OK, I have not graduated from the U of M in the last 5, 10, or even 25 years, even considering graduate degrees. I won't go back any further, but I certainly could. To many of you, I am an old fart, taking up a good NEZ seat, along with my wife. We have had season tickets for longer than the ages of some posters on e-griz. We travel to ALL home games. We stay in Missoula at least one night. We wear our griz-gear with pride. We cheer as loud as our aged bods will allow. We stand for much of the game, and have on occasion, stood the entire game.
Here's my point. Yes, we do sit at times. We even have those rented stadium seats. Frankly I do not see any problem with us sitting when there is a lull in the game. I am not going to go into what a "game-lull" is. Use your own definition. I have never asked someone to sit down in front of us, although at times we have had a portion of our field of view blocked. What harm have we done with our choosing to sit, yet we still scream, stomp, whistle and snort, our hearts off for our GRIZ?
The NEZ has changed. We are older. The drunken "kids" that were behind us 10-15 years ago, are now there with their own kids. Is this bad? I think not. Are they still as loud? Probably. Are they louder than my wife and me? Doubtful, but maybe?
At half time we ALWAYS stay in the stadium, and usually don't even venture beyond the pop-shop or restrooms. There is ALWAYS some form of halftime entertainment provided for the few that choose to stay and watch.
The U of M marching band is awesome. These kids practice long and hard so that they may perform, with pride, prior, during, and at halftime of the game, in support of the Griz. We all claim to be loyal fans and backers of the Griz, but must our support be limited to only the football team? The band members are Griz also. What would be so wrong with staying in the stadium and enjoying the program? Besides the hard working and talented band and dance team, we have watched girls flag-football, Lil Griz football, and future Griz cheerleaders from the ages of 3-10. You have never been truly entertained until you have watched 20, 3-5 year old "future Griz", all doing the same cheer, all in a different manner, different direction and to a different beat!
You damn bettcha I like my beer. I do find though that I am able to wait until after the game to "re-fuel" at one of the local watering holes. My wife and I do not find a need to leave the stadium for the half-time tailgating that is offered. We get to the tailgate early enough to "fuel" us through the entire game. We are in our seats when they kick-off for the 3rd quarter of the Griz football game. We are in a vast minority in that fact, and that is NOT true of just the NEZ.
My bottom line is the same message that many others have already stated. Lets support our Griz the FULL 4 QUARTERS of the game. If you find it necessary to re-fuel at halftime, and just can't stand the entertainment, get your ears checked and start listening for the 5 minute warning BOOM telling Griz fans it is time to get ready for our 12th man on the field responsibilities.
Again, yup, I am still an old fart. But a GRIZ first and foremost. Don't blame us for what is happening with our stadiums GRIZ fan support. OK? Having seats in the NEZ or the SEZ is not the problem.
P.S. We know a couple who drive over from Spokane for EVERY home Griz game. They are in their 80's. They do sit for most of the game. They cheer the best they can. They love to "hi-five" after a Griz score. Try telling them that they are not loyal Griz because they sit. Good luck with that! :mrgreen:
