Could this be a factor in declining attendance?

[FeatheredCock]

Could this be a factor in declining attendance?


When it comes to declining CFB attendance, we don't talk enough about the fact that many game times aren't decided until two weeks prior. It's a big deal.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 21, 2019

 

[Catdaddy66]

It's quite possible. People like to plan a good trip well in advance. That includes college ball games.

 

[JimG]

Night games....problem solved. 

 

[kingofnerf]

 

[Spur's Addiction]

That's a piece of it for sure. 

But two things that mainly contribute to declining sports attendance. (all sports. not just CFB). 

1) TV. All the leagues and conferences are cashing in on crazy TV contracts. the cash is great but it takes a toll on attendance when every game is on TV every week.

2) Rising ticket costs. Taking a family of 4-5 to a game will set you back several hundred bucks minimum when you figure in tickets, parking, concessions, etc. Much less taking them every home game. The average family does not have that kind of spare change lying around. Especially when you can just watch the game at home on your big screen TV for a fraction of the cost. 

Both factors will be even more pronounced in the future. Kids growing up now (that are not going to games with their parents because they can't afford it), are less likely to develop the deep emotional connection to a team that will make them lifelong season ticket holders. 

 

[TKE226]

I think its more all games being televised is the issue. 

 

[Jethro BeaverCock]

That's a piece of it for sure. 

But two things that mainly contribute to declining sports attendance. (all sports. not just CFB). 

1) TV. All the leagues and conferences are cashing in on crazy TV contracts. the cash is great but it takes a toll on attendance when every game is on TV every week.

2) Rising ticket costs. Taking a family of 4-5 to a game will set you back several hundred bucks minimum when you figure in tickets, parking, concessions, etc. Much less taking them every home game. The average family does not have that kind of spare change lying around. Especially when you can just watch the game at home on your big screen TV for a fraction of the cost. 

Both factors will be even more pronounced in the future. Kids growing up now (that are not going to games with their parents because they can't afford it), are less likely to develop the deep emotional connection to a team that will make them lifelong season ticket holders. 

This is a big reason for me. I'm 49 and was a long time Silver Spur with 4 football tickets. I live in Sptbg which is not all that far away. I liked to stay the night in Cola when I could depending on game times (Friday night for early games and Saturday night for late games. I really love the gameday experience but I stayed home a few games one season and I got really comfortable hosting gameday parties at the house and having control of my environment.  It was costing me about $1,200 per game in all with parking and such. I still go from time to time but with TV and all of the other games I get to watch It just made more sense for me and my situation. Not saying that I won't change my mind again, but right now it works for me.  Still a big supporter. Go GAMECOCKS!!!

 

[kingofnerf]

Just sell the extra unsold tickets to the students at the student ticket prices.

Problem solved.

 

[Cockyandproud]

I got spoiled by having a friend who has tickets in the President's Club.  Occasionally, if he doesn't use them, he will give them to me.  After that, it's really hard to sit anywhere else in the heat, or cold, or bumping into sweaty people, and having to pee on a wall or trough.  For me, I've gotten too old, and too cranky to spend that much time and money to have to deal with the crowd.  If I can't have the President's Club seats, I prefer to sit in my recliner, with my private bathroom a couple of rooms away, and my refrigerator close by, and pants are optional.

 

[riceatusc]

It is all about cost for me. I was buying 4 seats every year. Then I got married and had a baby. Can't justify the costs anymore. I was spending a TON of money.  

 

[TKE226]

It is all about cost for me. I was buying 4 seats every year. Then I got married and had a baby. Can't justify the costs anymore. I was spending a TON of money.  

I was going to write something to this effect to. Granted, I was only in the market for coming from out of state to one game a year, but family, kids etc has made that damn near impossible. Now kids are at age where they would like going as they have been to PSU games. But its expensive for 4 people to fly and 2 hotel nights...ets...its $1000-1500 just for one game. 

But then I realized that happens every year, so our situation is not unique to this reason for declining attendance. For every person having kids there are new alumni who are single with cash to spend. 

 

[USCBatgirl21]

Cost and TV are the biggest factors.  People have gotten used to having to wait until 2 weeks out for kickoff.   However, I will say that if the announcement is Noon, that does affect attendance for that specific game.  But not like cost and tv do overall.