Re: Why did we move to AHY -- Fairfield Stags Hoops Forum

[ Show ]

Support VoyForums

[ Shrink ]

VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: [1], 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 09:20:42am 01/19/06 Thu,
Author: campion109
Subject: Re: Why did we move to AHY
In reply to: JoeStag 's message, "Why did we move to AHY" on 08:25:20am 01/19/06 Thu,

Stay the course, Fairfield Faithful... Let's look at AHY as a long term prospect. We can complain about the lack of marketing, sponsorship, etc. but I firmly believe that the AHY will be a success in the years to come. Yeah, we're not going to build a 5,000+ consistent fan base overnight but, if we put a competitive team on the floor and actually win a game or two at home, the fans will come.

Is AHY perfect? No, not at all. There are no convenient bars/restaurants around the Arena for pre/post game. Three blocks away, almost every storefront is boarded up. I-95 is constantly packed with cars. Students actually have to make an effort to go there rather than stumble over to AH from their dorm rooms. When empty, AHY is not fun at all, it's cavernous and quiet. But, when there's a crowd (remember BC, Manhattan two years back), the Arena is ELECTRIC. We've had the opportunity to bring in first class teams and will most certainly continue to have that opportunity going forward only if we stay at AHY.

Rebuilding an Alumni Hall will not work. The town is pressuring the school about the amount of "buildable space" on campus and with the total capacity of the building. I think that derailed the project in the first place. Yeah, it would be great for the school to have a 5,000 seat hockey/basketball arena on campus but, for reasons that may be right or wrong, it most likely will never happen. Whether the town is being rational about it or not is irrelevant. Are they rational about their treatment of students off campus? No, and they never will be so we just have to live with it.

I think there a number of reasons we have not been able to consistently draw fans to AHY.

1) We haven't won a marquee game there yet. We came close against PC and BC but we still havent put up a BIG W there yet. I think one of the best games at AHY was either our comeback win against Niagara two years ago or GW the same year.

2) 20 years of Fairfield basketball history - Aside from our recent success, we haven't been the most successful program in the area for quite some time. So, my guess is that when the avg fan thinks of Fairfield hoops, they do not associate a overly successful program even in the face of our results of the recent past.

3) MAAC rivalries - Iona and Manhattan draw decently well because of the relative proximity of the schools. Siena draws well because their fan base is rabid and willing to drive to see the game. Aside from that, not taking away from any other program, there is just not much interest from the average fan to take in a game.

4) Scheduling - I know we tried this in the MAAC but, if we can combine the draw of local schools into weekend double-headers, we may be able to broaden interest in the games at the Arena. Why not have a MAAC game followed by an NEC game? Or a MAAC game followed by an Ivy League game!? It's OUR home court but I wouldn't mind sharing it once in a while.

5) Cost - I think this is HUGE. Lower the ticket costs, PLEASE. I am a season ticket holder but, for the average fan, $10 for a game is tolerable, $18 is not. I know the whole argument of "buy a cheap ticket and move to the center" but, I would believe that, if a family wants to take in a game, the mom and dad dont want to teach that type of lesson to their kids.

6) Convenience for students, etc. When I was there, the LAST thing I wanted to do was get on a bus for any reason. For home games, we would hang out in our dorm room until about 10 minutes before game time (maybe have a cocktail or two but you didnt read that here) and then head over to the game. After the game, we would raid the Stag-Her or the Deli. All walking, all SUPER convenient. Even then, though, I think maybe one game during my four years was a sell out. How do we fix this? Ask the students. Does the current bus schedule work? Are there pre-game organized events at the Arena or at the Levee? If not, open the Arena earlier to host student socials, etc.

So, what do we do? Should we ever get invited to join a stronger conference, will we be able to draw even though we'll be doormats for years?! No way. The attendance at the Fordham and St Joes' games suggest that we'll draw no better as a member of the A-10.

We stay the course. We, as alumni, get answers as to why our sports marketing and/or information department refuses to actually make an effort to inform the average fan (and the alumni) about what is going on. That, I believe, is one of the biggest mysteries on the planet. We have a new arena, competitive schedule, dedicated athletes, some recent success, but does anyone other than the members of this board know that? Aside from Cassavant, my guess is no.

It ain't gonna happen this year. We lost all momentum in the loss to St Joes. A potential 15-18 loss season isnt going to help the situation but, let's not get lost here. This should be looked at as a long term solution to increase the visibility of the school, program and conference and we need to look at it that way.

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

[> [> [> [> Re: Why did we move to AHY -- Observer, 10:27:30am 01/19/06 Thu, [1]

The move to AHY was a good one, contingent on one detail: A top-tier MAAC program. Manhattan has become what Fairfield should have been. The Jaspers playing home games in AHY would draw fans. It's all about winning, getting to the NCAA tournament and making yourself visible. You build programs and enthusiasm about them through NCAA appearances - not 19 wins, not NIT, not finishing third in the MAAC. Sorry to burst everyone's bubble.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: Why did we move to AHY -- Bridgeport, 10:48:11am 01/19/06 Thu, [1]

win
beat good teams
win the MAAC tourney
win the MAAC tourney again
become the talk of the town
get on tv
get on a stronger radio signal
the people in charge have to be PASSIONATE ABOUT WINNING---
THE PRESIDENT OF THE U HAS TO BE PASSIONATE ABOUT
WINNING and make sure that if you work at Fairfield YOU WILL BE PASSIONATE ABOUT WINNING
do the grass root thing, make it fun for the students to get on the bus----raise the minority population of the student body with qualified people ( 2% MORE ? )---the world is not white bread---
and win again. CREATE PRIDE.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> [> Re: Why did we move to AHY -- ghostman, 11:24:37am 01/19/06 Thu, [1]

Father von Arx is at the games wearing red - good start. How about the trustees/other higher ups/presidents circle getting to the games too? AHY is a big undertaking and needs to be supposted by the "the movers and shakers" of the university.

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]

[> [> [> [> Re: Why did we move to AHY -- QuinnipiacStagFan, 12:53:18pm 01/19/06 Thu, [1]

campion109,

Excellent Post, Excellent Points.. I fully agree..

QC Brave >>----->

[ Post a Reply to This Message ]
[ Edit | View ]