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Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
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mookie1995
there's a good buck in that racket.
Nutting hates spending money. He puts the T in turd
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Haven't been to a game this year for a couple of reasons
but watching on TV the student sections look empty. That's a problem as that's your future attendees. The idea that casual fans are going to flock to Agganis to see a game is ridiculous. Unless you plan on bringing in an Eichel every year that's not going to happen.
$100 for tix for family of 4 + $12 to park, + $30 in concessions = not worth the cost of attending in person.
Haven't been to a game this year for a couple of reasons
but watching on TV the student sections look empty. That's a problem as that's your future attendees. The idea that casual fans are going to flock to Agganis to see a game is ridiculous. Unless you plan on bringing in an Eichel every year that's not going to happen. $100 for tix for family of 4 + $12 to park, + $30 in concessions = not worth the cost of attending in person.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Student section has varied- Packed for Providence and an electric atmosphere- Pretty good for Vt Friday but awful for 4 Pm Sat
Parking is now $10 but just park in Brookline and walk 1/4 mile- Eat before you go to game
Hockey is the one sport that is still far better in person. More though are watching or not watching as attendance is down in many hockey hobeds
Haven't been to a game this year for a couple of reasons
$100 for tix for family of 4 + $12 to park, + $30 in concessions = not worth the cost of attending in person.
Student section has varied- Packed for Providence and an electric atmosphere- Pretty good for Vt Friday but awful for 4 Pm Sat
Parking is now $10 but just park in Brookline and walk 1/4 mile- Eat before you go to game
Hockey is the one sport that is still far better in person. More though are watching or not watching as attendance is down in many hockey hobeds
ericredaxe
Veteran
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
No data, but my impression is that student attendance overall is down this year (and certainly as compared to 5 years ago) for both the 4PM games and the "normal" game times alike.
You are correct though, attendance issues seem to be a subject for many teams recently. (Similar discussion on the BC, Minnesota etc threads)
Is going to the hockey games not "the thing to do" for students on campus anymore? Rewind 20 years to when I was in school, if students didn't get their tickets by Monday they would find the tickets all gone. Obviously not the case anymore.
No data, but my impression is that student attendance overall is down this year (and certainly as compared to 5 years ago) for both the 4PM games and the "normal" game times alike.
You are correct though, attendance issues seem to be a subject for many teams recently. (Similar discussion on the BC, Minnesota etc threads)
Is going to the hockey games not "the thing to do" for students on campus anymore? Rewind 20 years to when I was in school, if students didn't get their tickets by Monday they would find the tickets all gone. Obviously not the case anymore.
Friend_of_BU_Hockey
Registered User
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
I was a student the same time as you, so I was also spoiled by the sustained success the program had during the 90s and it's a major reason why I follow/support the program the extent I still do. But I think some of the factors that might impact student attendance compared to when we were students are:
* Tickets. There's greater supply b/c of the move from WBA->Agganis. Knowing that most non-BC games don't sell out, I can imagine students waiting 'til last-minute to decide whether or not they wanna go.
* Student demographic and interests. I think there are even more BU students than ever from non-traditional, non-hockey areas who may not have the same level of sustained interest in the hockey program over their 4 years. I think there are also even more on-campus student activities than ever, not to mention the information overload students have nowadays thanks to social media. Thus I don't think hockey stands out as much as it once did compared to other activities.
* Program's recent performance. Last season notwithstanding, the current students haven't experienced anywhere near the sustained level of success that those of us who were in school in the 90s did.
In looking at the current state of the team and the remainder of the home schedule, I don't think we'll see a strong student turnout. This includes the BC game, which is before classes start.
I was a student the same time as you, so I was also spoiled by the sustained success the program had during the 90s and it's a major reason why I follow/support the program the extent I still do. But I think some of the factors that might impact student attendance compared to when we were students are:
* Tickets. There's greater supply b/c of the move from WBA->Agganis. Knowing that most non-BC games don't sell out, I can imagine students waiting 'til last-minute to decide whether or not they wanna go.
* Student demographic and interests. I think there are even more BU students than ever from non-traditional, non-hockey areas who may not have the same level of sustained interest in the hockey program over their 4 years. I think there are also even more on-campus student activities than ever, not to mention the information overload students have nowadays thanks to social media. Thus I don't think hockey stands out as much as it once did compared to other activities.
* Program's recent performance. Last season notwithstanding, the current students haven't experienced anywhere near the sustained level of success that those of us who were in school in the 90s did.
