FB: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association

[formerd3db]

Mr. Ypsi:

To bring up (ugh, that is return to) our old periodic and ongoing discussion re: Eastern Michigan here and on the other boards, I noticed that EMU had a whopping just over 6400 and 4400 for their two home games so far (Old Dominion and yesterday Ball State).  They played in front of 19,000 at Wyoming last week in their big win.  Once again, that is quite embarrassing since Grand Valley and Ferris State played in front of over 16,000 last evening.  Even Central Michigan doesn't get that much all the time.

[ExTartanPlayer]

Central's attendance is generally around that 16K mark, I think, give or take a few thousand.  Not based on official figures but my guess of how full Kelly/Shorts Stadium has been at the games I have attended...capacity is listed as 30,000 and although I've not seen it filled (I made four games last year + this year's opener against Okie State), for the typical game it's at least half full (although unfortunately many students do not remain for the full game, especially if it's cold out). 

This year's opener was probably over 20K, not surprising as a Thursday-night season opener (popular among students) against a Power Five opponent.  Last year, and probably every year unless they're contending for the league title, attendance dropped off noticeably as the season went on, presumably due to a combination of colder weather + some locals perhaps more interested in staying home to watch Michigan State or UM on television if they are playing at the same time.

That's a battle that MAC (and any small Division I) schools will almost always lose.  Even people that grow up in Mount Pleasant are probably State fans or UM fans unless they are Central alums.  Unless the Chips put together a Boise State-like run it is hard to imagine that they (or any MAC school) will ever get consistent sellouts, just not going to be enough local interest.

Attendance aside, I think the Chips have good prospects this year, though.  They played very well in the opening loss to Oklahoma State (led 13-10 in early third quarter before falling 24-13), took care of business against FCS Monmouth in week 2, then lost a heartbreaker in overtime yesterday against Syracuse.  QB Cooper Rush, in his third year as a starter, has been very productive and I have high hopes that the Chips will contend for the MAC title if they play as well in conference as they have against the pair of Power Five teams that they have seen so far.

[Dr. Acula]

Mr. Ypsi:

To bring up (ugh, that is return to) our old periodic and ongoing discussion re: Eastern Michigan here and on the other boards, I noticed that EMU had a whopping just over 6400 and 4400 for their two home games so far (Old Dominion and yesterday Ball State).  They played in front of 19,000 at Wyoming last week in their big win.  Once again, that is quite embarrassing since Grand Valley and Ferris State played in front of over 16,000 last evening.  Even Central Michigan doesn't get that much all the time.

That's bad.  Really bad.  Even Akron, who finished dead last in FBS attendance last year, drew 10k more than that for their game with Savannah St. yesterday. 

[Mr. Ypsi]

Mr. Ypsi:

To bring up (ugh, that is return to) our old periodic and ongoing discussion re: Eastern Michigan here and on the other boards, I noticed that EMU had a whopping just over 6400 and 4400 for their two home games so far (Old Dominion and yesterday Ball State).  They played in front of 19,000 at Wyoming last week in their big win.  Once again, that is quite embarrassing since Grand Valley and Ferris State played in front of over 16,000 last evening.  Even Central Michigan doesn't get that much all the time.

That's bad.  Really bad.  Even Akron, who finished dead last in FBS attendance last year, drew 10k more than that for their game with Savannah St. yesterday.

Those are very GOOD attendance figures for EMU (which usually is out-drawn by Hope and others).  They may have found a secret weapon - Arbor Brewing Company has a craft beer concession stand!

[sac]

Not likely in recent history since its actually pretty hard to find a weekend where all 7 teams (since Trine joined) played on the same day before these conference challenges with the NACC and CCIW.

Prior to Trine joining the league obviously the best record they could have had for about 45 years was 6-0.  You'd have to go back and look at the days Hillsdale College was part of the league, and those aren't on the internet.

So the answer is probably no with the most likely reason being they've had very chances to even go 7-0.

