The Support Frisco Effort

[bandl]

+1

+ another.

You can rest assured that if JMU makes the NC game and it's in Frisco, I will be there (and you're talking to somebody that is currently 2.5 hours from Chatty).

I do think attendance from each school would drop (assuming no SLC participant) and I'm not sure the local attendance would be that much more than Chatty to bring it up.
But really, who cares? I'm pretty sure that this is not a big moneymaker for anybody, so attendance is being grossly overrated (and overstated - amiright, amiright, amiright ).

It shouldn't be too hard to get 15-20K out for a football game (Frisco or Chatty) and that's about what you're looking for in the NC game.

Let's be honest here....we can safely assume the SLC will not be participating in the NC game for a long, long time. They are basically the midwest version of the Ivy League.

[mcveyrl]

+ another.

You can rest assured that if JMU makes the NC game and it's in Frisco, I will be there (and you're talking to somebody that is currently 2.5 hours from Chatty).

I do think attendance from each school would drop (assuming no SLC participant) and I'm not sure the local attendance would be that much more than Chatty to bring it up.
But really, who cares? I'm pretty sure that this is not a big moneymaker for anybody, so attendance is being grossly overrated (and overstated - amiright, amiright, amiright ).

It shouldn't be too hard to get 15-20K out for a football game (Frisco or Chatty) and that's about what you're looking for in the NC game.

Let's be honest here....we can safely assume the SLC will not be participating in the NC game for a long, long time. They are basically the midwest version of the Ivy League.

I almost added some appropriate smilies when I typed that, but I thought "Nah, somebody'll pick up those sticks."

[Mountaineer]

Let's be honest here....we can safely assume the SLC will not be participating in the NC game for a long, long time. They are basically the midwest version of the Ivy League.

It'll be closer to an actual neutral field than Chatty, that's for sure. It's no wonder the SLC is pushing so hard to host the game as it's probably the closest most of their teams will ever get.

[travelinman67]

Does it really matter where the game is, as long as the game is supported well?

Chatty is not supporting it well enough, unless they get an in flux of fans from schools that travel well. If Frisco, Texas has the support to actually put butts in the seats and fill the facility up - it is a better venue for the game by far...

I think Frisco can put butts in the seats. I think they can really make the game successful and quite frankly, it is MUCH easier to travel via air to Frisco than Chatty for teams from all over the FCS landscape.

I have no doubt that Frisco could fill the stadium...

...with locals.

North Dallas is obviously a football hotbed...maybe the most "saturated" area in the U.S.

From experience, however, I found DFW was one of the most expensive destinations in the U.S. Air and car as a rule was the one of the most expensive of all the major hub airports...even over vacation destinations like Miami or "expensive" destinations like JFK or Logan. Nashville and Atlanta were "mid-priced" destinations (and often, Nashville had some great deals on cars). As for lodging, I've only stayed in Chatty once, so I can't attest to lodging there, but N. Dallas along the 35 corridor (again) is a little on the high side, and I've never stayed near DFW as the rates are exhorbitant.

Nothing against Frisco, but from the cost perspective of a destination location for fans arriving from all over the U.S., Chatty (IMHO) is still a better location.

And that's coming from a BSC die-hard who'd be traveling from the west coast.

[putter]

Point taken, but when was the last time a team's fan base (besides Montana who would have to fly anywhere and everywhere) had to fly because it was too far to drive? UMass in '98? Even then I think a majority of them chose to drive.

And my point earlier was that what the vast majority of fans (besides Montana's and App States) chose to do is to NOT GO TO THE GAME. So, given that, does it really matter where the game is held?

I agree with AZ and Ursus. Chatty could very well be the "center" for the FCS but is does not matter at all. This year did hundreds of people from JMU, heck Nova, GSU, UD travel to just watch the NC game? No so being within driving distance means nothing because fans show up to support their teams, not the FCS. Nooga was fun and if I saw hundreds of fans from teams not playing in the title game then I would say stick with Nooga, but I don't so it matters not to me.

[GannonFan]

And my point earlier was that what the vast majority of fans (besides Montana's and App States) chose to do is to NOT GO TO THE GAME. So, given that, does it really matter where the game is held?

