U of M Leads All of FCS in Overall Ticket Revenue

[SoldierGriz]

That's odd. Not that you don't have an account. I don't tweet, either. Maybe my phone is still logged in from an old account or something. At any rate, it might be worth it to make a burner account and disallow notifications just so you can see stuff? A lot of Griz/FCS info seems to be shared there.

I don't use a phone for internet and don't plan to. A modern desktop, Win 11. If I can't get the information that way, I don't need it. Some posters are kind enough to post text or links.

Friggin love this guy. Does what he wants to do and apologizes for nothing. Sometimes wrong on football matters, but he ain't wrong here.

 

[EverettGriz]

Mmmmkay, Tucker.

Dude - you are the one who just confirmed you think a neighborhood with hundreds of pride flags and BLM banners flying high - a neighborhood that does not allow the flying of the American Flag is FANTAAAASTIC.

You could have just said - I" stopped reading your post - it was too long. Of course, I don't think a neighborhood that prohibits the American flag from flying is FANTAAAASTIC."

or

"I don't think any flag should be prohibited from flying - get off your high horse Soldier."

Either one is better dude...Either one or perhaps a hundred others are better than that response. But, you do you...Belltown style.

Mmmmkay Rachel?

I didn't respond because your allegation that there is a Seattle neighborhood which prohibits the US flag is so ridiculous it could only come from talking head on an entertainment "news" show, and therefore not worthy of a response.

Yeah, I don't watch her either. Like I said, I don't watch any of that entertainment "news" $hit. Which is why I'm capable of making up my own mind on issues.

 

[UncleRico]

Mmmmkay, Tucker.

Dude - you are the one who just confirmed you think a neighborhood with hundreds of pride flags and BLM banners flying high - a neighborhood that does not allow the flying of the American Flag is FANTAAAASTIC.

You could have just said - I" stopped reading your post - it was too long. Of course, I don't think a neighborhood that prohibits the American flag from flying is FANTAAAASTIC."

or

"I don't think any flag should be prohibited from flying - get off your high horse Soldier."

Either one is better dude...Either one or perhaps a hundred others are better than that response. But, you do you...Belltown style.

Mmmmkay Rachel?

No place is prohibiting the US Flag. I’m a veteran too and I still don’t how BLM protests and Pride flags are somehow twisted to be disrespectful to our nation or armed forces. Flag politics are just so stupid. The least of our problems in this country.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Dude - you are the one who just confirmed you think a neighborhood with hundreds of pride flags and BLM banners flying high - a neighborhood that does not allow the flying of the American Flag is FANTAAAASTIC.

You could have just said - I" stopped reading your post - it was too long. Of course, I don't think a neighborhood that prohibits the American flag from flying is FANTAAAASTIC."

or

"I don't think any flag should be prohibited from flying - get off your high horse Soldier."

Either one is better dude...Either one or perhaps a hundred others are better than that response. But, you do you...Belltown style.

Mmmmkay Rachel?

I didn't respond because your allegation that there is a Seattle neighborhood which prohibits the US flag is so ridiculous it could only come from talking head on an entertainment "news" show, and therefore not worthy of a response.

Yeah, I don't watch her either. Like I said, I don't watch any of that entertainment "news" $hit. Which is why I'm capable of making up my own mind on issues.

You could have said that in the 1st place. But, you didn't. You CHOSE to use the phrase FANTAAAASTIC.

Post better.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Dude - you are the one who just confirmed you think a neighborhood with hundreds of pride flags and BLM banners flying high - a neighborhood that does not allow the flying of the American Flag is FANTAAAASTIC.

You could have just said - I" stopped reading your post - it was too long. Of course, I don't think a neighborhood that prohibits the American flag from flying is FANTAAAASTIC."

or

"I don't think any flag should be prohibited from flying - get off your high horse Soldier."

Either one is better dude...Either one or perhaps a hundred others are better than that response. But, you do you...Belltown style.

Mmmmkay Rachel?

No place is prohibiting the US Flag. I’m a veteran too and I still don’t how BLM protests and Pride flags are somehow twisted to be disrespectful to our nation or armed forces. Flag politics are just so stupid. The least of our problems in this country.

My made up neighborhood did...and it was FANTAAAASTIC to EG.

You think that neighborhood is FANTAAAASTIC as well?

Flag politics are stupid - indeed.

 

[SoldierGriz]

No place is prohibiting the US Flag. I’m a veteran too and I still don’t how BLM protests and Pride flags are somehow twisted to be disrespectful to our nation or armed forces. Flag politics are just so stupid. The least of our problems in this country.

My made up neighborhood did...and it was FANTAAAASTIC to EG.