The MIAA had 7 when Wisconsin Lutheran was in the league. And d3football.com has 8 teams when Tri-State joined from in 2007. Also, Defiance was in the league in 1999, and maybe before, but d3football.com's records only go back to 1999.

Interesting question though, can't imagine there are too many times when the entire league went undefeated.

Yes I know all that, but the same holds true there were very few if any weekends all the leagues teams played non-conference games on the same day.

[sac]

Central's attendance is generally around that 16K mark, I think, give or take a few thousand.  Not based on official figures but my guess of how full Kelly/Shorts Stadium has been at the games I have attended...capacity is listed as 30,000 and although I've not seen it filled (I made four games last year + this year's opener against Okie State), for the typical game it's at least half full (although unfortunately many students do not remain for the full game, especially if it's cold out). 

This year's opener was probably over 20K, not surprising as a Thursday-night season opener (popular among students) against a Power Five opponent.  Last year, and probably every year unless they're contending for the league title, attendance dropped off noticeably as the season went on, presumably due to a combination of colder weather + some locals perhaps more interested in staying home to watch Michigan State or UM on television if they are playing at the same time.

That's a battle that MAC (and any small Division I) schools will almost always lose.  Even people that grow up in Mount Pleasant are probably State fans or UM fans unless they are Central alums.  Unless the Chips put together a Boise State-like run it is hard to imagine that they (or any MAC school) will ever get consistent sellouts, just not going to be enough local interest.

Attendance aside, I think the Chips have good prospects this year, though.  They played very well in the opening loss to Oklahoma State (led 13-10 in early third quarter before falling 24-13), took care of business against FCS Monmouth in week 2, then lost a heartbreaker in overtime yesterday against Syracuse.  QB Cooper Rush, in his third year as a starter, has been very productive and I have high hopes that the Chips will contend for the MAC title if they play as well in conference as they have against the pair of Power Five teams that they have seen so far.

Top Ten Kelly/Shorts Stadium Crowds


   Attendance    Date    Score
1    35,127    Sept. 8, 2012    Michigan State 41, CMU 7
2    30,302    Oct. 18, 2008    CMU 38, Western Michigan 28
3    30,027    Nov. 10, 2006    CMU 31, Western Michigan 7
4    29,822    Oct. 24, 1998    CMU 26, Western Michigan 24
5    29,732    Sept. 18, 1982    Bowling Green 34, CMU 30
6    29,321    Oct. 30, 1982    CMU 42, Ohio 18
7    28,547    Oct. 17, 1982    CMU 18, Western Michigan 18
8    28,463    Sept. 22, 1984    CMU 38, Western Michigan 19
9    27,895    Oct. 8, 1994    CMU 35, Western Michigan 28
10    27,813    Oct. 11, 1986    CMU 18, Western Michigan 10

These are CMU's all-time top 10 crowds, as you can see they rarely have ever sold out their 30,000 seat stadium   Their largest crowds are almost always Western Michigan.   I seem to remember Kelly-Shorts being a little smaller in the 80's so those Western games back then might have been overflow crowds.

Back then there was a little more of a party atmosphere around the Western/Central rivalry weekends so regardless of records those games drew big crowds at both locations.  Pretty sure they had some shenanigans before and after those games involving the police.  I think administrators have cracked down on that quite a bit more recently.



It should surprise no one that Eastern Michigan doesn't exactly publish their attendance history.  Good news though Ypsi, in 2020 they'll set an all-time attendance record when Michigan State comes to town.

Eastern plays at LSU in a couple weeks, it will take EMU almost 3 full season to equal the total attendance from that one game.    ........maybe 4

[formerd3db]

Central's attendance is generally around that 16K mark, I think, give or take a few thousand.  Not based on official figures but my guess of how full Kelly/Shorts Stadium has been at the games I have attended...capacity is listed as 30,000 and although I've not seen it filled (I made four games last year + this year's opener against Okie State), for the typical game it's at least half full (although unfortunately many students do not remain for the full game, especially if it's cold out). 

