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Thegreatone

Thegreatone

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Feb 2, 2010
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Let me begin this post by identifying myself as a supporter of The University of Cincinnati but much more of a supporter of UC athletics. I went to Mount St. Joseph for undergrad and go to Xavier for graduate school. I would identify my brother and dad as greater supporters of the university (they are both alumnus).

I write this as a fan who cares about athletics. I am about as big as a fan as it gets. I go to almost all the coaches shows and have season tickets for basketball and football.

UC has completely missed the boat on how to put on a basketball game as an event. It starts with parking. I have no idea where to get good cheap parking in Clifton. I can either pay 10 or 20 bucks to pay for a jammed pack parking garage or park in some jammed pack street where I fear my car will get hit or broken into. My brother who went to UC defends Clifton. I can tell you the perception of clifton is not good. He may know the in and outs of clifton and the good and bad spots but most do not. Most do not want to park in clifton and walk around there and to the arena.

The shoe sucks. This is the single biggest reason why fans do not come out. The biggest mistake UC ever made was when they decided to make the Shoe an all purpose arena instead of a basketball arena. Being able to move the bleachers in and out is terrible. Viewing sucks. Good seats are fine for people in the expensive seats but for others it is a joke.

You must move the game to US Bank. Students don't support the program so the hell with them. I can have a back to my seat and be able to have a good view. US Bank would give UC millions to make that its permanent home. Parking isn't great but with the new banks parking it would beat the hell out of clifton.

Scheduling nobody teams must stop. A couple is fine but the OOC is a joke. I am most excited to see MARSHALL. That is unacceptable. When you're trying to win over a fanbase you do not schedule a bunch of BS.

We got to ask ourselves why Dayton and Xavier are able to get 10,000 - 12,000 per game and we can not get 4,000 when UC is a massive school.

It is parking, clifton, opponets, and ARENA!

Don't tell me that UC doesn't have the money. The reason they don't have the money is because no one comes to any of the games because the experience sucks. I am not talking about on the court. We have had a top 25 type of team the past couple of years.

I feel we have a great program. A program that has history, tradition, major fanbase/enrollement, premier conference... Why are we not exploding like we should be?
 
While the school was fortunate enough to be invited into the Big East, the attitude and atmosphere is still that of a MAC school. The University quite frankly needs to money to do any of the things you have proposed and unfortunately its just not there. Maybe if WVU negotiates out for 2012 along with the buyouts from SU, TCU and Pitt we can get some money to do some of those things. This is what should be top priority:


1.) Absolutely have to find some sort of sponsor to endorse the program, that will be willing to put money into it. Plus this will provide a good source of advertisement around the city.

2.) New basketball arena/Renovate the Shoe. Completely renovate the Shoe and play the games at US Bank until its ready. This is a must. A new arena with a good team generally generates excitement. The goal should be to get the average attendance to 10k+. Students think its a football school, have to change that somehow.

3.) Move majority of the football games to PBS and change the entire playing surface so its possible to remove the Bengals stuff to at least put a C-Paw somewhere on field. Keep a few games at Nippert against the smaller opponents until we can draw a legit crowd of 45K+ should be the goal.

4.) Gotta work to get a home and home with a NCAA caliber team, as well as a made for TV game every once in a while. The attendance isn't going to vary that much if its Kent State or Northwestern State, so need to set up a series with a good team.
 
Uc is a very good school. Will probably be apart of the AAU. Louisville can't hold water with Cincinnati academically or in endowments. Uc has a much bigger alumni and current student enrollment. We should be in a great new arena like them. I know it is different because of what happened to UC and we are a pro sports town. Uc should be comparing themselves to OSU, UK and Indiana. Uc must make a commitment to basketball.
 
Money, money, money. Yes, the Shoe is out dated but no way should they move games to US Bank. It is just as bad. Maybe not in the upper deck but it is just as out dated. UC needs to find the money to implode the Shoe and build a new arena. It's not going to happen any time soon though.
 
