Any comments or excuses on attendance?

[Fiyah]

good post!

and what I said when this move was announced shole came to fruition. I won't "blame" the attendance on Shreveport, just like I never blamed Bham. Some folks were hellbent on saying Bham was the problem. Well, I think that can be put to bed now.

Actualy you can't put it away. You ca't compare the last 10 years of it being in B'ham to the first year in Bossier City. I think if stu's folks wasn't out supporting the high school that's in it's backyard at the state championship there would have een plenty more of them there yesterday. I think they(Bossier City) are learning this first hand and will adjust for it next year. Remember the dates for the tourny moves up a week and that in itself may help it since you can now have the Championship Game on sunday and people can make a better weekend of it from Fri-Sun. But let ya'll (Bama's) tell it, the tourny was better there. Just look at the stadium it was played in, that was a upgrade all by itself.

 

[the band fan]

title game was well, well-attended....UAPB fans said they want it there forever :emlaugh:

 

[DallasCowboyGirl]

Well cry babies you just may get your wish again!:shame:


SWAC tournament a quick turnover:

Shreveport-Bossier City's shot at a long run as the SWAC Tournament host clanged off the rim.
What many expected to be a three-year run ended at the CenturyTel Center suddenly Saturday when SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp said he was opening the bidding process for the 2011 tournament.
Yes, the SWAC had a one-year deal with a two-year option here — although even that is up for debate according to SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp. He claims a one-year deal while local officials say there was always an option.

But the SWAC surprisingly still opted out.

How surprising was it?

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100314/SPORTS0401/3140310/1001/sports

 

[the band fan]

street committee was right again....Houston or bust :emlaugh:

$25 rooms at all palace inns

 

[Kendrick]

Comparing Big Ten basketball with it's history to the SWAC is stupid man. Many would say our football isn't that great, but WE still attend that in droves. So it's NOT all about what's on the field or court.

Fact is what works for the SEC or Big Ten will not work for the SWAC or MEAC fior that matter. Both of those conferences have grown their brand enough to where it does not matter where they have the tournament. It's a happening wherever it is.

When the SWAC attempts to do that, then maybe you can compare us to some of the bigger conferences.

I wasn't comparing the SWAC basketball history to the Big Ten. I was giving reasons why our neighbors to the north were having success with attendance figures in regards to their tournament. I still believe that the attendance is an issue for the SWAC because there is a lack of interest in the product.

 

[Panther88]

SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp said he was opening the bidding process for the 2011 tournament

It could be hosted on PV's campus and I'm a 35min drive from there and if PV isn't in it, I still wouldn't attend. :emlaugh:

I bleed purple/gold. That's why I can't do "others" games or classics. :emlaugh:

 

[Blankman2k5]

It could be hosted on PV's campus and I'm a 35min drive from there and if PV isn't in it, I still wouldn't attend. :emlaugh:

I bleed purple/gold. That's why I can't do "others" games or classics. :emlaugh:

I kinda understand how you feel, however, as log as the SCG is in Birmingham I will go. Whether AAMU plays or not...

 

[Panther88]

I kinda understand how you feel, however, as log as the SCG is in Birmingham I will go. Whether AAMU plays or not...

I understand but God didn't bless me to be normal like that. It could be next door to my home and I still wouldn't attend if PV anything isn't involved or in it.

I'm <b><u>fiercely</u></b> loyal to whatever I consider "mine" and other's stuff, isn't mine. lol I put them on the same level as ut-austin, aTm, or those other schools folx speak of. I don't see race or history and show zero connectivity. At all. Ever. :|

I think the SWAC front-office should attempt to understand the demographics of it's fan base. There are a cajillions alums of SWAC schools who won't even support their own alma mater although they are w/in driving range of their main campus (speaking of Houston area PV folx ).

 

[Jafus (Thinker)]

Panther88,

It could be hosted on PV's campus and I'm a 35min drive from there and if PV isn't in it, I still wouldn't attend.

I bleed purple/gold. That's why I can't do "others" games or classics.

At least you are willing to tell the truth. Based on this, as a marketing consultant and analyzing such metrics I could at least design a platform based on the criteria suggested that one would need to be incorporate for individuals with a mindset like yourself with more incentives to attend such an event.

 

[Panther88]

Panther88,



At least you are willing to tell the truth. Based on this, as a marketing consultant and analyzing such metrics I could at least design a platform based on the criteria suggested that one would need to be incorporate for individuals with a mindset like yourself with more incentives to attend such an event.