This year's opener was probably over 20K, not surprising as a Thursday-night season opener (popular among students) against a Power Five opponent.  Last year, and probably every year unless they're contending for the league title, attendance dropped off noticeably as the season went on, presumably due to a combination of colder weather + some locals perhaps more interested in staying home to watch Michigan State or UM on television if they are playing at the same time.

That's a battle that MAC (and any small Division I) schools will almost always lose.  Even people that grow up in Mount Pleasant are probably State fans or UM fans unless they are Central alums.  Unless the Chips put together a Boise State-like run it is hard to imagine that they (or any MAC school) will ever get consistent sellouts, just not going to be enough local interest.

Attendance aside, I think the Chips have good prospects this year, though.  They played very well in the opening loss to Oklahoma State (led 13-10 in early third quarter before falling 24-13), took care of business against FCS Monmouth in week 2, then lost a heartbreaker in overtime yesterday against Syracuse.  QB Cooper Rush, in his third year as a starter, has been very productive and I have high hopes that the Chips will contend for the MAC title if they play as well in conference as they have against the pair of Power Five teams that they have seen so far.

Top Ten Kelly/Shorts Stadium Crowds


   Attendance    Date    Score
1    35,127    Sept. 8, 2012    Michigan State 41, CMU 7
2    30,302    Oct. 18, 2008    CMU 38, Western Michigan 28
3    30,027    Nov. 10, 2006    CMU 31, Western Michigan 7
4    29,822    Oct. 24, 1998    CMU 26, Western Michigan 24
5    29,732    Sept. 18, 1982    Bowling Green 34, CMU 30
6    29,321    Oct. 30, 1982    CMU 42, Ohio 18
7    28,547    Oct. 17, 1982    CMU 18, Western Michigan 18
8    28,463    Sept. 22, 1984    CMU 38, Western Michigan 19
9    27,895    Oct. 8, 1994    CMU 35, Western Michigan 28
10    27,813    Oct. 11, 1986    CMU 18, Western Michigan 10

These are CMU's all-time top 10 crowds, as you can see they rarely have ever sold out their 30,000 seat stadium   Their largest crowds are almost always Western Michigan.   I seem to remember Kelly-Shorts being a little smaller in the 80's so those Western games back then might have been overflow crowds.

Back then there was a little more of a party atmosphere around the Western/Central rivalry weekends so regardless of records those games drew big crowds at both locations.  Pretty sure they had some shenanigans before and after those games involving the police.  I think administrators have cracked down on that quite a bit more recently.



It should surprise no one that Eastern Michigan doesn't exactly publish their attendance history.  Good news though Ypsi, in 2020 they'll set an all-time attendance record when Michigan State comes to town.

Eastern plays at LSU in a couple weeks, it will take EMU almost 3 full season to equal the total attendance from that one game.    ........maybe 4

sac, ExTartan, Dr. Acula, Mr. Ypsi:

Great discussion guys and thanks for the follow-up.  You guys have been to several of those games over the years, so you know what the atmosphere is like.  Indeed, Kelly-Shorts Stadium was expanded several years ago, so those Central/Western annual rivalry games were pretty much capacity.  I've been to one of those and that rivalry has been described by alumni from both schools as their top one and comparable to the U of Mich/Michigan State one and, if I may say, Albion/Hope.  I also know a little of that in regards to having several friends/former h.s. teammates who played at CMU. 

That said, I've always been somewhat disappointed and puzzled (although not so much the latter) as to why Central cannot fill their stadium at least for their first season opening home game.  They have scheduled some very high or higher tier DI FBS opponents for that the past few years, such as Boston College, Navy and, of course, Oklahoma State- and none of those came even close to a capacity crowd.  That is a shame.  You have pointed out some of the reason for that in being the MSU and/or U of M games and so many fans/alumni in the region and that is legit.  Another reason is that it being Labor Day weekend, many of the students who would go to the game have other plans for the "last hurrah" of the summer so to speak.  However, that game is scheduled on Thurs nights and one would think it would be in the high 20,000s or near full especially for a team like Oklahoma State and Boston College.

