound system.

AGREED on 1, and 2. Make it easy to come to a game. Make it known all day from sun up until the game is over. Maybe even the day before.

And 4 & 5 could in a way be combined into one thought: Gameday flow and Gameday experience. So much could be done in this area as has been stated within here for the last few years. We'll never agree on music in this forum, but whatever music is played, needs to have variety for all age groups over the course of the season, and can't always be the 110. And for the love, dump this "stand for defense" nonsense in favor of something more exciting. Maybe the first Ohio made Three, and get a sponsor for that, and coupons rain from the rafters after that first made Three.

I actually like the idea of changing the presentation of the colors. Don't ditch it altogether, but instead, do it FIRST. Present the colors, sign the Anthem, allow the colors to depart the floor. Ask everyone to remain standing, cut the lights, play a highlight video, and do player intros. Then play something - the same thing every single game - that pumps up the crowd. Not the 110, and something that leans more toward the students and young alumni.

I've said for at least 3 years that the staff at Ohio could learn a bunch by going to take in a gameday experience at UD, UC, Xavier, Butler....etc. Steal ideas from what they do.

Like Alan, I hope they change how they approach gameday to go along with the new scoreboard. Otherwise, it's just a fancy decoration in The Convo.

Perfect example, and works great to me.

I don't know, have you ever searched his previous posts?

1.My wife and I got to go men's BB season opener last year.

It was almost like it was a secret.

Around here every school (grammar,high and college) have large digital message boards announcing everything going on.
How about installing on of those in front of the Convo,and other locations around campus for that matter.

Around here they also sell advertising.

2.We walked past the Convo when there was a women's BB game or a volleyball game.
Again you'd never know it.
The place was not only dark,but looked empty.

Why not light it up ?
If you use high quality LED's it would be extremely cost effective.
You could also get a "light package" that changes lighting patterns.

3.I understand the concept of moving the presentation of colors to before player introductions.

That could open up a whole can of worms about the players not being on the floor for that and the National Anthem.

It also doesn't seem to be a "downer" for football games.

I think they could just go from the National Anthem into something like "lets get ready to rumble".

It’s not that a scoreboard will magically solve attendance woes, or make play better, but it’s a piece. If I remember correctly the current scoreboards were paid for by Pepsi, so they were ‘free’ and if we go another 15 years or so, all the pixels end up being a pretty good bargain.

Alan, while not wanting to spend the money, he makes some good points about there being a variety of things to improve the game day experience, not just one. The fact is, today it’s way easier to watch & follow the bobcats without stepping foot in the Convo. If we don’t make improvements, it’ll only be easier for me to not drive 2 hours round trip every game and save money (spend it elsewhere).

With all the changes over the last few years (floor & table seats, endless on court promos, increases in required donations and ticket prices), this is another that no doubt can be chalked up to increasing revenue.

Sure, I don’t need the instrument panel or radio to work in my car but it’s pretty nice to know some things and be entertained. Oh and my wife really, really appreciates those too.

Speaking of hand dryers....I attended a wedding reception in the DC area about a month ago and the hand dryers blew my mind. Hold on to your shorts gents....hand dryers were built into the faucets, which were sort of a T shape. That's right, wash your hands in the center then simply spread your hands apart slightly and the dryer kicks on.

No dripping hands making for a wet floor as you walk to the nearby wall.

Genius.

Kids these days just don't see the value in a good face dry. It's sad, really.

Not many things are worth "it". Certainly not hand dryers in the restroom. Some are easily amused and parted with their money.