Ohio Football Topic
Topic: Single game prices...Wow!
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Tyler
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Posted: 7/9/2015 10:17 AM
BuddyLee wrote:expand_more
So what was the range of single game prices last year? Without that info, not sure how much an increase we're talking about here. Glad I don't go to games in person anymore and prefer to watch the web streaming.
I remember they had a chapter and society day promotion for the home opener against Idaho last season. It was $15 for a ticket and pre-game tailgate, or $10 for just the tailgate. The Homecoming game was still $35 last year.
fansince49
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Posted: 7/9/2015 10:23 AM
I would appreciate a clarification.
What do you mean by "...winning program"?
"Winning" when the game was played, or "winning"
in the 2014 season? Or, something else?
Thanx
Mark Lembright '85
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Posted: 7/9/2015 10:23 AM
perimeterpost wrote:expand_more
As we continue to see Sept and Oct games reach 90%-105% capacity with regularity the next logical step is to begin raising prices, starting with the marquee games. The goal is to find that sweet spot where you're charging the most you can charge without sacrificing volume.
The marquee home games is what is lacking. What is the last winning non-conference program aside from Marshall that has entered the gates of Peden Stadium? Then 2 of the 4 home MAC games are midweek. The fans are getting two MAC games, 1 FCS and a weak FBS during Sept-Oct season. Those Saturday MAC games are typically 2 weak MAC East schools.
Right now the opponent has little to do with Ohio's attendance. The 3 largest crowds in Peden's history were all within the last 3 seasons and were against New Mexico State(1-11), Akron(1-11) and Idaho(1-10).
Agreed. In looking at Ohio's attendance records on the Ohio Bobcat website, the 5th largest attendance was for the Norfolk State game, which drew 24,511 for a Sept. 7th game in 2013. And Norfolk State isn't an FBS team. Other than the marquee games (i.e. Marshall, Homecoming games,etc.) it seems the games that draw the largest crowds are the very first games of the season, no matter the quality of the opponent.

Before the switch again to the semester system, sometimes the very first home games of the season occurred prior to the quarter actually starting. I remember when my daughter was a freshman in 2010 she and a bunch of new friends/acquaintances went to the Gardner Webb game because there was literally nothing else to do as the quarter wasn't in session yet freshmen were required to be on campus. That game drew over 23,000 people.

So I have to agree with Perimerpost. Unless Peden's enlarged, I'm not sure a P5 team will draw much more than what an early season FCS team is already drawing in.
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/9/2015 10:36 AM
Are you guys really putting weight on these announced attendance numbers? If so, why do we need a marquee name in Peden, I mean when Idaho State outdrawn Pitt, then why would we even want a big school to come in? We still get the fans and we are guaranteed a win. When you look at the all-time attendance records, Norfolk State, Idaho State and other FCS schools have out drawn out BCS or G5 opponents from the major conferences.
The Optimist
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Posted: 7/9/2015 10:48 AM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Are you guys really putting weight on these announced attendance numbers? If so, why do we need a marquee name in Peden, I mean when Idaho State outdrawn Pitt, then why would we even want a big school to come in? We still get the fans and we are guaranteed a win. When you look at the all-time attendance records, Norfolk State, Idaho State and other FCS schools have out drawn out BCS or G5 opponents from the major conferences.
You don't think Kansas will draw a great crowd in two years?

Winning is the key. Look at New Mexico State... That was the week after one of the biggest wins in program history. Obviously the opponent doesn't matter when there is that kind of excitement. Thanks Frank...
BillyTheCat
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Posted: 7/9/2015 11:19 AM
The Optimist wrote:expand_more
Are you guys really putting weight on these announced attendance numbers? If so, why do we need a marquee name in Peden, I mean when Idaho State outdrawn Pitt, then why would we even want a big school to come in? We still get the fans and we are guaranteed a win. When you look at the all-time attendance records, Norfolk State, Idaho State and other FCS schools have out drawn out BCS or G5 opponents from the major conferences.
You don't think Kansas will draw a great crowd in two years?