Very well thought out topic. I agree with much of it, yet some of it I do not. The issues you discussed, while not exactly conducive to a great basketball experience, have existed in Clifton for the past 20 years. During the 90's, the Shoe was alive with great collegiate basketball. Those same issues existed then as they do now. Huggin's personality, like it or not Ralph, brought a strong, loyal base to Clifton despite those above mentioned issues and Cronin has been unable to inspire fans in the same way as his mentor. If those issues did not exist, would things be more electric at the Shoe? More than likely yes, but we have to remind ourselves that those things have always existed and still the program prospered. They will not be going away anytime soon folks. So give me a solid OCC, a more electric coach, and cheaper concessions. You will see a rocking arena again. Wife enjoyed the game last night by the way, despite the horrid play of Northwestern St.
 
Amberlycolonel said:
Very well thought out topic. I agree with much of it, yet some of it I do not. The issues you discussed, while not exactly conducive to a great basketball experience, have existed in Clifton for the past 20 years. During the 90's, the Shoe was alive with great collegiate basketball. Those same issues existed then as they do now. Huggin's personality, like it or not Ralph, brought a strong, loyal base to Clifton despite those above mentioned issues and Cronin has been unable to inspire fans in the same way as his mentor. If those issues did not exist, would things be more electric at the Shoe? More than likely yes, but we have to remind ourselves that those things have always existed and still the program prospered. They will not be going away anytime soon folks. So give me a solid OCC, a more electric coach, and cheaper concessions. You will see a rocking arena again. Wife enjoyed the game last night by the way, despite the horrid play of Northwestern St.
Click to expand...

Huggins definitely fit the UC fanbase. People loved him because he was brutally honest and demanding. He always won fans over very early in his career.

UC must be proactive in fixing some issues for bball games.
 
JasonS said:
Money, money, money. Yes, the Shoe is out dated but no way should they move games to US Bank. It is just as bad. Maybe not in the upper deck but it is just as out dated. UC needs to find the money to implode the Shoe and build a new arena. It's not going to happen any time soon though.
Click to expand...

Jason, I disagree with you on this. For years I have been opposed to every moving games out of the shoe. If you want to make some money, move to US Bank. UC would increase their basketball revenue by a considerable amount if you do. I would sign a 7-year agreement with US Bank for many many millions. That entire contract will be used specifically for upgrades to 5/3 or a possible new arena.

To sit in the upper decks is miserable and I believe it keeps fans away. Downtown would be willing to give UC a good deal while they are trying to drive more people downtown. Louisville plays off campus and downtown.

Time to move!
 
Thegreatone said:
Jason, I disagree with you on this. For years I have been opposed to every moving games out of the shoe. If you want to make some money, move to US Bank. UC would increase their basketball revenue by a considerable amount if you do. I would sign a 7-year agreement with US Bank for many many millions. That entire contract will be used specifically for upgrades to 5/3 or a possible new arena.

To sit in the upper decks is miserable and I believe it keeps fans away. Downtown would be willing to give UC a good deal while they are trying to drive more people downtown. Louisville plays off campus and downtown.

Time to move!
Click to expand...

I have wanted UC to move to US Bank for some time now. I believe they will draw much better due to better parking and facility access. The students don't come anyway and this would draw more fans.

The university has to do a better job marketing. If they don't have the money they need to find the money. There has been a Xavier banner at the top of the Enquirer Sports section(on line) for 2 months. They have commercials. UC used to do the same. The new AD is suppose to be an expert at marketing and fundraising. Any product needs promotion.

I also agree that the OOC hurts this program. Maybe you can't get the UNC's and UK's of the world but how about the Butlers and Gonzagas? How about a NC State or Florida State? There are games you could have against mid level power conference teams that would be a huge step up and prepare your team far better. I get the first 2-3 games being weak to get the flow of your team together but this is embarrassing. The team itself can't get motivated to play and it does nothing to toughen or measure them.

