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Post by scobserver on Dec 31, 2013 12:29:13 GMT -5
Stumbled across this sept. column by the sports writer at the Petaluma paper... he remarks on the very small crowds while covering Petaluma games at Tam and Terra Linda.....but also states a feeling that football is not so important and that Petaluma crowds have declined too....I think all the SCL is diminished from past years.... www.petaluma360.com/article/20130921/community/130919443Are crowds as dire and small in MCAL as described here? What teams (aside from those who win a lot) get any crowds? Ideas on how to reverse this? |
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Post by hsfootballfan on Dec 31, 2013 16:57:54 GMT -5
I don't know about SCL or MCAL but attendance at Rancho home games has been down the last 2 years. This season was the lowest in years.
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Post by northbaypreps on Jan 2, 2014 17:46:08 GMT -5
I've been saying it for years, the vast majority of schools are not looking at their football teams as a product to be sold. The schools view their programs as a charity. Instead of actively promoting their home games, selling season tickets, etc. they tell the players to sell magazine subscriptions, discount cards, candy bars, or some other product in order to raise money for their programs.
How about you go to the Jr High Schools and Elementary Schools in your district and offer the kids a season pass to all football and basketball games for $20 or so? Guess what, if the kids want to go, the parents will likely attend as well. How about you go to businesses, and instead of just asking them for money you sell them chair back seats on the 50 yard line with access to premium food options. How about you go to local restaurants and allow them to sell food at your games for adults who want more than Que Bueno nachos and a Costco hot dog?
We've tried to advise local AD's, but they are so worried about losing the little money they have, that they don't open their eyes to the fact that they're overlooking many other revenue streams. Just look at the Schools Plus Telethon. All those people donate tons of money and don't get anything in return. Forking out $50 for season tickets to their local HS football team isn't a big deal for most residents in the Bay Area, and it would mean schools wouldn't lose thousands of dollars when nobody shows up for a rainy Friday night.
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Post by scobserver on Jan 13, 2014 21:10:42 GMT -5
I think a big problem is that fewer people care, no matter what. Often little passion from those who do show up. Am I the only one who detects a huge exodus after halftime, whatever happens on the field?
northbay, somewhat agree that ADs could market better. Definitely think tickets need to be no more than $5...I know ADs who say, "well, a movie is $10, so we charge $8..." but you can't compare to the attraction of a movie. Also, most ADs are part-time and it is very time consuming to arrange promotions. And most ADs are not marketing experts. Look at SRJC...they don't have those excuses and the fools don't even know when to schedule homes.
A definite "no" on promotions to grades 8 and below....too much security hassle, the game is one giant babysitting service.
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Post by 4thqtrcomeback on Jan 14, 2014 9:32:30 GMT -5
The people that attend games are not going to miss over $3.00 per person. Keep it at $8.00.
At a couple of the good small school programs/ Middletown and Fort Bragg, if a pop warner player or cheer leader wears their jersey/ uniform, they get in free. A lot of times, they will bring a friend and of coarse their parents. It's great because it gets the youngsters involved in the program at an early age and something to look forward to. This is one of the reasons why these programs have two of the highest roster sizes year in and year out per enrollment. Their attendance is more than likely higher than most of the large schools too. Both schools do sell fold back chair season tickets between the 40's as well. The key is to get the kids/ parents involved with the program at a young age.
It's not a babysitting issue, that comment is purely negative speculation. If the faculty is on top of things, it is fine.
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Post by pez on Jan 14, 2014 14:11:05 GMT -5
Miramonte had good turnout this year and not just because of the section title run. Crowds were good throughout the season for all the Lamorinda schools. My guess is its a combination of factors including good quality football in the area (Acalanes, Campo and Miramonte were all very good this year), favorable weather and it seems like a renewed interest in youth football (flag football in our area). But interestingly, we played both Walnut Creek teams (Las Lomas and Northgate in the playoffs) and their crowds are terrible! Same demographics, both had good programs...but no fans?!?! Wierd!
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Post by scobserver on Jan 14, 2014 22:03:34 GMT -5
pez, good the hear lamorinda doing well....but larger issue, there was a time when a team did not have to win to draw decent crowds, people came out regardless of how team was doing. Puzzling about LL and Northgate, usually more affluent areas get more support...
Inviting pop warner kids is a good idea.......M'town and Fort Bragg are successful rural school programs and not surprising that they might be outdrawing bigger schools, on a per capita and/or actual basis.....in my mind most of Sonoma County is now "urban" at heart and that's where the biggest problems are...
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