IU coach Bill Lynch met with various student leaders on Thursday at Memorial Stadium's Hoosier Room. They discussed how to get the stands filled with students. Here are some of the ideas that were discussed:
- Live Entertainment: because the South endzone will be vacant - the old stands are gone - there will be room for something else. IU Athletics Director Fred Glass says something will be there, but the department doesn't know what. Some students said having a concert before games might attract a wide range of students. It would also be an incentive to stay for the game rather than tailgate.
- Student Tickets: The best deal is the 30 dollar season ticket package. There are a total of 6 home games in 2009 and they will be 5 dollars each. However, if you don't buy season tickets and decide to go to a game, you will be charged 20 dollars a pop. Assistant Marketing Director Josh Waters said his department may consider reworking that stipulation, but pretty much that's the way it will be if you don't buy the 6 game deal. Basically, it's an incentive for students to buy the season tickets rather than walking up to the ticket booth on game day.
- Appearances: The football players and Coach Lynch need to be more visible on campus. One student on Thursday said they should wear their jerseys on Fridays, kind of like the high school days. Also, they should have autograph sessions at the Indiana Memorial Union, especially during lunch time on Mondays-Thursdays. Lynch said he will speak to any group that invites him to talk.
- Now I save the best for last - (this is bold face, so make sure you respond to this one: It seems like a crazy idea, but think about it. What if IU Athletics ditched the Red Lot or as you call it the tailgate fields? Would that get students into the games? Would some riot or protest? I know tailgating is such a huge part of football but this program needs to put butts in the seats, especially the students. If they got rid of the tailgate fields, I personally think students will have no choice but to either enter the game or just miss out? Now, I know a lot of you out there like to drink and do all that sort of stuff, so sell me on this issue . . .