Marketing, a more accessible facility with parking, and a better measure for your product. I'd far rather sit at home or a pub and watch a glorified exhibition than go to 5/3rd. First game I'm attending will be St. Johns.
 
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Exactly my thoughts Jeff. You're are great fan and loyal supporter and choose to not go to game until later in the season. This is a huge problem for UC
 
I agree that all of the issues listed in this post are reasons why fans currently do not attend games. What you've provided is a list of excuses why casual fans do not find their way down to 5/3rd arena. I'm a season ticket holder and I've missed games before because I just didn't feel like going down to the arena and watching UC play a crappy team.

The solution to all of these issues is to just win games year over year and be consistent. Football attendance was lousy until the team started winning. Basketball attendance will continue to suffer until the team reaches a consistent level of success. You'll still have the big games that will draw a larger crowd but we won't see larger crowds on a regular basis until the team starts to win consistently.

If you win, fans will come. You can build a new arena but if you aren't winning on a regular basis people will not come to the games. Just win, and people will come. It really is as simple as that.
 
I have to completely disagree with the original post and all the people commenting on how bad Clifton is. There is absolutely no reason to move games to the dump on the river called US Bank Arena. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Clifton or it being unsafe! Honestly, if you are claiming that I question if you have ever been there or to any other urban campus. I park for free on the streets behind short vine and walk one or two blocks through the fb practice fields and am there in less than 10 min! Maybe if you people who are complaining about parking did some research or actually explore and get out of your suburban bubble you would find there are ton of options. Secondly, there are only 4000 people coming to games so I hardly think you should be complaining about parking.
Your next comment about 5/3 being a dump....well it is not the most attractive place but the seating isn't all that bad! Yes, it does need renovated or we need a new arena but that WILL NOT happen anytime soon and that is just the fact. The upper level first 15 or so rows are great seats actually and gives a great view of the game. The end seats are not the greatest but it is still a fun area to watch BASKETBALL, that is the reason why you come right?
Overall, the original post sounds like a great post full of excuses and sums up UC fans in general. Majority of these "fans" only complain complain complain. Yes, I complain about the arena and the OOC just like the others too but that doesn't stop me from going to the games and watching my team! I am a basketball fan and enjoy watching the team play because I can't change things like OOC and the way 5/3 is. Sounds like too me there are too many hypocrites who need to get over themselves. You either are a fan or you are not. Does anyone look at the positive things about UC basketball and/or the development of Clifton. Honestly, the people who complain here the most are a huge part of the problems.
 
New plan....

Realize what you are, a basketball school. Blow up Nippert and put a gaint parking lot so that TheLegend doesnt have to fork over cash money on towing costs. I want my own spot to for my idea.
 
UCalum08 said:
I have to completely disagree with the original post and all the people commenting on how bad Clifton is. There is absolutely no reason to move games to the dump on the river called US Bank Arena. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Clifton or it being unsafe! Honestly, if you are claiming that I question if you have ever been there or to any other urban campus. I park for free on the streets behind short vine and walk one or two blocks through the fb practice fields and am there in less than 10 min! Maybe if you people who are complaining about parking did some research or actually explore and get out of your suburban bubble you would find there are ton of options. Secondly, there are only 4000 people coming to games so I hardly think you should be complaining about parking.
Your next comment about 5/3 being a dump....well it is not the most attractive place but the seating isn't all that bad! Yes, it does need renovated or we need a new arena but that WILL NOT happen anytime soon and that is just the fact. The upper level first 15 or so rows are great seats actually and gives a great view of the game. The end seats are not the greatest but it is still a fun area to watch BASKETBALL, that is the reason why you come right?
Overall, the original post sounds like a great post full of excuses and sums up UC fans in general. Majority of these "fans" only complain complain complain. Yes, I complain about the arena and the OOC just like the others too but that doesn't stop me from going to the games and watching my team! I am a basketball fan and enjoy watching the team play because I can't change things like OOC and the way 5/3 is. Sounds like too me there are too many hypocrites who need to get over themselves. You either are a fan or you are not. Does anyone look at the positive things about UC basketball and/or the development of Clifton. Honestly, the people who complain here the most are a huge part of the problems.
Click to expand...

