Perhaps I overspoke, Alan. I know there are locals that go to the games that didn't go to the University, but they don't seem to post here. What is your perception on this question?
I think on a percentage basis, L.C., your statement is correct, but one of the good things during Frank's years is we have grown the non-alumni local fan base. I never used to hear locals who didn't have some connection to the university -- either as alums, as employees, or business people whose clientele was university-based -- talk much about OHIO football. Now, I hear folks around the county talk about OHIO football as though it was of some interest. Some of these are actually starting to attend games. It's been a slow gradual shift and it's not exactly a quantum leap, but it is something I've notice on a number of occasions in Frank's 12 non-MACC years.
I've actually wondered why this phenomenon has occurred (assuming my perceptions are correct). I think that home Pittsburgh win in Frank Year 1 really made some folks sit up and notice. It got things off to a good start. Then, I think Frank relates to the locals in a way some past coaches have not. He's the son of a coal miner, after all. He was born in western Pennsylvania, so he's a fellow hillbilly. And, Jim Schaus has marketed the family packs to lower-income folks. Probably some combination of the above and other yet to be identified factors.