CMU-and most of the other MAC teams, but CMU especially-has proclaimed they are in the same tier as those teams and that has been the plan and an admirable goal. Yet, while the latter is true, in reality we know that is not nor ever will be.  They will win an occasional game like that (and have) like all the MAC teams have-remember the CMU upsets of Michigan State, which MSU fans were truly shocked and those were very good MSU teams.  But again, IMO, an Oklahoma State or BC coming to Mt. Pleasant should fill that stadium. CMU's attendance for the opener this year for Oklahoma State was only 19,717.  They drew 21, 717 for FCS Monmouth the following week.   Even Buffalo in the MAC averaged (and legitimately) over 20,000 for home games last year (or very near it).

Regarding attendance, Hope's two home games have been well down in numbers so far this year as many of the other MIAA members have fared much better.  We had under 2,000 this past weekend and moderately over that two weeks ago for the season opening game.  Not surprising given the current play that has been going on, although certainly getting the first win yesterday was a huge positive.  Still need to work on tackling improvement, making catches that should be caught, some improved passing accuracy by our senior QB and our kicking game needs to regain that automatic confidence.  Missing some FG's and extra points like yesterday could be costly in the MIAA games and cost a chance at the AQ in those game if they are close. 

Anyway, thanks again all.  I really enjoy these attendance discussions as I enjoy looking at that and perusing the figures at all the NCAA levels for the various "lesser limelight" teams.

[cave2bens]

Please forgive my late entry to the CMU attendance party but obliged to share a couple thoughts as well.  I spent three years at Central (two in Mt P during gridiron season) during the glory days of the mid-70s when Kelly/Shorts seated about 19.5K and Rose Arena about 6500 (not much capacity considering the quality of the basketball team with future NBA'ers, McElroy, Roundfield, and Poquette).  With few exceptions, the stadium was packed during those years and often the overflow area on the hill as well (yes, prior to expansion).  Of course, it didn't hurt that the gridders had just iced the DII championship the previous year, either.  I know former3db had a couple of his high school cronies from Flint (uh, Carmen?) on that club...

I was in Mt Pleasant at the end of August for the rugby club's 40th anniversary and alumni weekend.  Bear in mind, this is a selective observation but so many are constantly glued to their personal technology.  I wonder if all these video feeds, while nice for alumni, may not make it "too convenient" for students on campus to pitch camp in their apartment or a local pub and tweet away rather than attend?  I guess I'm becoming a curmudgeon to match my Luddite mentality of ditching the 24/7 routine in retirement, but many of the current student body seem more focused on "getting pie-eyed on substance of choice"  rather than choose doing something substantive. 

An interesting point I learned over "Welcome Weekend" in an effort to raise student interest in football, the athletic department has discouraged (and in some cases, "banned") any other home sporting events on the day (not just the time) as Chippewa home football.  Will it have any effect?  We usually scheduled our matches for the morning of home games, had our opponents join us at Kelly/Shorts afterward before retiring for the "Third Half." Western and MSU returned the favor when they hosted at Waldo or Spartan stadiums, respectively, for several years.  My simple math skills dictate a two hundred person swing, minimally, in prospective gate receipts though that was just our lowly batch of mongrels and pitch hags.   

[Mr. Ypsi]

Please forgive my late entry to the CMU attendance party but obliged to share a couple thoughts as well.  I spent three years at Central (two in Mt P during gridiron season) during the glory days of the mid-70s when Kelly/Shorts seated about 19.5K and Rose Arena about 6500 (not much capacity considering the quality of the basketball team with future NBA'ers, McElroy, Roundfield, and Poquette).  With few exceptions, the stadium was packed during those years and often the overflow area on the hill as well (yes, prior to expansion).  Of course, it didn't hurt that the gridders had just iced the DII championship the previous year, either.  I know former3db had a couple of his high school cronies from Flint (uh, Carmen?) on that club...