You think that neighborhood is FANTAAAASTIC as well?

Flag politics are stupid - indeed, which is why the question should have been so easy for EG to answer.

 

[EverettGriz]

I didn't respond because your allegation that there is a Seattle neighborhood which prohibits the US flag is so ridiculous it could only come from talking head on an entertainment "news" show, and therefore not worthy of a response.

Yeah, I don't watch her either. Like I said, I don't watch any of that entertainment "news" $hit. Which is why I'm capable of making up my own mind on issues.

You could have said that in the 1st place. But, you didn't. You CHOSE to use the phrase FANTAAAASTIC.

Post better.

I....don't know what this means.

 

[SoldierGriz]

You could have said that in the 1st place. But, you didn't. You CHOSE to use the phrase FANTAAAASTIC.

Post better.

I....don't know what this means.

Yeah, ya do.

I am now your Patriotism advisor. PM me for your intake consultation.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/law-justice/seattle-violent-crime-hits-15-year-high-other-takeaways-from-new-report/

 

[grizzlyjournal]

There are quite a few Griz fans here on the football forum who have a better perspective of college conference alignment than me. What I do know is that the shakedown has already started with the P5 schools and major conferences, which will then later affect the second tier conferences. The power FCS and mid-major conferences (like the Big Sky, Missouri Valley & CAA) could move more toward two-division alignments (like the CAA) in football with all other sports in smaller single-division 8-10 team conferences. I personally think the Big Sky should try to expand to a 14-16 team two-division football FCS alignment, which is popular with Montana fans. I have heard a lot of coaches are unhappy with the current unbalanced Big Sky football alignment.

From there, though, I can't even guess. I do know that the geographical size of the Big Sky -- similar to the alignment of the WAC -- is causing travel financial problems in volleyball, soccer, basketball and even softball. Travel to Greeley, Flagstaff, the Idaho teams and Missoula are frequently cited as straining athletic budgets, especially when a team has to shuttle between two of those isolated locations over one weekend. That's why I made a comparison with the Mountain West. Literally every single one of those Mountain Division schools would be easier for Montana/Montana State to travel to than any combo of Greeley/Flagstaff, Portland/Sacramento or even Idaho/Idaho State. I know this probably doesn't clear things up much, but I know it's what people who are trying to keep their athletic departments financially solvent are debating right now. I will state that I personally watch every Montana game in every team sport (a perfect hobby for a retired sportswriter) and I really like what the soccer and volleyball coaches are doing with their pre-conference schedules in scheduling very tough opponents... similar to what men's & women's hoops have done, only moreso. Montana vb and soccer fans will be watching some major college teams, in Missoula, in September.

That is a really solid perspective. Thank you for sharing that!

You obviously know far more than me on the subject. Do you think we would be competitive with the mid tier of the Mountain West? Do you think we could realistically get to the point of being competitive at the top of the conference?

Yes. UM already has comparable facilities across the board, which includes top caliber softball and soccer facilities. That means Montana coaches could be able to recruit the same caliber of athletes the other MW schools are recruiting. Further evidence... where Montana ranks in the FCS in financial support of its sports. The Mountain West would only consider Montana if it loses top-tier teams that leave the MW for a P5 conference, and I've heard some rumors. And a P.S... further proof of Montana's qualifications to move on from the Big Sky are its FCS-leading ticket sales revenues posted in this thread. The drop off in the Big Sky after Montana & MSU is precipitous.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

That is a really solid perspective. Thank you for sharing that!

You obviously know far more than me on the subject. Do you think we would be competitive with the mid tier of the Mountain West? Do you think we could realistically get to the point of being competitive at the top of the conference?

Yes. UM already has comparable facilities across the board, which includes top caliber softball and soccer facilities. That means Montana coaches could be able to recruit the same caliber of athletes the other MW schools are recruiting. Further evidence... where Montana ranks in the FCS in financial support of its sports. The Mountain West would only consider Montana if it loses top-tier teams that leave the MW for a P5 conference, and I've heard some rumors. And a P.S... further proof of Montana's qualifications to move on from the Big Sky are its FCS-leading ticket sales revenues posted in this thread. The drop off in the Big Sky after Montana & MSU is precipitous.

That’s just fantastic usage. There is no other reason my post.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

I don't use a phone for internet and don't plan to. A modern desktop, Win 11. If I can't get the information that way, I don't need it. Some posters are kind enough to post text or links.

Friggin love this guy. Does what he wants to do and apologizes for nothing. Sometimes wrong on football matters, but he ain't wrong here.

Yep. Rely on others to do things for you and don’t adapt to anything.