Winning is the key. Look at New Mexico State... That was the week after one of the biggest wins in program history. Obviously the opponent doesn't matter when there is that kind of excitement. Thanks Frank...
With our current method of counting attendance, Kansas will obviously set a record, but what's that mean? We set 2-3 records a year, but if you guys really believe that our facility really keeps growing then I have no idea what to tell you. Yes, season ticket sales are up, family pack is a great marketing idea and successful, I'm not knocking any of this, but our attendance counts are not accurate, no way.
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Posted: 7/9/2015 12:12 PM
BillyTheCat wrote:expand_more
Are you guys really putting weight on these announced attendance numbers? If so, why do we need a marquee name in Peden, I mean when Idaho State outdrawn Pitt, then why would we even want a big school to come in? We still get the fans and we are guaranteed a win. When you look at the all-time attendance records, Norfolk State, Idaho State and other FCS schools have out drawn out BCS or G5 opponents from the major conferences.
You don't think Kansas will draw a great crowd in two years?

Winning is the key. Look at New Mexico State... That was the week after one of the biggest wins in program history. Obviously the opponent doesn't matter when there is that kind of excitement. Thanks Frank...
With our current method of counting attendance, Kansas will obviously set a record, but what's that mean? We set 2-3 records a year, but if you guys really believe that our facility really keeps growing then I have no idea what to tell you. Yes, season ticket sales are up, family pack is a great marketing idea and successful, I'm not knocking any of this, but our attendance counts are not accurate, no way.

We're counting attendance the same way everyone does so at least the numbers mean something relative to previous year numbers. We are selling more tickets, not necessarily more butts in the seats. It will be interesting to see how this years numbers shake out in light of the somewhat down year last year.
UpSan Bobcat
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Posted: 7/9/2015 2:47 PM
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
OU_Country
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Posted: 7/9/2015 3:16 PM
In the arguments about why we're pricing single game tickets higher for specific games, and why we get better attendance at certain games, you all have left out a particular detail: The Weather.

The Bottom line is that people don't want to sit outside on metal bleachers on a cold, cloudy November day nearly as much as they want to sit outside on a fabulous fall day in Athens. I can get my wife to go to ANY basketball game in the winter when it's 10 degrees outside, simply because we'll be mostly indoors, and we have comfortable seats. Conversely, if it's late October or November, and it's 40 degrees and windy, she'd rather skip the game and hit Jackie O's or the Cider House. I know for sure that she's not alone, because the tailgate lots are packed for the first 3-4 home games each of the last 3-5 seasons more so than they are in November.
shabamon
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Posted: 7/9/2015 4:49 PM
November also means midweek anymore, not just weather. When was the last time we hosted a Saturday home game in November? 2009 NIU? 2008 BG?
Last Edited: 7/9/2015 4:49:20 PM by shabamon
colobobcat66
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Posted: 7/9/2015 6:57 PM
shabamon wrote:expand_more
November also means midweek anymore, not just weather. When was the last time we hosted a Saturday home game in November? 2009 NIU? 2008 BG?

And it means night as well. Makes it tough for folks to get home in time to get enough sleep to go to work the next day. Never have been a fan of November midweek night games.
colobobcat66
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Posted: 7/9/2015 6:58 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
November also means midweek anymore, not just weather. When was the last time we hosted a Saturday home game in November? 2009 NIU? 2008 BG?

And it means night as well. Makes it tough for folks to get home in time to get enough sleep to go to work the next day. Never have been a fan of November midweek night games.

I don't think there were 3,000 at the NIU game last year. You almost had to be crazy or drunk or both to go to that game and sit outside.
TheBobcatBandit
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Posted: 7/9/2015 7:02 PM
As a student I love the November games. Also night games are fun too. Favorite games so far have been night time Marshall and midweek NIU. But I can see where other people are coming from when they're making the drive. Long drives are never fun. Exspexially after a loss
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Posted: 7/9/2015 7:44 PM
colobobcat66 wrote:expand_more
[QUOTE=shabamon]November also means midweek anymore, not just weather. When was the last time we hosted a Saturday home game in November? 2009 NIU? 2008 BG?

