Game Days at McKale

[Jefe]

I think this statement by Lloyd got lost in the excitement last week. What do you think he has up his sleeve? Are any other schools doing something prior to games?

Tailgating would make the most sense but fans park on the the lawn. You could split up a few hundred people between Hall of Champions and Davis Sports Center. Open up some of RJ Gym?

What would make you show up 3 hours prior to tip-off?

[AZCatGirl]

What would make you show up 3 hours prior to tip-off?

Not something they could do every game day, but having an autograph session now and then would definitely get me to show up early.

[EastCoastCat]

What would make you show up 3 hours prior to tip-off?

Why was the first thought I had booze and a wet t shirt contest?

[RichardCranium]

BBQ food trucks and a blues band.

[Longhorned]

Please no. My assigned parking is Cherry Ave. Garage.

[Siempre Verde]

Please no. My assigned parking is Cherry Ave. Garage.

This is only one reason Pre-gaming on weekdays wouldn’t work. It is first and foremost, a college campus. Moreover, many are barely making it from class/work and a quick dinner for early games. (Don’t get me started on 9:00 games.) Further, my liver can’t handle that many tailgates.

I do believe, however, some sort of festival atmosphere on the field north of the NEZ or the indoor practice facility would be great for weekend games.

BTW, lest you think the blue hairs won’t get their drink on, you should catch their act at donor functions when there is free or cheap booze.

[azcat49]

Not sure what you can do pregame to make the experience better in basketball?

I think he may be talking about working with the student section and maybe something post game

[RondaeShimmy]

I think he may be talking about working with the student section and maybe something post game

He's going to bring back Sean Miller's boing boing pass!!!!

[azgreg]

Beer pong tournaments in the football practice facility prior to games.

[UAEebs86]

Beer pong tournaments in the football practice facility prior to games.

With all you can eat Sonoran hot dogs.

[TheCatInTheHat]

I'd assume he's talking about the no-shows and late arrivals. I'm pretty sure we count tickets sold for our attendance, rather than the tickets scanned (although I could be wrong about that.) In any event, for a number of the games I attended, there were plenty of empty seats scattered in McKale, as well as in my section. Maybe some of it was Covid fears or mask annoyance, but the non-conference schedule was also uninspiring, and other than the very fun Oregon, UCLA, and ASU games, our coast through the Pac-12 took some of the drama out of it. I think there was a cumulative effect of the drop-off at the end of the Sean Miller Era, Covid, and this season taking people by surprise. But, I'll also say we have a late-arriving crowd. In bad weather areas (including Spokane), I think the crowd arrives early to avoid any traffic delays and to get indoors out of the cold weather. So you've got a big intimidating crowd during warm-ups, which coaches like. Here, people mill around outside or in other areas drinking beer and talking until sometimes it's "Oh crap...the game has started" whether it's the start of the game or the second half. I've long said they should have a countdown clock and warning sounds outside of the arena area. Meanwhile, I doubt you can change the weather and culture, our fans have become a bit jaded, and I don't think we'll be going back to the heyday of the Fiesta Classic or often getting big home-and-homes. These days, it's neutral court tournaments in resort locations. I'm sure some will disagree, but one thing I'd suggest is turning down the sound system a little. It's a good system and non-stop energy, but when the few times you can talk to the person next to you is when the band is playing, that's kind of telling. Meanwhile, if Tommy's got some great ideas from Gonzaga or some other place; fine, let's take a look at them.

[azcat49]

I hate the canned music. Would much rather hear the pep band during time outs.

I think he might look at moving portions of the student section. Probably will get a lot of resistance on that.

[Jefe]

Well I got excited and automatically assumed he was talking about getting people lubed up prior the game haha. The coach should never have to pump the fans up late in the 2H.

[Merkin]

I hate the canned music. Would much rather hear the pep band during time outs.

I really hate the display boards that go "MAKE NOISE" and other crap like that. If you really need to be told when to cheer, you shouldn't be there.

[BBQ wildcat]

I hate the canned music. Would much rather hear the pep band during time outs.

I really hate the display boards that go "MAKE NOISE" and other crap like that. If you really need to be told when to cheer, you shouldn't be there.

Damn right! We just need a new Ooh-Aah guy.

[MountainCat]

I hate the canned music. Would much rather hear the pep band during time outs.

I really hate the display boards that go "MAKE NOISE" and other crap like that. If you really need to be told when to cheer, you shouldn't be there.

Damn right! We just need a new Ooh-Aah guy.

Can we convince Gronk to move back to Tucson?