"We don't do that way here."
Signed,
B. Maggard
The RCAF has always been the root of the problem for the university. It caused a divide between the haves and have-nots, which can been seen now more clearly than ever in attendance, tailgating, etc.
Get rid of it. The money grab fooled many people for awhile, due to Hud bringing achievements not seen in 40 years. The shine has worn off. The 2,000 people will be ____ed. So what. The university needs the Walmart approach. Sell to the masses.
To keep up with other programs, you need an athletic foundation as a tool to fund the athletic program especially since student fees are non-existent in Louisiana. The RCAF helps pay for coaches salaries, athletic facility enhancements, as well as particular athletic programs for student-athletes. Before that, our athletic program was struggling to get to $10 million total.
I will agree, though, that HOW the RCAF is run can always show improvement when it comes to engaging with the donors. I remember in 2012 when the RCAF sponsored the preseason football party at Cypress Bayou Casino, and there were a ton of supporters (a lot of smaller donors) that showed up. Now, it’s almost an exclusive club to get invited to any event. As another thread was mentioned, we need to get back to basics and understand that we are a blue collar fanbase. We are not River Ranch. We are not the wall of LaFonda’s. We are blue collar.
I’ll never forget when the Fossil crushed Robe’s dream of going to Omaha often. Nothing has changed since then.
Also the Fossil took payday money from the Florida game from football.
Unless we can get a whale donor who makes academic giving dependent on athletic success and community and alumni involvement.
You can forget about getting attendance up once CF renovations are completed if UL fans are blue collar. Maggard has publicly said nothing new will be done until renovations are completed.
Once completed:
The new west tower of the renovated facility will feature premium suites, a luxurious club level and club seats, loge boxes, and press box. The premium amenities available to Ragin' Cajuns fans will offer new avenues for their involvement with the football program and the Ragin' Cajuns Athletics Foundation.
Which means higher ticket prices, amenities for RCAF members, while kicking blue collar fans to the curb.
The shiny new stadium will be a jewel of the SBC with even lower attendance.
That is the direction the university is taking. Either pay up or enjoy watching games from home.
There are currently 6 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 6 guests)