While there are several things about the game at UC that I find bothersome (the final minute of the game primarily), I do have to give them credit for keeping the atmosphere charged and exciting. Was the blaring music loud at times??? Absolutely! The stadium management did all they could to keep the home crowd energized and supportive of the team even when things were looking bleak for the hosts.
I know we don't have the scoreboard or audio system they have at UC but if we could simply incorporate many of things they did with the system we do have it'd be a great improvement over what we've been doing recently. It was refreshing to see updated team stats, scores of other games, and video replays on a regular basis. Timeouts weren't used to do advertising for a local business supporter or to see how quick we can fill a taco or roll across the field in a sleeping bag. Rather the music and video board were used to enhance the game experience and keep the crowd into the game and not have them rushing to the concessions or restrooms.
Let's start to think outside of the box a little bit...let's try something different.

Worst Ingress and Egress I have to argue is Michigan.....that is a bloody nightmare

Why anyone would want tickets so low at any football game is beyond me. UC is a great venue and they have dumped tens of millions into it.

Why anyone would want tickets so low at any football game is beyond me. UC is a great venue and they have dumped tens of millions into it. [/QUOTE]I don't think it was a case of any of us necessarily "wanting" these seats. These were the seats provided to us when ordering them through OU ticketing.

Agree with you on the atmosphere in terms of scoreboard and music usage.

As a fan of UC on days other than this past Saturday, they do an infinitely better job of Gameday Atmosphere than has ever occurred at an Ohio Football game anytime in my 23 years of being a Bobcat. They get people into the game, and their use of the scoreboard and audio is top notch. Same thing occurs at the Shoemaker Center for hoops.

I've said it before related to Ohio hoops, but people may not like the music that is played, but that is what the majority of the demographic (current students and young alumni) that gets into the game and makes the most noise wants to hear: Modern music from the last 15 years - loud music, and rap music. Not classic rock from the 50's and 60's, and not marching band music. There's an obvious culture difference between the two campuses, but there's no doubt in my mind that some of the in game additions used in UC (or other places I've been to) would play well for more than half of the folks in the stands at OU. Might even convince more students to come to games if it were changed to that "style" of in game music and video board management. I.e. -- make it more fun. I know some older fans on here will have opinions on that, but I honestly believe there's something to it.


Last thought - while I know what the media guide says about the usage of "OU", or "Ohio U", I really don't understand why the usage of "OU" by non-Bobcats gets people all riled up. I still refer to it as OU rather often. Now, "Ohio U" sounds odd - as in you don't say most schools like that - for example, you don't say "Indiana U"....just IU.

Thought the music and volume was perfect. Its a football game, its supposed to be exciting and thought they did a great job of timing the music for big downs/plays. Their crowd seemed to react to it. Our crowds just turn to the person next to them and ask why the music is so loud.

Yes, even with the rain the majority of their student section hung around and vocally contributed to the UC comeback. Lots of lessons to be learned. I don't recall the PA announcer ever having to remind them to "get loud" on a big 3rd or 4th down play. The loud music and the crowd yelling between downs helped keep the atmosphere energized throughout the contest.

Serious question:

Given that about half of our home games most years will take place on weeknights, to smallish crowds, does that play into the effort the athletic department thinks is needed for a game day experience?

Not that I would agree with such a stance but it does take a good amount of effort to present a special event like a home football game and the way MAC home slates have been going it's almost like preparing for two different events.

I have never been able to go to a weeknight MACtion game: for those who are more regulars to you notice a lot of major differences once you enter Peden in terms of services, quality etc.? Here is my obligatory acknowledgement that it has probably mentioned on here in other places.