And it means night as well. Makes it tough for folks to get home in time to get enough sleep to go to work the next day. Never have been a fan of November midweek night games.
I don't think there were 3,000 at the NIU game last year. You almost had to be crazy or drunk or both to go to that game and sit outside.
I deeply regret not making that game. No excuses, just could not get there. Would have loved to have punched my fan card with that one.
OhioStunter
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Posted: 7/9/2015 7:47 PM
Deciduous Forest Cat wrote:expand_more
As we continue to see Sept and Oct games reach 90%-105% capacity with regularity the next logical step is to begin raising prices, starting with the marquee games. The goal is to find that sweet spot where you're charging the most you can charge without sacrificing volume.
Right, but is it measurable to determine if buying a ticket to the Marshall game for example keeps some people from buying a ticket to the cheaper WMU game? Marshall and Miami should sell out, but do those prices cause some to attend fewer games?
Season tickets. Family packs. Ohio athletics can't make it any easier. $40 for Marshall is a no brainer. Their fans will travel in hordes after the season they had and they're a draw for our fans.
Yes, plus Marshall fans will bring their spouses/cousins.
OhioCatFan
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Posted: 7/10/2015 12:24 AM
OhioStunter wrote:expand_more
Yes, plus Marshall fans will bring their spouses/cousins.
Not a great fan of "culturist" jokes. We can do better. But, never forget Miami sucks!
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Posted: 7/10/2015 6:28 AM
UpSan Bobcat wrote:expand_more
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
Solich era been a great improvement from the Boeh era which was a great improvement from the President Ping era athletics but OHIO could do even better. Scheduling could be a lot better. Cincinnati level opponents at Peden Stadium. An occasional 7th home game in Cleveland against a Tennessee or Penn State level program. New student stands, larger and with great concessions. Larger Victory Hill. Move the stadium from 26,000 SRO as it is now to 32,000 SRO. Win the MAC Championship regularly as the dominant conference program.
GoCats105
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Posted: 7/10/2015 7:05 AM
Uncle Wes wrote:expand_more
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
Solich era been a great improvement from the Boeh era which was a great improvement from the President Ping era athletics but OHIO could do even better. Scheduling could be a lot better. Cincinnati level opponents at Peden Stadium. An occasional 7th home game in Cleveland against a Tennessee or Penn State level program. New student stands, larger and with great concessions. Larger Victory Hill. Move the stadium from 26,000 SRO as it is now to 32,000 SRO. Win the MAC Championship regularly as the dominant conference program.
What on Earth makes you think a home game in Cleveland against a Penn State or Tennessee level program is going to work? Sure, Ohio has a huge alumni base up there, but thinking some other big school will play Ohio up there is a little far-fetched in my opinion. There are only a few schools I could see making that game draw a huge number, and one of them is OSU. It's not like the Ohio alumni base is so big in Cleveland and the surrounding area that they would come out in droves just to see the Bobcats. I hope I am wrong and who knows, maybe 50K would come out, but I doubt it unless another local(ish) marquee name is in house.
Last Edited: 7/10/2015 7:05:59 AM by GoCats105
The Optimist
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Posted: 7/10/2015 7:53 AM
I'm not a huge fan of college teams giving up a true home game to play at a neutral site like Cleveland... I'd rather keep the games at Peden. That said, I do think if we played in Cleveland Browns Stadium it would draw pretty well.
The alumni base in Cleveland is sizable. Look at how well the Ohio draws for the MAC Tournament in Cleveland for basketball.