I agree with AZ and Ursus. Chatty could very well be the "center" for the FCS but is does not matter at all. This year did hundreds of people from JMU, heck Nova, GSU, UD travel to just watch the NC game? No so being within driving distance means nothing because fans show up to support their teams, not the FCS. Nooga was fun and if I saw hundreds of fans from teams not playing in the title game then I would say stick with Nooga, but I don't so it matters not to me.

UD's a 12 hour, one-way drive to Chatty. Chatty may be "center" but only a handful, if any, of people are going to make that drive to see a game that doesn't feature their team when the game is available, for free, on TV at home.

[BlackFalkin]

Frisco Texas is, without a doubt, the best place for the FCS to host it's annual Championship Game.

[putter]

I agree with AZ and Ursus. Chatty could very well be the "center" for the FCS but is does not matter at all. This year did hundreds of people from JMU, heck Nova, GSU, UD travel to just watch the NC game? No so being within driving distance means nothing because fans show up to support their teams, not the FCS. Nooga was fun and if I saw hundreds of fans from teams not playing in the title game then I would say stick with Nooga, but I don't so it matters not to me.

UD's a 12 hour, one-way drive to Chatty. Chatty may be "center" but only a handful, if any, of people are going to make that drive to see a game that doesn't feature their team when the game is available, for free, on TV at home.

I agree GannonFan, which is why I wonder when some people are using the "center argument" regarding the city. I understand the thinking behind the possibility of having a team whose fanbase that can drive to the game is a huge advantage vs. having 95% of the teams having to fly but with the change and having 2-3 weeks to make reservations it could be possible to get airline flights comparable with what gas would cost to drive 12 hours to Chattanooga.

[UNI88]

UD's a 12 hour, one-way drive to Chatty. Chatty may be "center" but only a handful, if any, of people are going to make that drive to see a game that doesn't feature their team when the game is available, for free, on TV at home.

I agree GannonFan, which is why I wonder when some people are using the "center argument" regarding the city. I understand the thinking behind the possibility of having a team whose fanbase that can drive to the game is a huge advantage vs. having 95% of the teams having to fly but with the change and having 2-3 weeks to make reservations it could be possible to get airline flights comparable with what gas would cost to drive 12 hours to Chattanooga.

I think the argument is that students and more frugal fans would be better able to get to the game if it is within driving distance. A 12 hour drive is roughly 780 miles at 65mph or 1560 miles roundtrip. A car getting 20mpg would require 78 gallons of gas @ say $3/gallon = $234. Put 2 people in the car and the cost is $117/person, put 4 people in the car and the cost is $59/person. Cheaper than airfare and car rental or taxi fare.

Having 2-3 weeks will likely increase the possibility that grads and fans with more disposable $ will be able to attend the game.

Another factor is weather. I didn't make it to Chatty when UNI played App St due to family conflicts but I looked into it and I gave serious consideration to driving from Chicago rather than flying because I knew there was a reasonable possibility that I would get stuck at the airport.

I have no problem with trying Frisco and seeing how it goes but I'm not going to sweep the arguments that favor Chatty under the rug.

[danefan]

Here's an honest question for those of you that have been to multiple NC games in Chatty:

Has the atmosphere changed in the time that Chatty has had the game?

[putter]

Operation Frisco in full-gear!

"We believe a ticket pledge initiative is an important piece of our larger strategic plan to show the NCAA the collective benefits of bringing the title game to Frisco," Tom Burnett, commissioner of the Frisco-based Southland Conference, said. "With approximately five weeks left before the final presentation, it's a creative opportunity to show this area's interest in supporting the national championship."

http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.db ... =204874465

CSN blog - Speaking of the Southland - on the subject.

did you see the comment on this site? It is listed from a poster whose name is rwallace???

If Frisco can generate a sellout with a greater level of support than Chatty has had (8-11K local tickets) then they deserve the game. That's the only rationale I can think of that supports moving the game away from the epicenter of FCS and forcing nearly every team fan to buy an airplane ticket/rent a car/pay for a room.

[danefan]

Operation Frisco in full-gear!



http://www.southland.org/ViewArticle.db ... =204874465

CSN blog - Speaking of the Southland - on the subject.

did you see the comment on this site? It is listed from a poster whose name is rwallace???

If Frisco can generate a sellout with a greater level of support than Chatty has had (8-11K local tickets) then they deserve the game. That's the only rationale I can think of that supports moving the game away from the epicenter of FCS and forcing nearly every team fan to buy an airplane ticket/rent a car/pay for a room.

