How to Increase Attendance?

[zeppelincajun]

Tailgating has been packed before. For free bring all your own stuff. The school made nothing and the stadium was still empty.

I definitely remember the days of packed tailgating and empty stadium. It was the one reason I always really believed with a successful program we could pack that stadium. Keep in mind the on field product for many of those prime tailgating years was hot garbage. In the same way, you’d like to bring the kids in and see what happens I’d love to get folks back in those gates with our current product and see what happens. Getting inside the complex is the big hurdle. Once you’ve done that, you’ve parked. You’re off the couch.

[Cajun Soldier]

Here is my 2 cents. So the seats are empty and not being used so why not give free admission to kids with HS, Middle School or elementary id cards. The little kids won't be able to attend with adults so that would be 1 or 2 more paid attendees. I know those tickets are free but I promise you can make some of that money up at the concessions. I agree HUD was a go getter. He is the reason I upped my RCAF donation because he always made me feel like a Cajun fan anywhere, he saw me, and I tried to talk to him. I haven't seen Des in the Community at all and he's from down the road. Its like Napier only talked to you if you were a big donor, I hope Dez doesn't act like that. If you don't act like you love this program as a coach, why should the fans. It has to start from the top not the bottom. Work on scheduling not many people traveled from EMU.

[Jacob81]

I definitely remember the days of packed tailgating and empty stadium. It was the one reason I always really believed with a successful program we could pack that stadium. Keep in mind the on field product for many of those prime tailgating years was hot garbage. In the same way, you’d like to bring the kids in and see what happens I’d love to get folks back in those gates with our current product and see what happens. Getting inside the complex is the big hurdle. Once you’ve done that, you’ve parked. You’re off the couch.

I agree. But what if the start of charging for tailgating and RCAF and new moneys coming in…. Led to the on field success of the program??? So what if we can’t have both. Free tailgating and a hope they attend but a not so successful program. What if all that added money aided in paying more coaches better work out and weight programs. Nutritionist so on so on. Could we afford all that without paid tailgating and parking?

[Jacob81]

I agree with Jacob that a blackout wouldn't have a negative impact on subscribitions. But, not sure we can actually do that without ESPN involvement.

No doubt they would be involved. But there should be a way to get them to agree to it.

[Ragin9221]

So tailgating spots are free butt you must have tickets to enter? I’m good with that But then all tailgate areas would be first come first serve? Don’t know about that.

Okay new plan everyone that has a tailgating spot is good. How about we put open tailgating in Cajun Country Rice RV Park we split that in half, and open that up for open/free tallgating?

Big problem is are people going to leave there ice chest and canopy out there?

If they have to go back to there car. That is a risk of them leaving. I personally think that is a good idea

[CajunJeaux]

Limestone. No thanks on tailgating there.

Lot C is pavement.

Lot D is limestone.

[zeppelincajun]

I agree. But what if the start of charging for tailgating and RCAF and new moneys coming in…. Led to the on field success of the program??? So what if we can’t have both. Free tailgating and a hope they attend but a not so successful program. What if all that added money aided in paying more coaches better work out and weight programs. Nutritionist so on so on. Could we afford all that without paid tailgating and parking?

Maybe I wasn’t clear. Definitely not saying free tailgating. I guess what I’m really trying to say is id love to see how many of those folks would’ve gone in back in the day had the product been worthy. I’m not concerned with making tailgating too fun and people staying in the lot. At this point, I just want to get them back in the gates. Now if our pricing is still set from peak demand when Hud was here that needs adjusting to fit the current climate. We already offer recent grad season tickets. Trying to get that next generation of long time season ticket holders by starting people off at a cheaper price and see if you can hook them. I love RedTails idea for reduced first year rates for tailgating similar to this.

[Jacob81]

Okay new plan everyone that has a tailgating spot is good. How about we put open tailgating in Cajun Country Rice RV Park we split that in half, and open that up for open/free tallgating?

Big problem is are people going to leave there ice chest and canopy out there?

If they have to go back to there car. That is a risk of them leaving. I personally think that is a good idea

So people paying for a tailgate spot are next to people doing the same thing for free?

[Jacob81]

Maybe I wasn’t clear. Definitely not saying free tailgating. I guess what I’m really trying to say is id love to see how many of those folks would’ve gone in back in the day had the product been worthy. I’m not concerned with making tailgating too fun and people staying in the lot. At this point, I just want to get them back in the gates. Now if our pricing is still set from peak demand when Hud was here that needs adjusting to fit the current climate. We already offer recent grad season tickets. Trying to get that next generation of long time season ticket holders by starting people off at a cheaper price and see if you can hook them. I love RedTails idea for reduced first year rates for tailgating similar to this.

Gotcha. So should we push getting them in the gates and that run over to the stadium
Or
Push getting people in the stadium and that growing the tailgating.

[Ragin9221]

So people paying for a tailgate spot are next to people doing the same thing for free?

If you are in an RV you paid for an RV spot you will be next to the stadium. Next to the grass. With your RV. With the convience of your RV right there.

I am not saying people are able to park there. They would have to bring there stuff from there car or truck and set up shop in that area. You wouldn’t be able to get a vehicle or park right there.

[Jacob81]

That’s still what the oak tree area is for. Music there’s food and drinks. Maybe they could relocate that whole setup somewhere else more open. But that’s the entrance for the band and team. So kinda tough logistically. But I agree that area could be bigger.

[RayneCajun]

So tailgating spots are free butt you must have tickets to enter? I’m good with that But then all tailgate areas would be first come first serve? Don’t know about that.

That's how it used to be. Been there setting up at 8am many times. The only good thing about the Baldwin era is we got to sleep a little later!
Couldn't imagine what RP would have been like back then! But we did have the Delphi board!


Geaux Cajuns!!