If we did it, it would need to be against a bigger program. Not sure there would be any interest on that side. I wouldn't want to play Ohio State there. Not as a "home" game. If we are going to do that just play them in Columbus.
Last Edited: 7/10/2015 7:56:58 AM by The Optimist
Mark Lembright '85
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Posted: 7/10/2015 9:59 AM
GoCats105 wrote:expand_more
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
Solich era been a great improvement from the Boeh era which was a great improvement from the President Ping era athletics but OHIO could do even better. Scheduling could be a lot better. Cincinnati level opponents at Peden Stadium. An occasional 7th home game in Cleveland against a Tennessee or Penn State level program. New student stands, larger and with great concessions. Larger Victory Hill. Move the stadium from 26,000 SRO as it is now to 32,000 SRO. Win the MAC Championship regularly as the dominant conference program.
What on Earth makes you think a home game in Cleveland against a Penn State or Tennessee level program is going to work? Sure, Ohio has a huge alumni base up there, but thinking some other big school will play Ohio up there is a little far-fetched in my opinion. There are only a few schools I could see making that game draw a huge number, and one of them is OSU. It's not like the Ohio alumni base is so big in Cleveland and the surrounding area that they would come out in droves just to see the Bobcats. I hope I am wrong and who knows, maybe 50K would come out, but I doubt it unless another local(ish) marquee name is in house.
I have to agree with you, GoCats. I'm up here in the Cleveland area and I don't see a ton of Ohio fans/alumni going to an Ohio game at First Energy Stadium. Getting 5,000 Ohio fans to go to a MAC Championship game in Cleveland in March is one thing; getting 15,000 or more of them to attend a football game in Cleveland is another. I'd be in, though!!
OU_Country
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Posted: 7/10/2015 11:03 AM
Mark Lembright '85 wrote:expand_more
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
Solich era been a great improvement from the Boeh era which was a great improvement from the President Ping era athletics but OHIO could do even better. Scheduling could be a lot better. Cincinnati level opponents at Peden Stadium. An occasional 7th home game in Cleveland against a Tennessee or Penn State level program. New student stands, larger and with great concessions. Larger Victory Hill. Move the stadium from 26,000 SRO as it is now to 32,000 SRO. Win the MAC Championship regularly as the dominant conference program.
What on Earth makes you think a home game in Cleveland against a Penn State or Tennessee level program is going to work? Sure, Ohio has a huge alumni base up there, but thinking some other big school will play Ohio up there is a little far-fetched in my opinion. There are only a few schools I could see making that game draw a huge number, and one of them is OSU. It's not like the Ohio alumni base is so big in Cleveland and the surrounding area that they would come out in droves just to see the Bobcats. I hope I am wrong and who knows, maybe 50K would come out, but I doubt it unless another local(ish) marquee name is in house.
I have to agree with you, GoCats. I'm up here in the Cleveland area and I don't see a ton of Ohio fans/alumni going to an Ohio game at First Energy Stadium. Getting 5,000 Ohio fans to go to a MAC Championship game in Cleveland in March is one thing; getting 15,000 or more of them to attend a football game in Cleveland is another. I'd be in, though!!

Besides all this, who in the heck would rather be in Cleveland in the fall than Athens? It's 10-12 degrees colder at least, and it's an extra hour+ from Columbus, and 3 1/2 hours from Athens. What is the incentive for everyone not living in the Cleveland area to go to such a game?
Mark Lembright '85
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Posted: 7/10/2015 12:35 PM
OU_Country wrote:expand_more
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
Solich era been a great improvement from the Boeh era which was a great improvement from the President Ping era athletics but OHIO could do even better. Scheduling could be a lot better. Cincinnati level opponents at Peden Stadium. An occasional 7th home game in Cleveland against a Tennessee or Penn State level program. New student stands, larger and with great concessions. Larger Victory Hill. Move the stadium from 26,000 SRO as it is now to 32,000 SRO. Win the MAC Championship regularly as the dominant conference program.
What on Earth makes you think a home game in Cleveland against a Penn State or Tennessee level program is going to work? Sure, Ohio has a huge alumni base up there, but thinking some other big school will play Ohio up there is a little far-fetched in my opinion. There are only a few schools I could see making that game draw a huge number, and one of them is OSU. It's not like the Ohio alumni base is so big in Cleveland and the surrounding area that they would come out in droves just to see the Bobcats. I hope I am wrong and who knows, maybe 50K would come out, but I doubt it unless another local(ish) marquee name is in house.
I have to agree with you, GoCats. I'm up here in the Cleveland area and I don't see a ton of Ohio fans/alumni going to an Ohio game at First Energy Stadium. Getting 5,000 Ohio fans to go to a MAC Championship game in Cleveland in March is one thing; getting 15,000 or more of them to attend a football game in Cleveland is another. I'd be in, though!!