I was in Mt Pleasant at the end of August for the rugby club's 40th anniversary and alumni weekend.  Bear in mind, this is a selective observation but so many are constantly glued to their personal technology.  I wonder if all these video feeds, while nice for alumni, may not make it "too convenient" for students on campus to pitch camp in their apartment or a local pub and tweet away rather than attend?  I guess I'm becoming a curmudgeon to match my Luddite mentality of ditching the 24/7 routine in retirement, but many of the current student body seem more focused on "getting pie-eyed on substance of choice"  rather than choose doing something substantive. 

An interesting point I learned over "Welcome Weekend" in an effort to raise student interest in football, the athletic department has discouraged (and in some cases, "banned") any other home sporting events on the day (not just the time) as Chippewa home football.  Will it have any effect?  We usually scheduled our matches for the morning of home games, had our opponents join us at Kelly/Shorts afterward before retiring for the "Third Half." Western and MSU returned the favor when they hosted at Waldo or Spartan stadiums, respectively, for several years.  My simple math skills dictate a two hundred person swing, minimally, in prospective gate receipts though that was just our lowly batch of mongrels and pitch hags. 

Two interesting points raised (or re-raised):

1. Does live-streaming hurt attendance?  I'm thinking no, except perhaps for rainy, snowy, bitterly cold days - otherwise the live experience at the stadium is so superior to the internet that I doubt many who would stay away would have gone anyway (and many who can't realistically attend in person will be grateful, and might even donate to the school).

2. Having other sports play the same day?  I'm thinking like cave2bens - on most campuses, football is so dominantly the fall sport, that others playing at the same time would be suicidal for their attendance, but playing before or after the football game is likely to be a plus for the reasons he stated.  Athletes generally support other athletes (and often fans of one sport are fans of other sports).  I suspect that CMU has chosen a losing strategy.  (Perhaps they should emulate EMU's welcoming of an Arbor Brewing Company craft beer concession - I notice that there is a Mt Pleasant Brewery, though I'm unfamiliar with their products.)

[cave2bens]

Uh, the beers leave a lot to be desired compared to some of your local brewers around Detroit and the bigger ones like Founder's, Bell's, and Short's, Sir.     I wanted to like them, but alas, a couple were comparable to the aardvark p**s we were forced to consume in Africa. 

[ExTartanPlayer]

Please forgive my late entry to the CMU attendance party but obliged to share a couple thoughts as well.  I spent three years at Central (two in Mt P during gridiron season) during the glory days of the mid-70s when Kelly/Shorts seated about 19.5K and Rose Arena about 6500 (not much capacity considering the quality of the basketball team with future NBA'ers, McElroy, Roundfield, and Poquette).  With few exceptions, the stadium was packed during those years and often the overflow area on the hill as well (yes, prior to expansion).  Of course, it didn't hurt that the gridders had just iced the DII championship the previous year, either.  I know former3db had a couple of his high school cronies from Flint (uh, Carmen?) on that club...

I was in Mt Pleasant at the end of August for the rugby club's 40th anniversary and alumni weekend.  Bear in mind, this is a selective observation but so many are constantly glued to their personal technology.  I wonder if all these video feeds, while nice for alumni, may not make it "too convenient" for students on campus to pitch camp in their apartment or a local pub and tweet away rather than attend?  I guess I'm becoming a curmudgeon to match my Luddite mentality of ditching the 24/7 routine in retirement, but many of the current student body seem more focused on "getting pie-eyed on substance of choice"  rather than choose doing something substantive. 

An interesting point I learned over "Welcome Weekend" in an effort to raise student interest in football, the athletic department has discouraged (and in some cases, "banned") any other home sporting events on the day (not just the time) as Chippewa home football.  Will it have any effect?  We usually scheduled our matches for the morning of home games, had our opponents join us at Kelly/Shorts afterward before retiring for the "Third Half." Western and MSU returned the favor when they hosted at Waldo or Spartan stadiums, respectively, for several years.  My simple math skills dictate a two hundred person swing, minimally, in prospective gate receipts though that was just our lowly batch of mongrels and pitch hags. 