Ralph is definitely a Chatty guy.

[putter]

I agree GannonFan, which is why I wonder when some people are using the "center argument" regarding the city. I understand the thinking behind the possibility of having a team whose fanbase that can drive to the game is a huge advantage vs. having 95% of the teams having to fly but with the change and having 2-3 weeks to make reservations it could be possible to get airline flights comparable with what gas would cost to drive 12 hours to Chattanooga.

I think the argument is that students and more frugal fans would be better able to get to the game if it is within driving distance. A 12 hour drive is roughly 780 miles at 65mph or 1560 miles roundtrip. A car getting 20mpg would require 78 gallons of gas @ say $3/gallon = $234. Put 2 people in the car and the cost is $117/person, put 4 people in the car and the cost is $59/person. Cheaper than airfare and car rental or taxi fare.

Having 2-3 weeks will likely increase the possibility that grads and fans with more disposable $ will be able to attend the game.

Another factor is weather. I didn't make it to Chatty when UNI played App St due to family conflicts but I looked into it and I gave serious consideration to driving from Chicago rather than flying because I knew there was a reasonable possibility that I would get stuck at the airport.

I hear you UNI and think it is a valid point. It's just, when you live in Montana, it is hard to listen to people whine about costs when you are stuck with them every year you go anyway. Either you are a fan and save or watch it on TV which is why most Montana fans don't care - we get the bill either way. ( as would UNI)

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

Here's an honest question for those of you that have been to multiple NC games in Chatty:

Has the atmosphere changed in the time that Chatty has had the game?

Not really. I love Chatty and have a great time every time I've been there but it has more to do with the Griz Nation and the coordination of events on this end when we go than anything on Chatty's end to be honest.

The locals are cool and know about it and are happy to have you there, are happy to host events at bars and so forth but it hasn't really changed from 2000 on. A shitload of food & beer goes out the door when they host something for the Griz so they are of course very friendly.

The community is nice but they do not learn lessons when hosting like how to move people through a beer line quickly. They just are not good at moving things quickly.

I've also seen nothing change as far as the game atmosphere and the locals attending the game and so forth.

I love the place but they are not getting better at what they do. They are good, friendly folks and I enjoy it every time but the problems from 2000 & 2001 still persisted when I was there last year.

[89Hen]

it could be possible to get airline flights comparable with what gas would cost to drive 12 hours to Chattanooga.

Even if the math worked out (I don't think it would, mostly because an airline ticket is for one person), IMO there are a LOT of people who simply won't fly for a game. I'm not sure a message board like this is a good cross section of a fanbase... most of us are probably more dedicated to the teams than you're average fan. Look at how many of us are season ticket holders. We have guys here who never miss a game. Most of us will be there no matter where the game is played IF our team is in it. We also only hear people speak up to say "I'd go"... think of all the posters that never speak up who wouldn't.

[bench]

did you see the comment on this site? It is listed from a poster whose name is rwallace???

If Frisco can generate a sellout with a greater level of support than Chatty has had (8-11K local tickets) then they deserve the game. That's the only rationale I can think of that supports moving the game away from the epicenter of FCS and forcing nearly every team fan to buy an airplane ticket/rent a car/pay for a room.

Ralph is definitely a Chatty guy.

He might be a toxic shitcock, but I'm with Ralph on this one.

[UNI88]

I hear you UNI and think it is a valid point. It's just, when you live in Montana, it is hard to listen to people whine about costs when you are stuck with them every year you go anyway. Either you are a fan and save or watch it on TV which is why most Montana fans don't care - we get the bill either way. (as would UNI)

But isn't that a price you agree to pay when you choose to be a fan of Montana and live in God's country? The cost of travel for western teams and their fans suck but it is what it is. I don't expect easterners to understand or sympathize. The choice is to put up with the travel issues or to move, not to expect the rest of the country to make accomodations to make life easier.