 

[mthoopsfan]

That is a really solid perspective. Thank you for sharing that!

You obviously know far more than me on the subject. Do you think we would be competitive with the mid tier of the Mountain West? Do you think we could realistically get to the point of being competitive at the top of the conference?

Yes. UM already has comparable facilities across the board, which includes top caliber softball and soccer facilities. That means Montana coaches could be able to recruit the same caliber of athletes the other MW schools are recruiting. Further evidence... where Montana ranks in the FCS in financial support of its sports. The Mountain West would only consider Montana if it loses top-tier teams that leave the MW for a P5 conference, and I've heard some rumors. And a P.S... further proof of Montana's qualifications to move on from the Big Sky are its FCS-leading ticket sales revenues posted in this thread. The drop off in the Big Sky after Montana & MSU is precipitous.

But Montana doesn’t have a comparable athletic budget. Or enrollment. Would state-school put up more money? No. Raise students fees? Raise ticket prices? Stadium is already full? My guess is that most donors are already donating and near their max. Many costs will go up. Many costs are upfront, as well as ongoing. Additional out of state scholarships. How much is additional conference-tv revenue?

 

[grizzlyjournal]

Yes. UM already has comparable facilities across the board, which includes top caliber softball and soccer facilities. That means Montana coaches could be able to recruit the same caliber of athletes the other MW schools are recruiting. Further evidence... where Montana ranks in the FCS in financial support of its sports. The Mountain West would only consider Montana if it loses top-tier teams that leave the MW for a P5 conference, and I've heard some rumors. And a P.S... further proof of Montana's qualifications to move on from the Big Sky are its FCS-leading ticket sales revenues posted in this thread. The drop off in the Big Sky after Montana & MSU is precipitous.

But Montana doesn’t have a comparable athletic budget. Or enrollment. Would state-school put up more money? No. Raise students fees? Raise ticket prices? Stadium is already full? My guess is that most donors are already donating and near their max. Many costs will go up. Many costs are upfront, as well as ongoing. Additional out of state scholarships. How much is additional conference-tv revenue?

Yes. You cite important realities in any potential realignment analysis. A agree. I would include that the Montana Boarad of Regents would NOT support any moves by UM without including MSU in any realignment considerations. However, the stark realities that separate UM and MSU from the entire rest of the Big Sky Conf. cannot be ignored. Doing so would, I believe , eventually jeopardize the existing alumni and fan support that -- right now -- make these two schools essential (economically, socially, academically) to their various communities and to the state. I would go one step farther: I believe that these two institutions are so important to Montanans and those non-Montanans who earned degrees here, that NOT considering realignmet is short-signted and potentially both academically and athletically jeopardizing. This year UM and MSU fans (alumni, students, citizens) are forking out over 10 million dollars compared to -- what? -- about a million from all the rest of the Big Sky schools combined? I am NOT arguing for a move away from FCS in football; I am arguing that there are serious issues with the Big Sky as it exists right now. Montana and MSU fans, alum & financial supports who love their Griz & Cats ignore the warning signs at their peril.

 

[mthoopsfan]

It looks like the MW is currently distributing just under $6 million per year to members.

"The conference replied that it interpreted the letter as notification of SDSU’s departure and initiated separation procedures, which include withholding the school’s roughly $6 million payout for 2022-23 due in early July and removing de la Torre from the conference’s board of directors.

The Mountain West’s bylaws outline terms of what it calls “resignation.” The exit fee is three times the average annual payout per school, or an estimated $17 million, if you provide one-year notice by June 30. After that, it doubles to $34 million.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/aztecs/story/2023-06-16/san-diego-state-future-in-mountain-west-exit-fee-letter-pac-12-big-12-adela-de-la-torre-john-david-wicker

 

[mthoopsfan]

But Montana doesn’t have a comparable athletic budget. Or enrollment. Would state-school put up more money? No. Raise students fees? Raise ticket prices? Stadium is already full? My guess is that most donors are already donating and near their max. Many costs will go up. Many costs are upfront, as well as ongoing. Additional out of state scholarships. How much is additional conference-tv revenue?

Yes. You cite important realities in any potential realignment analysis. A agree. I would include that the Montana Boarad of Regents would NOT support any moves by UM without including MSU in any realignment considerations. However, the stark realities that separate UM and MSU from the entire rest of the Big Sky Conf. cannot be ignored. Doing so would, I believe , eventually jeopardize the existing alumni and fan support that -- right now -- make these two schools essential (economically, socially, academically) to their various communities and to the state. I would go one step farther: I believe that these two institutions are so important to Montanans and those non-Montanans who earned degrees here, that NOT considering realignmet is short-signted and potentially both academically and athletically jeopardizing. This year UM and MSU fans (alumni, students, citizens) are forking out over 10 million dollars compared to -- what? -- about a million from all the rest of the Big Sky schools combined? I am NOT arguing for a move away from FCS in football; I am arguing that there are serious issues with the Big Sky as it exists right now. Montana and MSU fans, alum & financial supports who love their Griz & Cats ignore the warning signs at their peril.

