Fan Support and Attendance

[EverettGriz]

I DO enjoy what we have.

That doesn't mean or suggest that I'll stop pushing for better. UM BB and its fans deserves it, don't you agree?

 

[PlayerRep]

I DO enjoy what we have.

That doesn't mean or suggest that I'll stop pushing for better. UM BB and its fans deserves it, don't you agree?

No you don't, Everett, enjoy what UM and the conference has. Most of us on egriz and conference officials know you don't understand or appreciate the conference. Personally, I think you are a loser who doesn't understand at all. Looking forward to telling you in person. Hope Engstrom is standing nearby.

 

[rocklobster]

68, as I said, I LOVE Griz hoops and would also go regardless. But you and I are not the problem. The problem is the 4,000 others who used to regularly go to Griz games and no longer do. I challenge you: ask a few of them why they no longer go. I can assure you that my list of reasons will be mentioned by nearly all. Quality of opponent and meaningful games matter. Not EVERYONE bleeds maroon, as much as we'd like to think it was so.

And with the officiating Saturday, if I were new to BSC basketball and had to suffer through that debacle, I'd NEVER go back.

They go see the football team play Panhandle State and St. Francis. It's promoting the team better by the university. Better home games would help, but more needs to be done publicity-wise to put fans in the seats.

 

[rocklobster]

I DO enjoy what we have.

That doesn't mean or suggest that I'll stop pushing for better. UM BB and its fans deserves it, don't you agree?

No you don't, Everett, enjoy what UM and the conference has. Most of us on egriz and conference officials know you don't understand or appreciate the conference. Personally, I think you are a loser who doesn't understand at all. Looking forward to telling you in person. Hope Engstrom is standing nearby.

:thumb:

 

[grizzlyjournal]

This is a good thread with a bunch of solid suggestions. Would like to see some way this could get into Kent Haslam's hands to read. I'm one of those who has purchased season tickets for many years and attends (and almost always enjoys) every home game. BUT: I wager that if and/or when Montana could regularly schedule teams like Davidson, Boise State, Colorado State, Nevada, Gonzaga etc. we'd see an upsurge in interest. I don't think doing such a thing would be out of question (as long as we remain competitive). That leads, of course, to positions articulated by citay and Everett. Montana would be best served by moving into a more competitive conference. Seems like these discussions are somewhat circular.

 

[rocklobster]

Like the Sunbelt or WAC? They're not that much better! In fact, might be worse!

 

[Buttegrizzle]

EG, like a lot of us, was here in the "golden age" of Griz hoops when 7k crazies were packed in for almost all the games. Don't blame him if the current lack luster conference isn't inspiring attendance. What the hell would mr Ivy League name dropper know know about good basketball? The difference is back then the BSC was legit with Idaho (a top 16 team one year), Boise and Reno. The Griz never really dominated the conference then but every game felt important. Yeah, don't be blaming those who call for a pre Foolerton Big Sky with legit teams or if not, a better conference altogether. Nothing wrong with knowing the difference between a big fish in small pond and the wider world out there.

 

[EverettGriz]

I DO enjoy what we have.

That doesn't mean or suggest that I'll stop pushing for better. UM BB and its fans deserves it, don't you agree?

No you don't, Everett, enjoy what UM and the conference has. Most of us on egriz and conference officials know you don't understand or appreciate the conference. Personally, I think you are a loser who doesn't understand at all. Looking forward to telling you in person. Hope Engstrom is standing nearby.

I'm not even sure what the fuck this is supposed to say, or even what language it's typed in. But if you against it, pr, I'm ALLLLLL for it!!!

 

[PlayerRep]

I DO enjoy what we have.

That doesn't mean or suggest that I'll stop pushing for better. UM BB and its fans deserves it, don't you agree?

No you don't, Everett, enjoy what UM and the conference has. Most of us on egriz and conference officials know you don't understand or appreciate the conference. Personally, I think you are a loser who doesn't understand at all. Looking forward to telling you in person. Hope Engstrom is standing nearby.

I'm not even sure what the f*** this is supposed to say, or even what language it's typed in. But if you against it, pr, I'm ALLLLLL for it!!!

Just read the post. It's very clear. I know your mode of operation is to sometimes pretend you don't understand, when in fact you just don't know how to respond.

 

[EverettGriz]

I'll respond this way: You're a douche.

