DIII Trumps DII

[D3_DPUFan]

Well folks,
A lot of the details aren't actually statements on the importance of the game, but just start times worked out by the host sites, the division and the network. But I think there is some merit to the discussion you're having above.

I believe the Stagg Bowl does pretty well compared to similar games and for its time slot. It definitely gets good division-wide support.

Personally, I like the 4 p.m. start time because it starts in the afternoon but ends at night, under the lights and fireworks. Just gives it a grand feel.

Since I've been doing Stagg Bowls, the kick times have ranged from 11 a.m. (way too early for tailgaters and on-air prep/pregame beginning at 8 or 9) to 8 p.m. (great, but a really late ending for anyone who has to stay late and file by deadline)

Turns out, for the behind-the-scenes folks at least, 4 p.m. is pretty close to perfect.

FWIW.

Well said, K-Mack!

[K-Mack]

Well folks,
A lot of the details aren't actually statements on the importance of the game, but just start times worked out by the host sites, the division and the network. But I think there is some merit to the discussion you're having above.

I believe the Stagg Bowl does pretty well compared to similar games and for its time slot. It definitely gets good division-wide support.

Personally, I like the 4 p.m. start time because it starts in the afternoon but ends at night, under the lights and fireworks. Just gives it a grand feel.

Since I've been doing Stagg Bowls, the kick times have ranged from 11 a.m. (way too early for tailgaters and on-air prep/pregame beginning at 8 or 9) to 8 p.m. (great, but a really late ending for anyone who has to stay late and file by deadline)

Turns out, for the behind-the-scenes folks at least, 4 p.m. is pretty close to perfect.

FWIW.

Well said, K-Mack!

Thanks.

Another concern about the late kickoffs (although this is probably a positive for Salem's tax revenue) is that people are virtually locked into getting a hotel room and staying the night, whereas a 4 p.m. kick, even the Mount Union people can drive back if they get out of town by 8, they'll be home 1-2.

UWW's fan buses left an hour after the end of the game, I believe. So even from Wisconsin, the 4 p.m. kick is driving distance ... I wouldn't recommend it though.

[Pat Coleman]

I think the ratings for the Stagg Bowl definitely benefited from the later start.

Why we outdrew I-AA, though, which was in prime time on the same network, is beyond me. Not complaining, however.

http://www.d3football.com/notables/2007/12/21/Stagg+ratings+outdo+D-I%2C+II+games

[Ralph Turner]

I think the ratings for the Stagg Bowl definitely benefited from the later start.

Why we outdrew I-AA, though, which was in prime time on the same network, is beyond me. Not complaining, however.

http://www.d3football.com/notables/2007/12/21/Stagg+ratings+outdo+D-I%2C+II+games

Why?  IMHO, I think that it was due to the nature of the D-III family!

All of the D1-AA (FCS) schools are wanting to become D-I FBS.  They have other emphases than a specific type of student-athlete.  They may see soccer, basketball (March Madness) or baseball (College World Series), etc. as the "major" sport at the school where they can compete head-to-head with the D1 (FBS) schools.

(And this web site as a focus for enhancing those efforts to promote "D-III".)

[AF4]

i believe yall r right... D-3 family, sat later time....as to why the stagg out drew D-1 (aa=>cs) but...might also be the friday night competition with highschool football (some states-playoffs were still going on) and/or highschool bball ...?.... or just plain friday night

i choose to believe ralph is correct...but u never no fo sure

i do no i had mo fun at the stagg than any ball game i have  ever gone to see.... where i had no dawg in the fight , that is.... a blast

keep the faith...have a wonderful New Year... and b careful on the roads

peace

[K-Mack]

I think the ratings for the Stagg Bowl definitely benefited from the later start.

Why we outdrew I-AA, though, which was in prime time on the same network, is beyond me. Not complaining, however.

http://www.d3football.com/notables/2007/12/21/Stagg+ratings+outdo+D-I%2C+II+games

Why?  IMHO, I think that it was due to the nature of the D-III family!

All of the D1-AA (FCS) schools are wanting to become D-I FBS.  They have other emphases than a specific type of student-athlete.  They may see soccer, basketball (March Madness) or baseball (College World Series), etc. as the "major" sport at the school where they can compete head-to-head with the D1 (FBS) schools.

(And this web site as a focus for enhancing those efforts to promote "D-III".)

I think the nature of the family has something to do with it.

Also, the curiousity factor, in that no other D3 games are televised all year, and fans of most of the 238 D3 schools feel either represented by the teams (or the one trying to beat Mount Union), or just feel obligated to watch their brethren on TV one time, to see how they look, to see how the big network treats them, etc.