Two interesting points raised (or re-raised):

1. Does live-streaming hurt attendance?  I'm thinking no, except perhaps for rainy, snowy, bitterly cold days - otherwise the live experience at the stadium is so superior to the internet that I doubt many who would stay away would have gone anyway (and many who can't realistically attend in person will be grateful, and might even donate to the school).

2. Having other sports play the same day?  I'm thinking like cave2bens - on most campuses, football is so dominantly the fall sport, that others playing at the same time would be suicidal for their attendance, but playing before or after the football game is likely to be a plus for the reasons he stated.  Athletes generally support other athletes (and often fans of one sport are fans of other sports).  I suspect that CMU has chosen a losing strategy.  (Perhaps they should emulate EMU's welcoming of an Arbor Brewing Company craft beer concession - I notice that there is a Mt Pleasant Brewery, though I'm unfamiliar with their products.)

I don't think the live-streaming would really hurt attendance at Central.  Same rationale that you used - alums from afar who want to watch may be able to tune in, and I don't imagine that there are many "locals" who would choose to stay at home and watch instead of coming to the stadium.  I think this is a real thing the NFL may have to worry about - fans passing up $150 tickets because it's more fun to stay home and watch on TV while following all of your fantasy teams - but not MAC schools.  Anybody who's staying home to skip the game isn't doing it because they want to stream the game at home, they're staying home because Michigan State is playing at the same time and they want to see that game instead.

I do think (and this is true on every campus of schools outside the Power Five) that some students are apathetic about Central sports because they just don't consider them "big time" enough.  I was at the Okie State game and overheard several students walking out of the game (before it was over!) commenting sardonically about how Central football wasn't any good.  I just wanted to shake them - here was your team giving a Big 12 opponent all they wanted in the opener and you're complaining that they're not any good!  You guys have a team that might contend for the MAC championship!

Of course, as a D3 player it's a lot easier for defend the level of competition overall, but I just get so aggravated when people say their D1 team "sucks" - I mean, probably every player on that Central sideline was the best player on his high school team!  Some of them might play in the NFL!  Your team doesn't "suck" just because they aren't in the SEC or Big Ten.  Ugh.

[sac]

Albion leads all of D3 in total offense with 662.3 yards per game.  (2nd only to Baylor in all of NCAA football)

4th in rushing yds. per game  357yds
4th in scoring per game  57.3pts

[formerd3db]

Please forgive my late entry to the CMU attendance party but obliged to share a couple thoughts as well.  I spent three years at Central (two in Mt P during gridiron season) during the glory days of the mid-70s when Kelly/Shorts seated about 19.5K and Rose Arena about 6500 (not much capacity considering the quality of the basketball team with future NBA'ers, McElroy, Roundfield, and Poquette).  With few exceptions, the stadium was packed during those years and often the overflow area on the hill as well (yes, prior to expansion).  Of course, it didn't hurt that the gridders had just iced the DII championship the previous year, either.  I know former3db had a couple of his high school cronies from Flint (uh, Carmen?) on that club...

I was in Mt Pleasant at the end of August for the rugby club's 40th anniversary and alumni weekend.  Bear in mind, this is a selective observation but so many are constantly glued to their personal technology.  I wonder if all these video feeds, while nice for alumni, may not make it "too convenient" for students on campus to pitch camp in their apartment or a local pub and tweet away rather than attend?  I guess I'm becoming a curmudgeon to match my Luddite mentality of ditching the 24/7 routine in retirement, but many of the current student body seem more focused on "getting pie-eyed on substance of choice"  rather than choose doing something substantive. 