In looking at the current state of the team and the remainder of the home schedule, I don't think we'll see a strong student turnout. This includes the BC game, which is before classes start.
Friend_of_BU_Hockey
Registered User
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Agreed. Love not having to remember which tickets I need. Hope they continue to move in that direction next season and beyond for all STH.
Agreed. Love not having to remember which tickets I need. Hope they continue to move in that direction next season and beyond for all STH.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
I've been to almost every game this year but I certainly wouldn't say I'm sold on the team being back. Considering the talent out there, they've been pretty awful.
I've been to almost every game this year but I certainly wouldn't say I'm sold on the team being back. Considering the talent out there, they've been pretty awful.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
I'm not sure how much money the AD, the assistant AD, the assistant to the assistant AD, and various other flunkies in the athletic department make, but I imagine its a pretty good gig. Therefore, in order to earn their salaries, its their job to drive student interest in the hockey program. Yes, kids have access to more social media but they can always text/post/whatever while at the game, so I'm not sure that's the problem. I've heard arena security is overbearing but I haven't had any experience with them myself. I do wonder how well the school is promoting the team on campus.
I'm not sure how much money the AD, the assistant AD, the assistant to the assistant AD, and various other flunkies in the athletic department make, but I imagine its a pretty good gig. Therefore, in order to earn their salaries, its their job to drive student interest in the hockey program. Yes, kids have access to more social media but they can always text/post/whatever while at the game, so I'm not sure that's the problem. I've heard arena security is overbearing but I haven't had any experience with them myself. I do wonder how well the school is promoting the team on campus.
brassbonanza
Super Serial
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Security was so overwhelming in the late 2000s and early 2010s that it got to the point where people stopped showing up, and security's presence became useless - despite still being there. Up until 2013, they still had an RSIG guy standing in the official's entryway below 106 whose job it was was to stand facing the student section and try to read student lips to see if anyone was swearing. It's that ridiculous. I've read that things similar to this are starting to happen over at Northeastern as well.
BU is too busy worrying about promoting its other teams that they don't do much for hockey from what I understand. The words that were given to me, secondhand of course, is that they think they do well enough on hockey and it'll take care of itself and they want to spend their resources promoting the basketball, lacrosse, etc. teams.
Example: This was also told to me secondhand as well, but I have no reason to doubt its validity, the BU Band was invited to play at the Union road game this year. Union reserved a block of tickets specifically for the band to come, instruments and all, and play. As far as I know, NCAA rules dictate a visiting band cannot come and play unless explicitly invited by the home school. This is the first time I've ever heard of that happening while I've been following the program. From what I understand, athletics would not pay for a bus for the band to go out to the game that night, the band didn't have the funds set aside to pay for it themselves, thus they did not go. Yet, BU found the funds to pay for a fan bus with food included to a field hockey game against Holy Cross (Turnpike Trophy!!!!!! GET EXCITED!!!!) the same week that garnered exactly zero interest. Literally no one signed up to go from what I was told. That should tell you all you need to know about where their priorities are. A group of hard-working band members willing, able, and invited to go and represent and play for their school on the road, and BU decides to spend the money instead on a ridiculous fantasy land idea of filling a bus of fans to a field hockey game at 5:00 on a Friday. Sure would've made for a heck of an environment at Union, that already was good, if our band was there as well. Who knows, the team sure looked like they could've used a little boost that night at times.
Security was so overwhelming in the late 2000s and early 2010s that it got to the point where people stopped showing up, and security's presence became useless - despite still being there. Up until 2013, they still had an RSIG guy standing in the official's entryway below 106 whose job it was was to stand facing the student section and try to read student lips to see if anyone was swearing. It's that ridiculous. I've read that things similar to this are starting to happen over at Northeastern as well.
BU is too busy worrying about promoting its other teams that they don't do much for hockey from what I understand. The words that were given to me, secondhand of course, is that they think they do well enough on hockey and it'll take care of itself and they want to spend their resources promoting the basketball, lacrosse, etc. teams.