It's like an art that was never grasped by the evolving SWAC braintrust. This isn't 1949 where those black folx back then pretty much didn't have entertainment choices and forces could throw something together that would attract several upon several African-Americans as it was pretty exclusive to be involved or witness. I'd never attend something "just because" it was black and I have zero connectivity in it or interest in it. :retard: That's pretty stupid IMO. lol (thinking on some of these local "hoodlum" type carshows the "hip-hop" station is currently advertising that I would never show my vehicle in or be around vs the more attractive and properly ran car shows by others that I'm already signed up for in NTx lol)

Understanding the demographics (mindset) of one's target audience is something the current SWAC braintrust is seemingly "feeling" as they attempt to make strides, one cannot help but note that since the tourney has hopped several locations recently. I wouldn't do anything to hamper their efforts but I'll be damned if I spend a single penny to support something I don't care for.

2010 Bball tourney in Shreveport: I can't stand steve harvey lol, I don't like raheem divine or whatever that dude's name is, I don't care for katt williams, and I DO NOT gamble-ever. Trip thing is I travel to Shreveport (and outside of there) pretty frequently to help out w/ my folx properties there. :retard: But the junk the SWAC offered wasn't enough to attract me w/out PV M/W in the deal even when I had nothing better to do off of 20West. lol I wonder how many of those w/ my "purple/gold" mindset live about the metroplex? If PV M/W were in the deal, I would've been there in a heartbeat. :lmao:

 

[mighty hornet]

But let ya'll (Bama's) tell it, the tourny was better there. Just look at the stadium it was played in, that was a upgrade all by itself.

ummm I simply said, as I always did, Bham was not the problem. I said you could move it wherever you want and you will largely see the same type atttendance level. We dont draw big #s in the reg season, dont know why the expectation is the tourney, at any location, will pull huge #s.

and btw considering the $$, was it indeed better in Bham?
:scared:

 

[Kendrick]

A lot of people are saying the SWAC T has to be an event for the fan bases to show interest. What attractions would make that goal a reality?

 

[Panther88]

A lot of people are saying the SWAC T has to be an event for the fan bases to show interest. What attractions would make that goal a reality?

Understanding the demographics of the target fanbase kend. Events are cool for those who like that sort of thing but for someone like myself, I wouldn't care one iota about that stuff. I'm only interested in one thing: PVAMU. Period.

 

[In_The_662]

A lot of people are saying the SWAC T has to be an event for the fan bases to show interest. What attractions would make that goal a reality?

1. Seminars
2. Banquets to celebrate the best players in the SWAC (first
3. Scholarship galas and oter type of fundraising events
4. Concerts/comedy shows (for the young and old... probably the last couple of days)
5. Stepshow
6. Battle of the bands

Stuff black folks like lol


pretty much a 3 day event... just like a classic... it would be nice if people paid attention to the athletic side, but you have to get people to these events and the tourney first ...

 

[Kendrick]

Understanding the demographics of the target fanbase kend. Events are cool for those who like that sort of thing but for someone like myself, I wouldn't care one iota about that stuff. I'm only interested in one thing: PVAMU. Period.

Like I said earlier, there has to be interest drummed up well before the tourney starts to draw the casual fan or one who only cares about their school. And that initiative starts with the member schools of the conference. The basketball product has to be marketed better throughout the regular season. And the there has to be a better product on the floor.

Our programs have to win and be competitive. That will definitely stir interest. But what hurts our league the most in my opinion is that month-long road trip for those money games just when the season is getting underway. It is hard to build interest in the sport when the program is away from campus.

Pine-Bluff played 14 straight games away from campus to start the season. JSU played 7 of their first 9 games on the road to start the season. Southern played 6 of their first eight away from Baton Rouge, Alcorn their first 4, Grambling their 6 of their first 8 not at Grambling.

Then when you come back home there are game as as D2 teams or equally lower level D1 squads.

It starts from Day One. Not in March.

 

[pbla]

I still have not seen the numbers. But a lot of people in Little Rock not associated with UAPB went to Shreveport. If I had not had a death in the family I would have definitely been there.
Anyway, I still think Shreveport is the best choice. Shreveport has a lot to offer entertainment wise more so than any other city that are close. Really a tournament has to grow. Moving the tournament from Shreveport will be a mistake. Word of mouth is the best adverstising. You now have people who went to Shreveport telling people who did not go how much of a nice time they had. And when people who did not attend hear reports like that they make plans to attend next year. In this way you have chance to see if a trend is developing over a 3 year period. You can't tell if a trend is developing from just one year!!! How can you tell if people like it or not just by looking at the numbers of just one year?? 3 year is a perfect time frame to judge if a trend.. whether increasing or decreasing in attendance,hotels occupation etc. If the numbers are increasing... naturally you want to keep it in that city,but if the numbers are decreasing well you just have to cut your losses.

But I understand Duer Sharp's position about too many chiefs. Shreveport need to get their sh!t together on that area.

 

[stroke]

Heck Everyone in the Building was VIP... Thats the true problem... First off lets be real, Aint no local sheverport person without ties to a school going to pay $20 aday for a ticket.. and a pass for the weekend was $10 higher then buying day to day...
2nd... How do you build the tournament in one year? Plus this was annouced late in the Game.

