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Topic:  The War on Halftime Departures

Topic:  The War on Halftime Departures
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Paul Graham
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  Message Not Read  The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:11:28 PM 
We finally have one of the best football programs in the MAC. I fully expect for the program to continue to improve over the next 5 years assuming that most of the key pieces (coaches, players, AD) don't bolt soon. There is arguably no other program in the league that has a better long term outlook.

That said, we still have this nagging problem of student support and most notably: the infamous half-time departure. With the steady improvement of the team, this issue has not subsided. It's seemingly cultural and perhaps reaching a point where students are leaving because they think they are supposed to.

Given that, I think it's time that we have a thread dedicated to how might we solve this problem. I'll go first...

I'm a software engineer, so I'm going to propose a technology solution. The university builds a mobile app that students can download and install on to their iphones/androids. This is essentially a 4-square like application that allows the students to "check in" when they get to the game. They can "check in" at any athletic event or perhaps the scope could expand to non-athletic events.

By checking in at events, students earn points. Perhaps those points can be used to buy things like food or apparel at the games. Or if that's not an option, then students can compete to be Bobcat superfans by attending the most university events (again, like 4-square).

And of course, for football games, you get exponentially more points for checking in during BOTH halfs. Like 100x more points :)

We can use GPS coordinates to make sure they are actually where they say they are. GPS might be a little wonky in the Convo, if so, then you would have to use wifi as a hint that they are actually in the Convo. That shouldn't be too hard.

Anyway, that's the idea. The students in the Computer Science department could probably build it in a Software Engineering course to reduce the cost.

Ok, so what is your idea?
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Alan Swank
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:15:11 PM 
My idea?  Devote more time to your job, your wife, your community, the homeless, the hungry, etc.  Simply put, devote your time to something that matters in the whole scheme of things.
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Paul Graham
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:32:55 PM 
Alan Swank wrote:
My idea?  Devote more time to your job, your wife, your community, the homeless, the hungry, etc.  Simply put, devote your time to something that matters in the whole scheme of things.


Thanks Alan. That's what I was looking for.

BTW, congrats on the 558'th occurrence of you wasting your time on the Internet writing about college sports.

Last Edited: 10/2/2011 9:38:49 PM by Paul Graham
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OhioCatFan
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:38:52 PM 
Paul, first, ignore Swank.  You have an excellent idea.  I think you ought to make sure the AD and others in charge are made aware of your thinking.  And, of course, being concerned about this problem and seeking a solution does not mean that you are not also concerned about helping the homeless and feeding the hungry.  

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

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shabamon
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:40:39 PM 
You mean my guilt trip - yelling at folks isn't working?

We could start by placing some marketing interns/volunteers at gate 4 just before the 3rd quarter and have random surveys.

1) Why are you leaving?
2) What's the top reason for you coming in the first place?

Tabulate the top responses from the year and work from there.
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shabamon
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:41:26 PM 
Alan Swank wrote:
My idea?  Devote more time to your job, your wife, your community, the homeless, the hungry, etc.  Simply put, devote your time to something that matters in the whole scheme of things.


Thanks for nothing.
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OhioCatFan
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:49:17 PM 
Nice idea, too, shabamon.  Surveys would be a good way to gather data about the nature of the problem and range of issues involved.  I don't think your idea and Paul's are mutually exclusive.  In fact, the survey data might help inform the development of the AttackCat App. 

Last Edited: 10/2/2011 9:51:06 PM by OhioCatFan

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

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Donuts
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:51:09 PM 
Only schedule home games when the weather is around 70 (night or day), only schedule home games when tOSU isn't playing, always keep the games competitive at halftime before blowing them out and make all our opposing teams good.

In all seriousness, the point idea isn't terrible, but no way they'd be able to give true prizes. You can jailbrake an iphone and spoof a location in about 5 seconds if you wanted to. If it meant a free pizza every football home game or more, people would abuse it.

Home football games at schools who aren't automatic sellouts have to treat the games like a local festival. Do all you can to prepare a nice product, then hope all the things you can't control (like weather) work in your favor. It didn't for the Kent State game (and they scheduled during a tOSU game).
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OhioCatFan
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:54:59 PM 
One idea that's been discussed briefly in another thread is to advertise -- via announcements and video board messages -- several times during the game that the 110 has a great post-game concert planned.  Maybe each week the 110 should save some special song or routine with great student appeal for the post game concert.  This could be "hyped" during the game. 

Last Edited: 10/2/2011 9:56:39 PM by OhioCatFan

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

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ytownbobcat
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 9:55:13 PM 
I go to most Bobcat football games at home and away. There is crowd attrition at Peden, and on the road. At NMSU there was only about 1/3 of the crowd during the fourth quarter. About the same at Rutgers.
But I always wonder where everyone is going when I see that exodus at home games. It is not only students. I sit in the Tower Club and it clears out mid- third quarter. Against Kent the game was still very much in doubt.
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Donuts
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 10:01:16 PM 
ytownbobcat wrote:
I go to most Bobcat football games at home and away. There is crowd attrition at Peden, and on the road. At NMSU there was only about 1/3 of the crowd during the fourth quarter. About the same at Rutgers.
But I always wonder where everyone is going when I see that exodus at home games. It is not only students. I sit in the Tower Club and it clears out mid- third quarter. Against Kent the game was still very much in doubt.


Have to beat that State St. traffic.
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bobcat695
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 10:07:56 PM 
Paul Graham wrote:


Ok, so what is your idea?




Maybe you could ask Rob Cornelius if he has any ideas. 