But everyone knows that so....

 

[PlayerRep]

EG, like a lot of us, was here in the "golden age" of Griz hoops when 7k crazies were packed in for almost all the games. Don't blame him if the current lack luster conference isn't inspiring attendance. What the hell would mr Ivy League name dropper know know about good basketball? The difference is back then the BSC was legit with Idaho (a top 16 team one year), Boise and Reno. The Griz never really dominated the conference then but every game felt important. Yeah, don't be blaming those who call for a pre Foolerton Big Sky with legit teams or if not, a better conference altogether. Nothing wrong with knowing the difference between a big fish in small pond and the wider world out there.

Which years did UM basketball average 7000? Just curious.

Feel free to list and quote a name I ever dropped. Put up or shut up.

You don't have a clue about what Fullerton ever pushed or didn't. You continue to be an embarrassment to yourself and egriz.

 

[EverettGriz]

Here's the bottom line. Some fans are okay with the status quo. And that's all right. No shame in it.

But there are others who believe UM Hoops and it's fans deserve better. I'm in this group. I believe that UM shouldn't play 11 teams in their conference with RPIs under 290. I believe that the Griz have earned the right to okay I front of officials who didn't acquire their whistles last week from a gumball machine at Betsy's Five and Dime. I believe he Griz deserve to host the Lobos rather that PSU. I believe they deserve the best opportunity to send their best team to the NCAAs.

Others may disagree. I'm fine with that. (Unlike a few on this board, I'm open to other positions). But again, ask former fans why they don't come to games. Will you, or are you afraid of the answer?

 

[EverettGriz]

There's only one person on here embarrassing himself......







Except we're all used to it by now.

 

[mtgrizrule]

I recall reading the team does not do enough for kids and fans after the game. Whoever posted and thinks that is 100% wrong. Every player and coach (including Travis) take the time for anyone that approaches them. I see them signing autographs, getting pictures with fans and kids, and just talking with with whoever stays. For the record, those players and coaches are damn terrific to fans and kids.

Travis always interacts with a smile and is very gracious when it comes to fan interaction. Again, if someone want to experience the players and coaches more, give the basketball offices a phone call or stop by in person. Introduce yourself to the coaches, interact with them, etc!!! If they are not in or available, Julie Tonkin is great to speak with and will pass on whatever it is that needs to be passed on.

Granted, I don't know Travis as well as I got to know Wayne. However, he is 100% friendly and gracious. Fan interaction and participation is very important to the man in building the program. To be honest, he is a little hurt and disappointed that the community fan base has not bought in.

 

[Paytonlives]

Did not read all the posts so may be this was covered...

When UM put the media tables in front of the Student section and relegated the students to red head step children (to the end zone) so that Fat azz Larry Frost could sit near court side, the Griz lost the student edge.

It has taken 20 years to get to this point and it might take just as long to get it back!

You want students... its simple

Give them the whole side and make their tickets free or just 5 bucks! That's what they were back in the day, so revive that tradition!

 

['68griz]

I would like to think the students would come if given free or cheap tickets and seats on the side, but I truly don't think it would happen. I've worked with students, as a specific group adviser, off and on for the past 20 years and have found them (as a whole) to have relatively little interest in the football games and virtually no interest in either the men's or women's basketball games. When I asked them about their lack of interest in these sports, their response was basically just a shrug of the shoulders and a "there are more interesting things to do" response. Sadly, I think the world has simply changed and, unless you are at a BIG basketball school (UNC, KU, UK, Duke and a few others), the chances of the students caring is slight.

 

[Potomac Griz]

Which years did UM basketball average 7000?

He didn't say average. He said "EG, like a lot of us, was here in the "golden age" of Griz hoops when 7k crazies were packed in for almost all the games."

Average could still be a bit below 7k with some of the pud games not drawing nearly as many. However as you can see below there were many many years where it's likely almost all (or at least a large majority) of home games had around 7k people. Sure there were dips here and there but it's pretty obvious that Buttegrizzle and EG are remembering correctly and know what they're talking about here.

These were as far back as the attendance records went on the NCAA site, so I'm guessing there were several years before 1978 with great attendance too. Since I don't have those numbers yet we'll just start with 1978.