 

[usa today]

Heck Everyone in the Building was VIP... Thats the true problem... First off lets be real, Aint no local sheverport person without ties to a school going to pay $20 aday for a ticket.. and a pass for the weekend was $10 higher then buying day to day...
2nd... How do you build the tournament in one year? Plus this was annouced late in the Game.

Yeah the SWAC was stupid to remove it from Shreveport, the prices were to high and it wasn't marketed well, I believe it would have gotten better though. Sharp doesn't have any business sense. The economy is bad so that was a big factor in attendance along with people not going because there teams weren't apart of it or got knocked out. The tournament could def use the bands to attract people to the tournament, seems like a majority of the basketball teams university pep bands went to Shreveport to cheer on their teams. That alone can fill up the Century Tel.

 

[DAHILL]

as far as pep bands.. we also have to realize that alot of schools are out of spring break.

 

[usa today]

as far as pep bands.. we also have to realize that alot of schools are out of spring break.

Feel you on the Spring Break thing but the pep bands that attended the tournament were Grambling, UAPB, TXSU and Bama State and they had about 5 to 6 various high school bands performing halftime from day to day so they could have easily did a battle of the bands for an added attraction. Duer Sharp doesn't think.

 

[northern tiger]

I don't like raheem divine or whatever that dude's name is

Raheem Devaughn had a concert in Shreveport over theweek? That was good choice.

I ain't goin' to no game because a battle of the bands is involved. It ain't that serious. That's just like black folks who graduated from miss. state going to the JSU/MSU game in starkville JUST because the Boom was performing at half time and some so called parties afterwards. I was thinking what kind of bullsh@t is that and it sounds crazy as h@ll. That topped the people in nashville who went to MTSU and would go to tnsu out of town football games and attending their homecoming as well. If it was that serious, I think they just should have attended JSU or tnsu and call it a day. Sh@t like that tells me how our conference is truly perceived by the outside world.

 

[Blankman2k5]

What were the actual numbers attendance wise?

 

[Kendrick]

Raheem Devaughn had a concert in Shreveport over theweek? That was good choice.

I ain't goin' to no game because a battle of the bands is involved. It ain't that serious. That's just like black folks who graduated from miss. state going to the JSU/MSU game in starkville JUST because the Boom was performing at half time and some so called parties afterwards. I was thinking what kind of bullsh@t is that and it sounds crazy as h@ll. That topped the people in nashville who went to MTSU and would go to tnsu out of town football games and attending their homecoming as well. If it was that serious, I think they just should have attended JSU or tnsu and call it a day. Sh@t like that tells me how our conference is truly perceived by the outside world.

I know, right? I know it is like a sin to compare what the SWAC does to what other conferences do. But it was hard as hell to find the special event section or entertainment portion for the Big Ten, Pac-10, ACC or SEC tournament on their web sites. I didn't see promotions for battle of the bands, concerts or comedy shows or Steve Harvey. The Big Ten had a job fair, 5K walk and a pep rallies. I couldn't find anything else on the other conferences except for that UK alums threw a pep rally before the first game of the SEC Tournament.

When we complain about the ticket prices, venue, the city or entertainment options surrounding the SWAC Tournament that is just a reflection on two things.

1. The basketball product. Obviously it is not attractive enough for fans and alums to want to attend the games.

2. It is a reflection on us. We expect the SWAC to jump through hoops to provide a carnival-like atmosphere with three-ring circus for us to attend. If a band is not playing or there or a step show and fireworks or a well known musical act we get apathetic.

Finally, this all goes back to the product on the court. Since this is not football, and people won't drive 200 miles to see action on the gridiron, schools have to be hell bent on marketing the players and coaches the same as it does the football squad. And it is up to schools to hire the best coaches to recruit the best players so that the program can produce solid competitive basketball.

Once those two issues are fixed in terms of marketing the sport (not the tournament) and getting to a high level of play, then we will see better attended tournament games.

 

[Panther88]

2. It is a reflection on us. We expect the SWAC to jump through hoops to provide a <b>carnival-like atmosphere with three-ring circus for us to attend</b>. If a band is not playing or there or a step show and fireworks or a well known musical act we get apathetic.

LOL!!!!

I wonder who'll step forward for next year. lol If Duer is looking for CIAA type #s, he's in the wrong part of the country. lol

 

[major095]

Make the tournament about the basketball. Let the regular season champ hold the tourney in their gym. Well, one might argue, people don't have a chance to plan so they can attend. They don't attend any way. This way the regular season champ, generally considered the best team in the conference has the best chance of representing the swac in the ncaa. Their fans will come out and you'll average several thousand a night. That's more than they get now and the gym doesn't cost anything. Don't worry about concerts, and step shows, and entertainment. You're either coming for the basketball or your not. And if the best team can get to the tourney they have a chance to build and recruit off of that, making them better and the conference better. That's what's up.