I like the enthusiasm, but you don't have to go to all the games to be a fan.

And yes you are right, people should not complain about something that wont happen soon and they cant control.

From my standpoint, with money being tight for a lot of people right now, they would rather stay at home and watch the games on tv. I dont want to put down money for a couple tickets, maybe a coke(with my rum) and parking to watch UC play teams that the GCL could compete with. When UC does play good opponents, the attendance is there.

2nd, atleast IMO, Micks style of basketball is boring to watch, ESPECIALLY against these weaker opponents. The defense is usually good, but you dont see the break away dunks and the fast paced game that the Cats used to have.

Lastly, it starts with the students. They bring the atmosphere for college sports and when they arent there it is like being at an exhibition game
 
I thought the loss to Presbyterian was really embarrassing, but the UC fan base is what truly is embarrassing. There is no support. According to a lot of the "fans" out there, they are worthy of a front row seat and their own personal parking space right in front of the stadium and the ability to control the teams we schedule, then they would be happy. Get over yourselves people and come to terms with realization.
 
T Boone Pickens is not going to donate $150 million to UC to build a new arena.

UC still has about $160 million to go to finish off the $1 billion capital campaign drive, there can be no other fundraising until this is complete.

UC has a no loan policy on facilities, the money to pay for a new facility must be "in the bank" before construction on any new facility can be built.

I find nothing wrong with the Shoe as is.

It is football season, 6,000 students show up for every home football game, no more than 500 are attending basketball games and I believe they get in for free. Football is the most popular sport in America. Basketball takes a back seat to football.
 
just curious for the move to us bank arena proponents- i am not trying to be a jerk, just trying to clarify your position. when uc has played down there the past few years against Dayton, Notre Dame, Miami, etc. the crowds have not been impressive. Dayton last year drew 6K- and probably 2-3 were Dayton fans. Why do you think it will be different if they move all the games there?

bearcat jeff said:
I have wanted UC to move to US Bank for some time now. I believe they will draw much better due to better parking and facility access. The students don't come anyway and this would draw more fans.

The university has to do a better job marketing. If they don't have the money they need to find the money. There has been a Xavier banner at the top of the Enquirer Sports section(on line) for 2 months. They have commercials. UC used to do the same. The new AD is suppose to be an expert at marketing and fundraising. Any product needs promotion.

I also agree that the OOC hurts this program. Maybe you can't get the UNC's and UK's of the world but how about the Butlers and Gonzagas? How about a NC State or Florida State? There are games you could have against mid level power conference teams that would be a huge step up and prepare your team far better. I get the first 2-3 games being weak to get the flow of your team together but this is embarrassing. The team itself can't get motivated to play and it does nothing to toughen or measure them.

Marketing, a more accessible facility with parking, and a better measure for your product. I'd far rather sit at home or a pub and watch a glorified exhibition than go to 5/3rd. First game I'm attending will be St. Johns.
Click to expand...
 
The lack of fans doesnt bother me in the least.... Lets me sit nice and comfy. People dont have to come to the games if they dont want. Students will come for incentives if UC wants to go down that path. Fans dont want to watch UC play teams like they do early on. Look at the "big" games last year.... attendance was solid for them.

The shoe, meh surely isnt the best place in the world to watch a game. But I sit in the upper deck and it is just fine. I can see everything that goes on.

The "expereince" could use some improvement. I think the intro videos are weak, but outside of that idk what you could do? The half time dance team is legit, calm down BigBiscuit..

Clifton blows. I dont enjoy walking around clifton. I dont enjoy parking in clifton, its miserable. Find me a parking spot and ill be happy.
 

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