Should the Stagg Bowl find a better site or stay in Salem, Va.

ADL70 · October 25, 2011, 07:16:06 PM

In the same area is Masillon. Paul Brown Tiger Stadium is smaller than Fawcett, but still about twice Salem. And one side has covered stands.

The Stagg was played just north of Cincinnati in the 80s, when the College Football Hall of Fame was there. Augustana played two years, one against Union (I was there) and I'm too lazy to look up the other (poss Central). Didn't draw very well, and the game I went to was about 35 degrees with spitting snow.

skunks_sidekick · October 25, 2011, 09:51:11 PM

Well.....I made a phone call, and will have a sit-down next week to make the people aware of the opportunity, and explore "next steps". I think it could be an exercise worth at least pursuing to the point to see if feasible, and what interest there may be.

K-Mack · October 25, 2011, 09:55:10 PM

Quote from: PurpleSuit on October 25, 2011, 03:54:53 PM
Combine that with the shorter drive for most of D3 and the HOF, and I would think you would see some "big" crowds. Fawcett would also eliminate having that janky video board that ESPN uses in Salem.

I definitely think the 25,000 capacity is an issue. Also, it's not necessarily a shorter drive for "most" of D3, but it's a shorter drive for one of the teams most likely to be in the game.

That could bring up fairness concerns, I suppose.

Anyway, it's worth investigating.

Ralph Turner · October 25, 2011, 11:14:39 PM

Quote from: PurpleSuit on October 25, 2011, 03:54:53 PM
As a resident of Canton, I can only really think of one or two recent Stagg Bowls were the weather was dramatically nicer in Salem than back in Canton. I can also think of a few in which the weather was much worse in Salem. I think the weather component is a little over-blown. Canton is south of the Lake Erie snow belt so mid-December is not typically the worst part of the season.

As for Fawcett Stadium, it is indeed larger than Salem Stadium. But Fawcett also has endzone seating that SS does not have. If you were to tarp those with various NCAA/Stagg Bowl/Sponsors logos it would bring the capacity down quite a bit. Combine that with the shorter drive for most of D3 and the HOF, and I would think you would see some "big" crowds. Fawcett would also eliminate having that janky video board that ESPN uses in Salem.

Might have to start pushing the idea on some of the Mount grads that work for the city

As a D3fan who does not live in either of the areas ever likely to host a Stagg Bowl,

my question to the Canton contention is how big a deal would the Stagg Bowl be in the lives and community compared to Salem?

How many volunteers would be available to do all of the things that handled by the citizens of Salem?

I don't doubt all of the specific points that you have mentioned but the intangibles that I have read about Salem seem extremely difficult to reproduce, especially when the "big show" for Canton is every July. The Stagg is a big deal to Salem. Canton OH? I am not sure.

(Walk-up traffic for a football game in Frisco Texas? I think that most fans would more likely attend the Texas University Interscholastic League semi-finals at Jerry World that weekend. The UIL is the governing body for the 1200-member Texas high schools in interscholastic competition, from One Act Play and Marching Band to football, etc.)

PurpleSuit · October 26, 2011, 12:45:10 AM

Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 25, 2011, 11:14:39 PM
my question to the Canton contention is how big a deal would the Stagg Bowl be in the lives and community compared to Salem?

You'd be hard pressed to find a community that loves football more than the Canton/Stark County area. Its a religion to some around here.

Quote from: Ralph Turner on October 25, 2011, 11:14:39 PM
How many volunteers would be available to do all of the things that handled by the citizens of Salem?

You referenced the "big show" in July, but Stark County also hosts the Ohio high school championships every year for the past 20 years. The volunteers have been one of the main reasons that such a small community, compared to other cities, has been able to defeat bid from other larger communities around the state. Not too mention the recent Junior IFAF World Championships held at Fawcett. Salem/Roanoke does a tremendous job, but volunteers would not be a problem.

Skunks,
Let me know if there is anything that I could do to assist

frank uible · October 26, 2011, 04:53:31 AM

If it ain't broke....

Ralph Turner · October 26, 2011, 08:25:22 AM

Thanks, PurpleSuit,

and thank you, Frank.

skunks_sidekick · October 26, 2011, 08:34:15 AM

A few thoughts/info....

The Stark County CVB is been active and focused on bringing in more tourism dollars through sporting events. They see the great value in said events, and have been very aggressive when pursuing those opportunities. That focus has just been renewed with recent developments.

The area will lose the Ohio High School Football Championships starting in 2014 for two years, with no clear indication that they will ever get them back.

The Pro Football HOF has been a more than willing partner on all these events, and is a great venue to host parties, dinners, meetings, press conferences, etc...

Again, it might be an interesting exploration as to the feasibility of having the Stagg Bowl at Fawcett.

CruFrenzy · October 26, 2011, 02:17:18 PM

I really like the look of Fawcett Stadium and the city its self i'm sure would love to host the game. But how is the weather usually in Canton at the time of the Stagg Bowl?

CruFrenzy · October 26, 2011, 02:19:05 PM

Because it really is WAY up north.

frank uible · October 26, 2011, 02:38:36 PM

On average in December Canton is below freezing at night.

CruFrenzy · October 26, 2011, 02:54:51 PM

too cold!

wesleydad · October 26, 2011, 10:27:12 PM

ok with the discussion of changing the venue, but would have to vote against it. i have enjoyed my trips to the stagg the past 5 years and a big intangible that is being overlooked is whether or not stone station would be there. some may not care, but many of those of us who travel have been accepted as friends by this great group of people and i believe that the overall atmosphere of the game is enhanced by them being there. salem has been great and easy to get to for most of the d3 people who really want to get there. uwww doesnt seem to have any issues getting a great fan base, i am sure they would have more in ohio, but sometime they will not be in the game every year. i agree with frank, if is aint broke.

Ron Boerger · October 27, 2011, 09:09:55 AM

Quote from: wesleydad on October 26, 2011, 10:27:12 PM
ok with the discussion of changing the venue, but would have to vote against it. i have enjoyed my trips to the stagg the past 5 years and a big intangible that is being overlooked is whether or not stone station would be there. some may not care, but many of those of us who travel have been accepted as friends by this great group of people and i believe that the overall atmosphere of the game is enhanced by them being there. salem has been great and easy to get to for most of the d3 people who really want to get there. uwww doesnt seem to have any issues getting a great fan base, i am sure they would have more in ohio, but sometime they will not be in the game every year. i agree with frank, if is aint broke.

... not to mention moving it would give the impression (true or not) that the move is being done to curry favor with supporters of one particular constant Stagg Bowl participant. No thanks.

DGPugh · October 27, 2011, 08:56:34 PM

For the past 5 yrs the boy and i have enjoyed eating real rammajamma yella hamma BBQ with the good folk from Stone Station, going to the gun show ( that reminds me of bama), trying to not stand to close to wesleydad when he yells at folk (as i can't run fast anymore with my fake hip), cash in hampton inn points for a warm room, and getting to visit old friends in Blacksburg in the drive up the valley. I will always vote for Salem, Va....always.

keep the faith and Go Hawks