Football Attendance Comparison

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Originally Posted by SMD7636

UL attendance increase when we had a charismatic leader, who coached the fans and community as well as the football team. He set attendance expectations and the community respond in droves. UL knows what works. It’s time for someone to step up!

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Hud drew a crowd.

Correct, Hud increased fan support for football and other sports, while winning. The game day atmosphere was fun! We need to stop making excuses for the community and acting clueless. UL knows a strong charismatic leader with a vision for the future can light the fuse.

This is not about the school across the basin. This is about our community and state going all in on supporting our university. When we work together or pull the rope in the same direction, UL can prosper despite LSU, La Tech, or any other university. This is our time to shine! UL needs a vocal leader to gather Cajun Nation in 1 unified voice. One Louisiana!

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Originally Posted by JamesTheJeweler

I always laugh that anyone thinks enough people go to football games to hear the band play. Or that we could attract more people if only the band played with more excitement. Not trying to bust balls, but man, I don't think there's anyone under the age of 60 or 70 that cares about hearing the band play super cool songs. Sorry.

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If you have ever been to one of those stadiums or even seen them on tv, you would understand what those fight songs mean to fans and how they excite and help create a great environment. People don't go to the game for the band. The band is a major contributor to fan excitement and involvement in the game. Those fight songs played at the right time over and over make a huge difference in fan interaction. Fan interaction is the missing ingredient at UL games. I'm watching a replay of the Texas A&M vs Alabama game right now. The crowd involvement and interaction, spurred by the Aggie band, is electric. It is what is missing at Cajun Field and what fans want that would keep them coming back for more.

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Originally Posted by zephyr

That is a different situation. You are talking about family of band members rather than the average fan which is what he was addressing. Of course family and friends will attend to see a friend or relative perform but that is not the general point.

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I think the general point, which the poster I quoted was wrong about, is that the band doesn’t bring anything to the table. Some people go to see the band, especially at big time schools. Have you ever seen the Ohio I period before the game? It gets the crowd jacked! Have you ever seen the WVU band March out in the shape of the state? The crowd goes nuts. UL doesn’t have that energy from the band and that energy gets the crowd into the game way more than piped in music (which is either too loud or not loud enough or is too old or way too hip hoppy).

The posters point about the ATM v Alabama game is spot on, I watched that game and the crowd was absolutely nuts. A nuts crowd will draw more fans.

Some people go to see the band, there is an entire circuit of D&I concerts in the summer that lots of people attend.

I’d rather hear the band than, “ first down Louisiana!”

Although I’m sure whoever screams that is a good person.

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Originally Posted by JMVCAJUNS

Hud drew a crowd.

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Coach Hud was a great promoter and motivator. However it is virtually impossible to maintain that intensity over the long term. Also, when he started here in 2011, ESPN plus was not as prevalent as it is today. That is a huge factor in declining attendance throughout college sports . You don’t see it in the P5 games televised but those focus on schools with great tradition. Even many of those don’t draw well in down years due to the TV option. All that being said, HoustonCajun is right in that we need to improve the atmosphere to overcome these challenges.

I believe the band plays a significant part in the game day atmosphere including during the game. The Pride of Louisiana seems to miss the mark on pageantry. We know larger schools and the HBCUs know how to excite the crowd. PoL can take lessons from these schools, but make it our own. I like our in game traditions if the crowd would engage including “that’s another Louisiana…” from the announcer and FIRST DOWN from the crowd.

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Originally Posted by Cajunsmike

Coach Hud was a great promoter and motivator. However it is virtually impossible to maintain that intensity over the long term. Also, when he started here in 2011, ESPN plus was not as prevalent as it is today. That is a huge factor in declining attendance throughout college sports . You don’t see it in the P5 games televised but those focus on schools with great tradition. Even many of those don’t draw well in down years due to the TV option. All that being said, HoustonCajun is right in that we need to improve the atmosphere to overcome these challenges.

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Coach Hud is also the Head Ball Coach at Gulf Shores High School. As Mr Rhythm would say " Don't let your d___ run you life".

Until the stadium renovation occurs, let's create the largest open air standing room bar/lounge in Louisiana in the SEZ concourse area. While my preference is sitting in my seat watching the plays, a lot of folks like the freedom to mill around with others most of the game. Create a another option for them to come into the stadium and hangout.

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Originally Posted by SMD7636

Correct, Hud increased fan support for football and other sports, while winning. The game day atmosphere was fun! We need to stop making excuses for the community and acting clueless. UL knows a strong charismatic leader with a vision for the future can light the fuse.

This is not about the school across the basin. This is about our community and state going all in on supporting our university. When we work together or pull the rope in the same direction, UL can prosper despite LSU, La Tech, or any other university. This is our time to shine! UL needs a vocal leader to gather Cajun Nation in 1 unified voice. One Louisiana!

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Well, I don't think we could have a more carismatic, caring and invested head coach than we have now. I hope indeed that he succeeds, both on the field and in the marketing aspect.

I am all in!