An interesting point I learned over "Welcome Weekend" in an effort to raise student interest in football, the athletic department has discouraged (and in some cases, "banned") any other home sporting events on the day (not just the time) as Chippewa home football.  Will it have any effect?  We usually scheduled our matches for the morning of home games, had our opponents join us at Kelly/Shorts afterward before retiring for the "Third Half." Western and MSU returned the favor when they hosted at Waldo or Spartan stadiums, respectively, for several years.  My simple math skills dictate a two hundred person swing, minimally, in prospective gate receipts though that was just our lowly batch of mongrels and pitch hags. 

Two interesting points raised (or re-raised):

1. Does live-streaming hurt attendance?  I'm thinking no, except perhaps for rainy, snowy, bitterly cold days - otherwise the live experience at the stadium is so superior to the internet that I doubt many who would stay away would have gone anyway (and many who can't realistically attend in person will be grateful, and might even donate to the school).

2. Having other sports play the same day?  I'm thinking like cave2bens - on most campuses, football is so dominantly the fall sport, that others playing at the same time would be suicidal for their attendance, but playing before or after the football game is likely to be a plus for the reasons he stated.  Athletes generally support other athletes (and often fans of one sport are fans of other sports).  I suspect that CMU has chosen a losing strategy.  (Perhaps they should emulate EMU's welcoming of an Arbor Brewing Company craft beer concession - I notice that there is a Mt Pleasant Brewery, though I'm unfamiliar with their products.)

Please forgive my late entry to the CMU attendance party but obliged to share a couple thoughts as well.  I spent three years at Central (two in Mt P during gridiron season) during the glory days of the mid-70s when Kelly/Shorts seated about 19.5K and Rose Arena about 6500 (not much capacity considering the quality of the basketball team with future NBA'ers, McElroy, Roundfield, and Poquette).  With few exceptions, the stadium was packed during those years and often the overflow area on the hill as well (yes, prior to expansion).  Of course, it didn't hurt that the gridders had just iced the DII championship the previous year, either.  I know former3db had a couple of his high school cronies from Flint (uh, Carmen?) on that club...

I was in Mt Pleasant at the end of August for the rugby club's 40th anniversary and alumni weekend.  Bear in mind, this is a selective observation but so many are constantly glued to their personal technology.  I wonder if all these video feeds, while nice for alumni, may not make it "too convenient" for students on campus to pitch camp in their apartment or a local pub and tweet away rather than attend?  I guess I'm becoming a curmudgeon to match my Luddite mentality of ditching the 24/7 routine in retirement, but many of the current student body seem more focused on "getting pie-eyed on substance of choice"  rather than choose doing something substantive. 

An interesting point I learned over "Welcome Weekend" in an effort to raise student interest in football, the athletic department has discouraged (and in some cases, "banned") any other home sporting events on the day (not just the time) as Chippewa home football.  Will it have any effect?  We usually scheduled our matches for the morning of home games, had our opponents join us at Kelly/Shorts afterward before retiring for the "Third Half." Western and MSU returned the favor when they hosted at Waldo or Spartan stadiums, respectively, for several years.  My simple math skills dictate a two hundred person swing, minimally, in prospective gate receipts though that was just our lowly batch of mongrels and pitch hags. 

Two interesting points raised (or re-raised):

1. Does live-streaming hurt attendance?  I'm thinking no, except perhaps for rainy, snowy, bitterly cold days - otherwise the live experience at the stadium is so superior to the internet that I doubt many who would stay away would have gone anyway (and many who can't realistically attend in person will be grateful, and might even donate to the school).

2. Having other sports play the same day?  I'm thinking like cave2bens - on most campuses, football is so dominantly the fall sport, that others playing at the same time would be suicidal for their attendance, but playing before or after the football game is likely to be a plus for the reasons he stated.  Athletes generally support other athletes (and often fans of one sport are fans of other sports).  I suspect that CMU has chosen a losing strategy.  (Perhaps they should emulate EMU's welcoming of an Arbor Brewing Company craft beer concession - I notice that there is a Mt Pleasant Brewery, though I'm unfamiliar with their products.)