I'm ok with giving Frisco a chance not because of some misplaced sense of fairness but because Chatty seems to have been good but not great. I expect Frisco to be good and maybe it can be great.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

I hear you UNI and think it is a valid point. It's just, when you live in Montana, it is hard to listen to people whine about costs when you are stuck with them every year you go anyway. Either you are a fan and save or watch it on TV which is why most Montana fans don't care - we get the bill either way. (as would UNI)

But isn't that a price you agree to pay when you choose to be a fan of Montana and live in God's country? The cost of travel for western teams and their fans suck but it is what it is. I don't expect easterners to understand or sympathize. The choice is to put up with the travel issues or to move, not to expect the rest of the country to make accomodations to make life easier.

I'm ok with giving Frisco a chance not because of some misplaced sense of fairness but because Chatty seems to have been good but not great. I expect Frisco to be good and maybe it can be great.

88, I didn't see him say anything about Griz fans having it made easier on them. No matter where it's at isn't gonna matter to us because we have to pay no matter where it's at. His point is that it is the soft nature of the east coast bitches that is annoying. "I'd have to drive 12 hrs!"

They won't drive 5 or 6 to go to it so it doesn't matter anyway.

[putter]

But isn't that a price you agree to pay when you choose to be a fan of Montana and live in God's country? The cost of travel for western teams and their fans suck but it is what it is. I don't expect easterners to understand or sympathize. The choice is to put up with the travel issues or to move, not to expect the rest of the country to make accomodations to make life easier.

I'm ok with giving Frisco a chance not because of some misplaced sense of fairness but because Chatty seems to have been good but not great. I expect Frisco to be good and maybe it can be great.

88, I didn't see him say anything about Griz fans having it made easier on them. No matter where it's at isn't gonna matter to us because we have to pay no matter where it's at. His point is that it is the soft nature of the east coast bitches that is annoying. "I'd have to drive 12 hrs!"

They won't drive 5 or 6 to go to it so it doesn't matter anyway.

[89Hen]

His point is that it is the soft nature of the east coast bitches that is annoying. "I'd have to drive 12 hrs!"

West Coast Bias. Driving 12 hours in the East = 300 miles. Driving 12 hours in the West = 1,000 miles.

[putter]

His point is that it is the soft nature of the east coast bitches that is annoying. "I'd have to drive 12 hrs!"

West Coast Bias. Driving 12 hours in the East = 300 miles. Driving 12 hours in the West = 1,000 miles.

How true that is. That is why, in the east you measure driving in minutes, we measure it in miles.....

[UNI88]

But isn't that a price you agree to pay when you choose to be a fan of Montana and live in God's country? The cost of travel for western teams and their fans suck but it is what it is. I don't expect easterners to understand or sympathize. The choice is to put up with the travel issues or to move, not to expect the rest of the country to make accomodations to make life easier.

I'm ok with giving Frisco a chance not because of some misplaced sense of fairness but because Chatty seems to have been good but not great. I expect Frisco to be good and maybe it can be great.

88, I didn't see him say anything about Griz fans having it made easier on them. No matter where it's at isn't gonna matter to us because we have to pay no matter where it's at. His point is that it is the soft nature of the east coast bitches that is annoying. "I'd have to drive 12 hrs!"

They won't drive 5 or 6 to go to it so it doesn't matter anyway.

You're right Ursus, I shouldn't have directed that at Putter - it was really meant for fans who complain in this thread and others about the travel hassles that western teams face. I have no problem with them b!tching because it makes them feel better, just don't expect any sympathy. They chose to live where they live and root for the team they root for. And I would say the same thing to easterners who complain about traffic/congestion or similar issues that they face. Life's about choices and people need to understand and accept the bad along with the good.

I do believe that the central location argument that favors Chatty is a valid consideration.

[SunCoastBlueHen]

Just like all the folks who say "If the game were in Orlando, count me in."

I can say with good certainty that I would go to the game if it was in Orlando, no matter who was playing. I'd pick TampaJag up on the way...

There would be at least two of us there.

[Ursus A. Horribilis]

His point is that it is the soft nature of the east coast bitches that is annoying. "I'd have to drive 12 hrs!"

West Coast Bias. Driving 12 hours in the East = 300 miles. Driving 12 hours in the West = 1,000 miles.

I know. I dislike the east so much hen that I won't even live in Eastern MT. And it's a 9 hr. drive just to get there.

[89Hen]

I can say with good certainty that I would go to the game if it was in Orlando, no matter who was playing. I'd pick TampaJag up on the way...

There would be at least two of us there.

We're 0.001% of the way to a sellout.