1978 - Ranked #44 for attendance with 8,204 per home game.
1979 - Ranked #56 for attendance with 7,175 per home game.
1980 - Ranked #69 for attendance with 6,393 per home game. A dip, but still great attendance.
1981 - Ranked #61 for attendance with 7,028 per home game.
1982 - Ranked #53 for attendance with 7,436 per home game.
1983 - Ranked #62 for attendance with 6,986 per home game.
1984 - Ranked #65 for attendance with 6,876 per home game.
1985 - Ranked #68 for attendance with 6,915 per home game.
1986 - Ranked #59 for attendance with 7,511 per home game.
1987 - Ranked #77 for attendance with 6,274 per home game. A big dip, but still good attendance, top 100.
1988 - Ranked #76 for attendance with 6,574 per home game.
1989 - Ranked #76 for attendance with 6,416 per home game.
1990 - Ranked #101 for attendance with 5,589 per home game. (Big dip unfortunately)
1991 - Ranked #91 for attendance with 6,160 per home game.
1992 - Ranked #76 for attendance with 7,034per home game.
1993 - Ranked #82 for attendance with 6,233 per home game.
1994 - Ranked #91 for attendance with 6,047 per home game.

 

[PlayerRep]

Which years did UM basketball average 7000?

He didn't say average. He said "EG, like a lot of us, was here in the "golden age" of Griz hoops when 7k crazies were packed in for almost all the games."

Average could still be a bit below 7k with some of the pud games not drawing nearly as many. However as you can see below there were many many years where it's likely almost all (or at least a large majority) of home games had around 7k people. Sure there were dips here and there but it's pretty obvious that Buttegrizzle and EG are remembering correctly and know what they're talking about here.

These were as far back as the attendance records went on the NCAA site, so I'm guessing there were several years before 1978 with great attendance too. Since I don't have those numbers yet we'll just start with 1978.

1978 - Ranked #44 for attendance with 8,204 per home game.
1979 - Ranked #56 for attendance with 7,175 per home game.
1980 - Ranked #69 for attendance with 6,393 per home game. A dip, but still great attendance.
1981 - Ranked #61 for attendance with 7,028 per home game.
1982 - Ranked #53 for attendance with 7,436 per home game.
1983 - Ranked #62 for attendance with 6,986 per home game.
1984 - Ranked #65 for attendance with 6,876 per home game.
1985 - Ranked #68 for attendance with 6,915 per home game.
1986 - Ranked #59 for attendance with 7,511 per home game.
1987 - Ranked #77 for attendance with 6,274 per home game. A big dip, but still good attendance, top 100.
1988 - Ranked #76 for attendance with 6,574 per home game.
1989 - Ranked #76 for attendance with 6,416 per home game.
1990 - Ranked #101 for attendance with 5,589 per home game. (Big dip unfortunately)
1991 - Ranked #91 for attendance with 6,160 per home game.
1992 - Ranked #76 for attendance with 7,034per home game.
1993 - Ranked #82 for attendance with 6,233 per home game.
1994 - Ranked #91 for attendance with 6,047 per home game.

Thanks for the stats. Great numbers.

Note that I didn't say anyone said UM averaged 7,000. I just asked a question. I recall some of the years/games when the old arena was almost full and well over 7,000.

 

[Buttegrizzle]

Solid work again Poto.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Did not read all the posts so may be this was covered...

When UM put the media tables in front of the Student section and relegated the students to red head step children (to the end zone) so that Fat azz Larry Frost could sit near court side, the Griz lost the student edge.

It has taken 20 years to get to this point and it might take just as long to get it back!

You want students... its simple

Give them the whole side and make their tickets free or just 5 bucks! That's what they were back in the day, so revive that tradition!

I don't have any idea how many fans we put in the seats in the late 80s/early 90s. I didn't count or pay attention. I just know that I rarely missed a game, and the students sat (stood) courtside. It was crazy-fun and loud. All the games seemed to matter at the time.

Every year when I stood in line to register, I picked up my tickets for EVERY SPORT...all at once. I am sure I paid something for them, but I can't remember the amount. I put the tickets in a drawer in my dorm/apartment, and then I used them to go to the games. It wasn't complicated. Everyone I knew went to nearly every game. We read newspapers when the opposing teams were announced, and ROTC dudes rappelled from the roof. Cheerleaders were smoking hot. Hoops teams seemed to kick ass. Good times.