Example: This was also told to me secondhand as well, but I have no reason to doubt its validity, the BU Band was invited to play at the Union road game this year. Union reserved a block of tickets specifically for the band to come, instruments and all, and play. As far as I know, NCAA rules dictate a visiting band cannot come and play unless explicitly invited by the home school. This is the first time I've ever heard of that happening while I've been following the program. From what I understand, athletics would not pay for a bus for the band to go out to the game that night, the band didn't have the funds set aside to pay for it themselves, thus they did not go. Yet, BU found the funds to pay for a fan bus with food included to a field hockey game against Holy Cross (Turnpike Trophy!!!!!! GET EXCITED!!!!) the same week that garnered exactly zero interest. Literally no one signed up to go from what I was told. That should tell you all you need to know about where their priorities are. A group of hard-working band members willing, able, and invited to go and represent and play for their school on the road, and BU decides to spend the money instead on a ridiculous fantasy land idea of filling a bus of fans to a field hockey game at 5:00 on a Friday. Sure would've made for a heck of an environment at Union, that already was good, if our band was there as well. Who knows, the team sure looked like they could've used a little boost that night at times.
Friend_of_BU_Hockey
Registered User
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
This is a pattern I've noticed for at least the last few years following the athletics' FB, Twitter and Instagram accounts. IMO a lot of this is attributed to a confluence of events that occurred in 2012-2013: move to the Patriot League, task force recommendations, Parker->Quinn transition.
I will say, though, that I feel the current AD is more invested in hockey than Lynch was in his final years on the job. I've seen Marrochello at considerably more games (including road trips) in the past 1.5 years than I saw Lynch during his final years as AD. From what I understand Marrochello/Quinn have a very good relationship, whereas the Lynch/Parker relationship was a bit strained by the end of their respective tenures.
This is a pattern I've noticed for at least the last few years following the athletics' FB, Twitter and Instagram accounts. IMO a lot of this is attributed to a confluence of events that occurred in 2012-2013: move to the Patriot League, task force recommendations, Parker->Quinn transition.
I will say, though, that I feel the current AD is more invested in hockey than Lynch was in his final years on the job. I've seen Marrochello at considerably more games (including road trips) in the past 1.5 years than I saw Lynch during his final years as AD. From what I understand Marrochello/Quinn have a very good relationship, whereas the Lynch/Parker relationship was a bit strained by the end of their respective tenures.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
I'll say again for the money they're being paid they need to juggle multiple priorities or get people in here who can. I doubt Providence, fresh off a hockey title, has decided to put the hoops program on the back burner even though its their highest profile sport. Similarly while I wish all the success in the world to the lacrosse, soccer, and Quidditch teams that represent BU, if they can't get students to show up for the highest profile sport they aren't earning their paychecks.
I'll say again for the money they're being paid they need to juggle multiple priorities or get people in here who can. I doubt Providence, fresh off a hockey title, has decided to put the hoops program on the back burner even though its their highest profile sport. Similarly while I wish all the success in the world to the lacrosse, soccer, and Quidditch teams that represent BU, if they can't get students to show up for the highest profile sport they aren't earning their paychecks.
mookie1995
there's a good buck in that racket.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
well hells bells.. muuch opened up the vault for DQ! least he can do is be there to hold hands in case there was a tough call against the coach!!
mookie remembers the school not wanting to send the band to grand rapids for an ncaa regional in what? 2008?? mookie (alon with others according to the woman in brownie's office mookie spoke with) call the prez and told them that if they wouldn't pay, where could mookie send the check to cover the cost. in light of said phone calls the school did in fact send the band (not that it mattered of course. bu lost and some of the guys continued the tradition of playing dirty once the outcome was determined
)
well hells bells.. muuch opened up the vault for DQ! least he can do is be there to hold hands in case there was a tough call against the coach!!
mookie remembers the school not wanting to send the band to grand rapids for an ncaa regional in what? 2008?? mookie (alon with others according to the woman in brownie's office mookie spoke with) call the prez and told them that if they wouldn't pay, where could mookie send the check to cover the cost. in light of said phone calls the school did in fact send the band (not that it mattered of course. bu lost and some of the guys continued the tradition of playing dirty once the outcome was determined
)brassbonanza
Super Serial
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
That's good to hear, though judging by the amount of promotional material I see around campus when I'm nearby, through social media as you said, etc. they're still wasting far too much of their resources on nonstarters. At some point you have to realize that putting up banners on campus trying to get people to go to the next swimming meet is a losing proposition. You also run into people tuning your message out in full because they throw up so many promotional tweets, banners, emails that are interpreted the same as junk mail. Thus, when they do send out something about a hockey game or a big basketball game, it's ignored, deleted, or scrolled past. It's promotional overload. While I applaud them for not making hockey like an SEC football team and essentially ignoring the rest of the athletic department, there comes a point where you do more harm to your department overall by investing so much effort and resources into advertising sports the vast majority of sports fans have no interest in. BU has still not figured this out and are still trying to be "fair to everyone."