I don't think the live-streaming would really hurt attendance at Central.  Same rationale that you used - alums from afar who want to watch may be able to tune in, and I don't imagine that there are many "locals" who would choose to stay at home and watch instead of coming to the stadium.  I think this is a real thing the NFL may have to worry about - fans passing up $150 tickets because it's more fun to stay home and watch on TV while following all of your fantasy teams - but not MAC schools.  Anybody who's staying home to skip the game isn't doing it because they want to stream the game at home, they're staying home because Michigan State is playing at the same time and they want to see that game instead.

I do think (and this is true on every campus of schools outside the Power Five) that some students are apathetic about Central sports because they just don't consider them "big time" enough.  I was at the Okie State game and overheard several students walking out of the game (before it was over!) commenting sardonically about how Central football wasn't any good.  I just wanted to shake them - here was your team giving a Big 12 opponent all they wanted in the opener and you're complaining that they're not any good!  You guys have a team that might contend for the MAC championship!

Of course, as a D3 player it's a lot easier for defend the level of competition overall, but I just get so aggravated when people say their D1 team "sucks" - I mean, probably every player on that Central sideline was the best player on his high school team!  Some of them might play in the NFL!  Your team doesn't "suck" just because they aren't in the SEC or Big Ten.  Ugh.

Please forgive my late entry to the CMU attendance party but obliged to share a couple thoughts as well.  I spent three years at Central (two in Mt P during gridiron season) during the glory days of the mid-70s when Kelly/Shorts seated about 19.5K and Rose Arena about 6500 (not much capacity considering the quality of the basketball team with future NBA'ers, McElroy, Roundfield, and Poquette).  With few exceptions, the stadium was packed during those years and often the overflow area on the hill as well (yes, prior to expansion).  Of course, it didn't hurt that the gridders had just iced the DII championship the previous year, either.  I know former3db had a couple of his high school cronies from Flint (uh, Carmen?) on that club...

I was in Mt Pleasant at the end of August for the rugby club's 40th anniversary and alumni weekend.  Bear in mind, this is a selective observation but so many are constantly glued to their personal technology.  I wonder if all these video feeds, while nice for alumni, may not make it "too convenient" for students on campus to pitch camp in their apartment or a local pub and tweet away rather than attend?  I guess I'm becoming a curmudgeon to match my Luddite mentality of ditching the 24/7 routine in retirement, but many of the current student body seem more focused on "getting pie-eyed on substance of choice"  rather than choose doing something substantive. 

An interesting point I learned over "Welcome Weekend" in an effort to raise student interest in football, the athletic department has discouraged (and in some cases, "banned") any other home sporting events on the day (not just the time) as Chippewa home football.  Will it have any effect?  We usually scheduled our matches for the morning of home games, had our opponents join us at Kelly/Shorts afterward before retiring for the "Third Half." Western and MSU returned the favor when they hosted at Waldo or Spartan stadiums, respectively, for several years.  My simple math skills dictate a two hundred person swing, minimally, in prospective gate receipts though that was just our lowly batch of mongrels and pitch hags. 

Excellent points all, gentlemen.  I agree with you (and cave2bens levity is always enjoyed and appreciated! ).  I also agree with the point about not scheduling other home games for sports on campus the same day (regardless of having it at a different time).  Even though it is at the DIII level, I personally do think that affects attendance-actually I know because it happened this past weekend at Hope with a home women's soccer game.  I know there would have been more attendance at the football game-we had only 1,300 and that was pathetic (although, again, our record and play up to then was not great). Realizing that out of necessity or convenience (and/or perceived or for both), that some schools have to do that, however, again, I do believe the effects are negative.  +k for all of you.

[formerd3db]

cave2bens:

P.S.  You are right re: some of my former h.s. teammates on the Central DII National Championship team!

[formerd3db]

Albion leads all of D3 in total offense with 662.3 yards per game.  (2nd only to Baylor in all of NCAA football)

4th in rushing yds. per game  357yds
4th in scoring per game  57.3pts

Great accomplishments so far, however, we'll see how well that holds when they really start playing some better teams soon.