Besides all this, who in the heck would rather be in Cleveland in the fall than Athens? It's 10-12 degrees colder at least, and it's an extra hour+ from Columbus, and 3 1/2 hours from Athens. What is the incentive for everyone not living in the Cleveland area to go to such a game?
True. That being said though, whenever I was tailgating at the Muni lots for a Browns game, I ALWAYS say an RV or a tailgate section flying a large Ohio banner or a Paw print banner. So some Ohio alums are always tailgating at a Browns game. I guess we're used to losing football teams! :( Present Ohio football program under Coach Solich excluded in that general statement.
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Posted: 7/10/2015 12:45 PM
Very smart in my opinion for them to take advantage of the Marshall game attendance. Also it makes sense they have to make up for the revenue issues of those Tuesday games. My decision to get the Premium Bobcat Family pack is looking better and better :)
GoCats105
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Posted: 7/10/2015 2:48 PM
Mark Lembright '85 wrote:expand_more
Yes, Ohio has big crowds against unimpressive foes, but that is through various promotions with cheap and free tickets. So the importance of having marquee opponents at Peden is getting big crowds at regular or even increased ticket prices and thus increasing revenue substantially.
Solich era been a great improvement from the Boeh era which was a great improvement from the President Ping era athletics but OHIO could do even better. Scheduling could be a lot better. Cincinnati level opponents at Peden Stadium. An occasional 7th home game in Cleveland against a Tennessee or Penn State level program. New student stands, larger and with great concessions. Larger Victory Hill. Move the stadium from 26,000 SRO as it is now to 32,000 SRO. Win the MAC Championship regularly as the dominant conference program.
What on Earth makes you think a home game in Cleveland against a Penn State or Tennessee level program is going to work? Sure, Ohio has a huge alumni base up there, but thinking some other big school will play Ohio up there is a little far-fetched in my opinion. There are only a few schools I could see making that game draw a huge number, and one of them is OSU. It's not like the Ohio alumni base is so big in Cleveland and the surrounding area that they would come out in droves just to see the Bobcats. I hope I am wrong and who knows, maybe 50K would come out, but I doubt it unless another local(ish) marquee name is in house.
I have to agree with you, GoCats. I'm up here in the Cleveland area and I don't see a ton of Ohio fans/alumni going to an Ohio game at First Energy Stadium. Getting 5,000 Ohio fans to go to a MAC Championship game in Cleveland in March is one thing; getting 15,000 or more of them to attend a football game in Cleveland is another. I'd be in, though!!
BG played Wisconsin up there a couple years ago. I'd be curious to see (A) how many people attended, (B) how many of those fans were actual BG alums and/or fans, which you probably can't quantify correctly and (C) if JGuyMAC was there. He probably was. But he probably was commenting how awesome it was for Cleveland and not BG.

Toledo hosted OSU there.

The only teams I could see drawing a huge crowd would be OSU, Michigan (there are tons of Michigan fans in Northern Ohio and Ann Arbor is not far from Cleveland at all), Notre Dame (because Notre Dame, they draw anywhere) and something crazy like Alabama or whatever.
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Posted: 7/10/2015 3:14 PM
sargentfan wrote:expand_more
Very smart in my opinion for them to take advantage of the Marshall game attendance. Also it makes sense they have to make up for the revenue issues of those Tuesday games. My decision to get the Premium Bobcat Family pack is looking better and better :)
You bring up a very interesting point - walk up or single game ticket purchases. Other than Parents Weekend and Homecoming, there is never a line of folks buying single game tickets. I'd love to see a breakdown by ticket type sold. Any idea, other than a public records request, as to how we could get that?
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