That's good to hear, though judging by the amount of promotional material I see around campus when I'm nearby, through social media as you said, etc. they're still wasting far too much of their resources on nonstarters. At some point you have to realize that putting up banners on campus trying to get people to go to the next swimming meet is a losing proposition. You also run into people tuning your message out in full because they throw up so many promotional tweets, banners, emails that are interpreted the same as junk mail. Thus, when they do send out something about a hockey game or a big basketball game, it's ignored, deleted, or scrolled past. It's promotional overload. While I applaud them for not making hockey like an SEC football team and essentially ignoring the rest of the athletic department, there comes a point where you do more harm to your department overall by investing so much effort and resources into advertising sports the vast majority of sports fans have no interest in. BU has still not figured this out and are still trying to be "fair to everyone."
mookie1995
there's a good buck in that racket.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
mookie bought tickets through pc at one point. mookie is amazed at the email alerts for those two high profile sports that he gets along with promotions to entice butts in seats.
bu (and foh) sit on their asses and figure you will come hat in hand to be a part of such a storied program
mookie bought tickets through pc at one point. mookie is amazed at the email alerts for those two high profile sports that he gets along with promotions to entice butts in seats.
bu (and foh) sit on their asses and figure you will come hat in hand to be a part of such a storied program
brassbonanza
Super Serial
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Exactly. While PC isn't the best example since their BB team this year is really good and they have a legit Wooden Award candidate, you can promote your top programs at the same time. There's no reason they can't be trying to get kids to show up to basketball and hockey games at the same time, they almost never play on the same night. I remember when I was a student we had a meeting with some Athletics Department people about promotional materials, and for the life of them they could not understand why the 10-foot long banners they'd put in Warren where you swiped in that listed every single athletic event on campus for the upcoming month was a bad idea. It took at least three explanations from us for them to realize why no one would stop to read an enormous banner with 30 or 40 events in a long list. Granted, this was around 2007 or so, but it doesn't appear that type of mindset has changed all that much.
Exactly. While PC isn't the best example since their BB team this year is really good and they have a legit Wooden Award candidate, you can promote your top programs at the same time. There's no reason they can't be trying to get kids to show up to basketball and hockey games at the same time, they almost never play on the same night. I remember when I was a student we had a meeting with some Athletics Department people about promotional materials, and for the life of them they could not understand why the 10-foot long banners they'd put in Warren where you swiped in that listed every single athletic event on campus for the upcoming month was a bad idea. It took at least three explanations from us for them to realize why no one would stop to read an enormous banner with 30 or 40 events in a long list. Granted, this was around 2007 or so, but it doesn't appear that type of mindset has changed all that much.
allnightwong
Quinnipiac '09 Grad School '11
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Hey BU faithful,
QU diehard and season ticket holder here. Went up to the rink today to see if my buddy could get a standing room ticket and they wouldn't even grant him that. This is the first time in my memory a game was officially sold out multiple days in advance except of course the Yale games. While sell outs are often announced, it's extremely rare that they wouldn't hand out standing room. I'm assuming you guys will bring a large contingent of fans. Best of luck, hope you enjoy the Bank!
Hey BU faithful,
QU diehard and season ticket holder here. Went up to the rink today to see if my buddy could get a standing room ticket and they wouldn't even grant him that. This is the first time in my memory a game was officially sold out multiple days in advance except of course the Yale games. While sell outs are often announced, it's extremely rare that they wouldn't hand out standing room. I'm assuming you guys will bring a large contingent of fans. Best of luck, hope you enjoy the Bank!
Sean Pickett
2009 NCAA Champions
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
Sean
I received an email from BU yesterday about buying a Terrier hat trick ticket plan for men's hockey which listed all six remaing games, highlighting the BC game, and announcing mini bobble head dolls of BU's three Hobey winners. I also receive emails regularly about upcoming men's hockey games, as well as emails highlighting promotions and big games for other sports.
Sean
brassbonanza
Super Serial
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
I'm not positive, but I believe mookie was referencing promotional materials to students.
I'm not positive, but I believe mookie was referencing promotional materials to students.
Re: Boston University Terriers 2015-2016 Season Thread Part the 1st
And yet...
Don't get me wrong. There's much more that can be done to promote the team and boost attendance.
And yet...
http://www.goterriers.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/121015aaa.html
Don't get me wrong. There's much more that can be done to promote the team and boost attendance.
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