I don't know if there are big problems with the Big Sky conference or not, but I also don't believe this: "there are serious issues with the Big Sky as it exists right now". In addition, I don't agree with this: "Doing so would, I believe , eventually jeopardize the existing alumni and fan support that -- right now -- make these two schools essential (economically, socially, academically) to their various communities and to the state. I would go one step farther: I believe that these two institutions are so important to Montanans and those non-Montanans who earned degrees here, that NOT considering realignment is short-sighted and potentially both academically and athletically jeopardizing." Unless there were a clear path to success, both financially and athletically, I believe moving up would be more risky than trying to avoid the risks that you speak of. In fact, moving up could cause "your" risks to occur.

That is not to say that at some point in the future, there won't be a clear path, or that something won't occur that forces the issue.

 

[SoldierGriz]

Friggin love this guy. Does what he wants to do and apologizes for nothing. Sometimes wrong on football matters, but he ain't wrong here.

Yep. Rely on others to do things for you and don’t adapt to anything.

Or, don't rely on anyone and be happy not adapting. That's liberation in my book.

Might he ask someone to post an article behind a pay wall? Sure. If it doesn't happen...I'm sure he loses no sleep.

 

[AZGrizFan]

Yes. UM already has comparable facilities across the board, which includes top caliber softball and soccer facilities. That means Montana coaches could be able to recruit the same caliber of athletes the other MW schools are recruiting. Further evidence... where Montana ranks in the FCS in financial support of its sports. The Mountain West would only consider Montana if it loses top-tier teams that leave the MW for a P5 conference, and I've heard some rumors. And a P.S... further proof of Montana's qualifications to move on from the Big Sky are its FCS-leading ticket sales revenues posted in this thread. The drop off in the Big Sky after Montana & MSU is precipitous.

But Montana doesn’t have a comparable athletic budget. Or enrollment. Would state-school put up more money? No. Raise students fees? Raise ticket prices? Stadium is already full? My guess is that most donors are already donating and near their max. Many costs will go up. Many costs are upfront, as well as ongoing. Additional out of state scholarships. How much is additional conference-tv revenue?

I can’t speak for “most donors”, but I know I would triple my donation if we moved to the MWC. Immediately. And before you scoff at 3x$10=$30, while I’m not a huge donor, my annual donation is low/mid-5 figures (before the decimal point).

 

[SaskGriz]

But Montana doesn’t have a comparable athletic budget. Or enrollment. Would state-school put up more money? No. Raise students fees? Raise ticket prices? Stadium is already full? My guess is that most donors are already donating and near their max. Many costs will go up. Many costs are upfront, as well as ongoing. Additional out of state scholarships. How much is additional conference-tv revenue?

I can’t speak for “most donors”, but I know I would triple my donation if we moved to the MWC. Immediately. And before you scoff at 3x$10=$30, while I’m not a huge donor, my annual donation is low/mid-5 figures (before the decimal point).

That's impressive. I still haven't paid my meal plan bill from 1988.

 

[EverettGriz]

But Montana doesn’t have a comparable athletic budget. Or enrollment. Would state-school put up more money? No. Raise students fees? Raise ticket prices? Stadium is already full? My guess is that most donors are already donating and near their max. Many costs will go up. Many costs are upfront, as well as ongoing. Additional out of state scholarships. How much is additional conference-tv revenue?

I can’t speak for “most donors”, but I know I would triple my donation if we moved to the MWC. Immediately. And before you scoff at 3x$10=$30, while I’m not a huge donor, my annual donation is low/mid-5 figures (before the decimal point).

In a brief conversation with Kent — if he trusts you enough to be open and honest with you — he will tell you he understands this is true of many individual donors, and even more so from corporate sponsors.

 

[CDAGRIZ]

Yep. Rely on others to do things for you and don’t adapt to anything.

Or, don't rely on anyone and be happy not adapting. That's liberation in my book.

Might he ask someone to post an article behind a pay wall? Sure. If it doesn't happen...I'm sure he loses no sleep.

As long as we can complain about not having access when we can easily gain our own access, and rely on those with access to spoon feed the content to us, we are free Americans of the greatest generation. Nothing like these selfish youngsters who have had everything handed to them.