"You can't un-fist a fist pump." - Saul Phillips 1/24/15

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OhioCatFan
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 10:08:49 PM 
The one game in which there was almost no attrition -- even into the OT -- was the Pitt game.  And, as memory recalls, the UT game that was nationally televised when UT was ranked something like #23 was almost as good on the attrition front.  The keys seem to be national TV and a ranked and/or "big name" opponent.   

Last Edited: 10/2/2011 10:09:27 PM by OhioCatFan

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

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GoCats105
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 10:32:07 PM 
I was trying to think of something intelligent to respond to this ongoing gripe, but I can't think of anything. I've got more important things to waste my time with, like how in the hell I'm gonna beat Special Cup in 150cc class on Super Nintendo's version of MarioKart with Donkey Kong, Jr. Some things just need more of my attention devoted to them.
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Tyler
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 10:55:28 PM 
DePaul has a similar program for its students. Their IDs are scanned at each event and points are given. There are different levels with better prizes as students level up. At the end of the year the top students compete for grand prizes like TVs or spring break trips.

http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/tickets/depa-student-tick...

They only problem I have with a 4square-type app is you don't have to be physically in the stadium to check in to it. Students would probably find this out quickly and check in from their South Green Dorms or other nearby areas.

Scan IDs as we come in and scan them postgame. You'll get way more points for staying for the whole thing.
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shabamon
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 11:00:35 PM 
GoCats105 wrote:
I was trying to think of something intelligent to respond to this ongoing gripe, but I can't think of anything. I've got more important things to waste my time with, like how in the hell I'm gonna beat Special Cup in 150cc class on Super Nintendo's version of MarioKart with Donkey Kong, Jr. Some things just need more of my attention devoted to them.


That's about the most uphill battle I've ever heard of.
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JSF
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 11:09:03 PM 
shabamon wrote:
GoCats105 wrote:
I was trying to think of something intelligent to respond to this ongoing gripe, but I can't think of anything. I've got more important things to waste my time with, like how in the hell I'm gonna beat Special Cup in 150cc class on Super Nintendo's version of MarioKart with Donkey Kong, Jr. Some things just need more of my attention devoted to them.


That's about the most uphill battle I've ever heard of.


DK Jr. is my best character! Once you master sliding, he's unstoppable.

I don't like the app just because not everyone has phone capable of them or wants to cart them everything. Specifically, me. I would've been pretty mad I couldn't get in the special club just because I didn't have the right phone... scanning ID's is a better idea, but it's been tried before with no success.

And we should redirect this thread to trying to be as good as Alan Swank.

Last Edited: 10/2/2011 11:14:37 PM by JSF

"Loyalty to a hometown or city is fleeting and interchangeable, but college is a stamp of identity."- Kyle Whelliston, One Beautiful Season.

My blog about depression and mental illness: https://bit.ly/3buGXH8

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perimeterpost
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 11:29:13 PM 
- sell alcohol.
- turn the north end zone seating area into a dance floor w/DJ.
- put the Burrito Buggy inside the stadium.
- sell alcohol.







MY STATE. MY TEAM.
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ClevelandCat '11
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 11:33:10 PM 
perimeterpost wrote:
- sell alcohol.
- turn the north end zone seating area into a dance floor w/DJ.
- put the Burrito Buggy inside the stadium.
- sell alcohol.







This would keep people at the game, no doubt. Only problem is, does the NCAA allow such things? While I believe you were joking, I think this would definitely keep people for the 2nd half.
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TWT
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/2/2011 11:35:44 PM 
shabamon wrote:
You mean my guilt trip - yelling at folks isn't working?

We could start by placing some marketing interns/volunteers at gate 4 just before the 3rd quarter and have random surveys.

1) Why are you leaving?
2) What's the top reason for you coming in the first place?

Tabulate the top responses from the year and work from there.


All you would need is about 35 students per game filling out these forms to have a large enough sample size to draw a few conclusions. Part of the issue I think is people these days are too busy to sit through a complete game.

Most Memorable Bobcat Events Attended
2010 97-83 win over Georgetown in NCAA 1st round
2012 45-13 victory over ULM in the Independence Bowl
2015 34-3 drubbing of Miami @ Peden front of 25,086

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DelBobcat
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/3/2011 1:16:23 AM 
ColumbusCat '11 wrote:
perimeterpost wrote:
- sell alcohol.
- turn the north end zone seating area into a dance floor w/DJ.
- put the Burrito Buggy inside the stadium.
- sell alcohol.







This would keep people at the game, no doubt. Only problem is, does the NCAA allow such things? While I believe you were joking, I think this would definitely keep people for the 2nd half.


Yes, UC sells alcohol. Roddy McD would not go for this though.

BA OHIO 2010, BS OHIO 2010, MA Delaware 2012
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Tyler
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/3/2011 6:44:52 AM 
Kent sells alcohol as well. Is there an NCAA rule about the proximity of the stadium to the campus and alcohol sales at the stadium? I know Kent's stadium is a good distance from their campus. Don't know about UC.

Selling beer would definitely keep students around longer. But it has to be reasonably priced. I'm not going to pay $7 for a beer in the stadium when I can get the same thing Uptown for $2-3. 
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Bobcat Grad 86
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/3/2011 7:16:46 AM 
We should promote the corporations that support Ohio Football, then have a mob of protestors show up in the thousands.  I am sure that Allan could help organize them. They don't appear to be scared of the rain!
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The Optimist
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/3/2011 9:20:11 AM 

I've seen crazier things happen.

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giacomo
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  Message Not Read  RE: The War on Halftime Departures
   Posted: 10/3/2011 9:25:34 AM 
We've discussed this before many times. Most of the students don't think the MAC is that exciting and are going back somewhere to watch Ohio State, LSU, etc. on TV. If we had a higher caliber opponent come in to Peden, remember the PITT game a few years back, people stuck around.
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