Interesting Point from TheKeyPlay.com

[TwoTechs]

I remember Cassell (it was just the Coliseum then) rocking during the 1973-74 season, right after we had won the NIT in overtime against Notre Dame (where did the trophy go?). And I remember the packed houses in the 80s, but Seth did a great job reaching out to students. It would be a shame to see his accomplishments lost in the apparent widespread hatred that has built up against him. I hope JJ continues the amazing outreach that Seth practiced with the students, especially the lunchtime chalk talks in Dietrick.

Odds are good JJ will keep the Chalk Talks going since he usually filled in when Seth was on the road recruiting. He wasn't as funny as Seth, but was engaging.

[TwoTechs]

Has Weaver tried to get corporate sponsors involved for free stuff or coupons for students or maybe kids who attend games? .... such as a poster with a pic of the team and the schedule; a VT or VT basketball mousepad; discounts on pizza, subs, etc.; a VT or VT basketball mug; a VT baskeball t-shirt. Instead of having white-out games (which is a farce, IMO), have pizza games or poster games.

When was the last game you went to? There are giveaways at every basketball game. Additionally, there are special giveaways for all sports.

They are conveniently listed here: http://www.hokiesports.com/promotions/

Unfortunately, the list is almost empty at present, since the school year is coming to a close. Check back in August and you'll see an updated list of special promotions. I think some of those are marked on each individual sports' calendar, too, but can't recall for certain.

[hokiehead]

the difference is at Cameron, unused student tickets get sold to alumni and casual fans for $60 whereas at Cassell they remain empty.

also, Will, I've noticed your signature promotes using ``Reply With Quote'' and that you've posted a number of times encouraging consistent use of that feature -- I can't help but wonder why TSL admins don't just make it default behavior if they believe it's important to the usability of the website.

Even Duke can no longer expect Duke level fandom with Duke level success. From the linked article:



http://www.dukechronicle.com/article...-student-seats

[Atlee Hokie]

Re: #5. Tech used to sell mini season ticket packages. Specificly, weekend packages. Friday night, Saturday, or Sunday afternoon tickets would help a non locals. But the way TV dictates times, that will be hard to accomplish.

Also, there is no question the VTTO & AD office would prefer to sell all tickets as one big package. As said, it's much less work for VTTO.

Another problem for MBB is who buys most of the season tickets. They're bought by donors who are much more interested in the football program. They buy the MBB season tickets because they can. (although in lessor numbers in the past several years). Unfortunately most of these people live in Tidewater, Richmond area, or NOVA. They aren't going to come to weekday games, nor are the coming to Blacksburg for weekend games against the "Little Sisters of the Poor". They will only use their bball tickets for games against name opponents, ie UNC, Duke & possibily HOOS. Or worse, they will just give their tickets to these big games to their UNC, Duke or HOO friends.

When it comes to basketball, I'd much rather a local who will go to all the games get the tickets rather than an absentee big time donor.

The VTTO knows, or should know, which tickets are being used for each game. The folks who come to all the games should get the best seats in Cassel.

not in session, it just isn't feasible. Everybody has to play a certain number of games at home, when students are not on campus.

#2 doesn't happen either. The non-con home games are not at 9 PM, or on other odd days. Check the schedule. TV dictates those queer start times, and dates.

#4 let me have a hit on that crack pipe you have, because that simply isn't happening. The students had their chance to inject energy a long time ago - they did not. Most schools put students on the baseeline. Why do endzone seats make sense for football, but not for basketball? There really is no difference.

#5 THAT is a good idea, but you are expecting Sandy Smith and his bunch to be creative. They aren't, they want to sell a full load of season ticket at one pass, and not have to do any work.

[MCL3 Hokie]

Went to all the games in the late 70's early 80's. Camped outside to get tickets to some of the games. Cassell rocked back in those days.

[133743Hokie]

Duke students are on the sidelines becasue they seat arrangement at Cameron is conducive to placing them there and allowing them to stand w/out blocking views. Doesn't work at Cassell.

I have to disagree with you....a good AD....is concerned about the bottom line and the alumni that keep that line in the black, but he is also obligated to show a similar concern for the students of the school that support the teams and will continue to support the programs when they become the alumni that need to be catered to. Continually screwing over the students by taking away decent seating is NOT conducive to building support.....scheduling too many games in B'burg during breaks, or at times that are inconvient for "students" to attend does not show much concern for that part of the whole. Being unresponsive at times to student complaints is NOT the way the job should be handled.

Example......Duke understands tradition, and the building of tradition in B'ball....they have students on the court in choice seats....that not only created a great environment for a college game, but it builds a tradition for those students that will be with them the rest of their lives. Sometimes it's more important to give up a little ticket money in the short term, to reap much greater benifits in the future.

[RapmasterAC]

Duke students are on the sidelines becasue they seat arrangement at Cameron is conducive to placing them there and allowing them to stand w/out blocking views. Doesn't work at Cassell.

I would love for VT to do something to the lower seating area on the TV side that would enable us to put students there. I don't know how much it would cost but putting students near the action and on TV would pay dividends for the program. That's something a school serious about basketball would look into...

[dna-vt]

was there with ya..........but TIMES HAVE CHANGED.....it was rare for vt have a game televised. It was a big must attend event if we were on TV (to make school look good). There was no espn. CD Chesley had one or two games during weekdays (acc) and another one or two on weekends.
STUDENTS OWNED THE WHOLE SIDE (opposite the donors) --now they are stuck in end

Now many of VT games against decent opponents on tv.... now kids can stay home (study) & watch
not only VTs game but many others. Or they can go to bars to watch games. THEY STILL SHOW FOR BIG GAMES. M

The number of students living off campus has doubled if not tripled. Too much of a hassle for many students to come in. Parking is reserved for high rollers...... and a major hassle for those who are not. Winter weather not a help either --when you're hauling your butt across campus or from distant dimly lit parking lots.

and there is the issue concerning "studying & homework " i.e. what the students came to school for.

[Pylons]

was there with ya..........but TIMES HAVE CHANGED.....it was rare for vt have a game televised. It was a big must attend event if we were on TV (to make school look good). There was no espn. CD Chesley had one or two games during weekdays (acc) and another one or two on weekends.
STUDENTS OWNED THE WHOLE SIDE (opposite the donors) --now they are stuck in end

Now many of VT games against decent opponents on tv.... now kids can stay home (study) & watch
not only VTs game but many others. Or they can go to bars to watch games. THEY STILL SHOW FOR BIG GAMES. M

The number of students living off campus has doubled if not tripled. Too much of a hassle for many students to come in. Parking is reserved for high rollers...... and a major hassle for those who are not. Winter weather not a help either --when you're hauling your butt across campus or from distant dimly lit parking lots.

and there is the issue concerning "studying & homework " i.e. what the students came to school for.

the TV argument, I'll buy

difficult to get to campus and park? please. take the BT, walk, or park in any number of places I've parked when my wife and I have had to drive to games separately and she gets the parking pass.

"studying and homework"...again, please. yes, that's the priority, and I'm sure there are specific examples where school trumps basketball, but it's not happening for 25k kids every game night.

[just2selltickets]

Duke gives the students a few rows of bleacher seats down low, but nothing else. Why? Because the school is so small, the alumni base is also extremely small. Give me some examples, other than Duke, where students get sidelines.

Virginia Tech is not, nor ever will be, Duke. Face it. Compare Tech to Clemson, Maryland, FSU, Tennessee . . . schools similar in geography and size and tradition, and tell me where their students sit . . . . . . on the baseline.