Before you know it, spring practice will be underway. A lot of pressure definitely is on the players to slam the door shut on the 2008 season. At the same time, IU head football coach Bill Lynch will feel the heat.
This transition doesn't solely apply to men's and women's basketball. Football, as we all know, is the top-revenue generating sport and serves as the backbone to the whole department. It's going to be interesting what marketing plans IU Athletics Director Fred Glass implements. Attendance boosted after the Hoosiers' trip to the Insight Bowl. Student tickets, moreover skyrocketed. Now, though, after a 3-9 season I'm going to assume attendance will be an issue like it was the latter half of the dissapointing season. Here are my ideas to revive the fan base despite a lackluster seasons:
1. Student ticket prices should decrease- Last season I believe they were a little less than 100 dollars (maybe 70-something). With the dark cloud still hovering over men's basketball, the department obviously can't afford to make student admission free. However, maybe 5 dollars a game could do the trick.
2. Promoting the team- Why not have a pep rally at Assembly Hall the night before every Sat. game. A lot of schools do this. Why do we have to wait until homecoming, (which by the way was canceled this year due to the weather, wink, wink), to see the masses unite. Also, I know this is not Lynch's style, but he needs to make his rounds to the frats, sororities and student groups on campus. No, not just a chalk talk or a lecture to a class here and there. Maybe a radio show in the union or a frequent appearances at the hot spots on campus? Players should sign autographs and speak to the public too.
3.New traditions, cheers- I like the Walk. I think it's a good idea and a unique way to get the fans and band involved. How about something else during the game? Something that models the singing of "Sweet Caroline" at Penn State games or "Jump Around" at Wisconsin. I like the first down cheer and the fight song. But those, simply aren't enough.
Any ideas?
