Thoughts on Fan Engagement, Tailgating, Mascot, Marching Band, Pre-Game Intro etc.?

[zephyr]

Tailgating pricing lowered and make the process easier. Allow tailgating in certain areas on a per-game basis.

Promote the games locally on TV, radio, and billboards. Go out into the community and get people involved.

Bring back a mascot.

Play less house music, club music, dubstep, whatever you want to call it. I’m 28 and I still think it’s horrible.

I don’t think the band is a huge issue. Sadly, most people don’t pay that much attention. But they can certainly enhance the atmosphere. My freshman year in band was when they instituted the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down cheers on offense that they still play today. Sure, they may be a little corny and stale, but the problem, like most things the university does, was the lack of execution and communication. Nobody outside of the band and cheer groups knew what we were doing. Maybe it was brought up at a pep rally that a handful of students went to, but other than that we just tried our best to lead the chants in the games, the cheerleaders hold up signs, and hoped people would follow suit. That’s not gonna cut it. Whatever new traditions are instituted need to be not only well thought out, but communicated to the fan base

People will pay way more attention to a good band than they will a mascot. I've been to some pretty good game atmospheres and a good band that really sets the tone is always present. If you do it right, they set the tone for what cheers and chants the students perform and when.

It's a shame what happened to our tailgating though. As someone who paid to tailgate for years, I can definitely say that they overestimated the notion that people would just keep paying higher and higher prices all while taking away many of the conveniences at the same time. You wanna be able to park just one of your vehicles even remotely near your tailgate to get all of your gear and your young kids care items there? Just pay lots more money. They took everyone for suckers and in the meantime, ruined a great atmosphere. Our only problem then was trying to get just a small portion of those people to go into the games. Now its just getting them to show up at all.

[zephyr]

Why not extend the name "The Swamp" to the tailgating area? It is a perfect fit.

Also, for comparison, I looked up the University of Florida to see what they charge for tailgating and to confirm that they don't use The Swamp as the name of their tailgating area (they don't have a name). Turns out they don't charge for tailgating. Their stadium seats around 90,000 so they make their money in other ways. UL should consider doing the same. Bring the great tailgating atmosphere back to Cajun Field and extend it to inside the stadium.

Do you have to pay to tailgate at UF?

Except for properly permitted official University events, charging for admission at any tailgate is strictly prohibited as is any commercial activity and fundraising. UFPD reserves the right to restrict areas that they deem at maximum capacity. Use of UF's electrical outlet use is prohibited. Sep 14, 2023

Thanks for looking into that. It only makes sense.

[Turbine]

People will pay way more attention to a good band than they will a mascot.

True dat.

At the same time they will identify with a long term mascot before a one off band.

[CajunVic]

True dat.

At the same time they will identify with a long term mascot before a one off band.

it is truly amazing that we do not have Al as a mascot by now

never understand

[zephyr]

True dat.

At the same time they will identify with a long term mascot before a one off band.

One off?

[RedBug58]

Speaking of bands, is Grambling bringing their band?

[Turbine]

One off?

Good venues tend to rotate the bands, if its the same band every time they missed the potential a band can offer.

"One off" wasn't accurate because they can and do return. I was trying to draw a distinction between a permanent identifiable mascot and the surging interest in a new band that week.

[BabbForHeisman]

All we need to do is get rid of the “And that’s another Louisiana…” first down cheer, and we’d have an extra 5K show up at football games!

[Ragin9221]

All we need to do is get rid of the “And that’s another Louisiana…” first down cheer, and we’d have an extra 5K show up at football games!

That’s another Louisiana first down, and the 10 second Jambalaya stanza. We can do better.

Yall know what i am talking about!

[CajunVic]

All we need to do is get rid of the “And that’s another Louisiana…” first down cheer, and we’d have an extra 5K show up at football games!

if this is keeping fans away, that part of the fan base is too weak to be called fans

I will go even farther and say our fan issues are irreconcilable if this is something that would move the needle in any way

[CajunNation]

I only really care about one thing.

That would be making Opelousas Sostan our "in game" song.




MAKE IT HAPPEN !!!!!!!!!

[Turbine]

"Opelousas Sostan"

"Allons avec moi
Bon temps rouler"

Come with me
Let the offense roll.

Allons avec moi
Laissez l’attaque rouler