34,972

[bac2therac]

announced attendence

those who were there were great, loud and cheering especially in the 2nd half. Great atmosphere but even I am shocked how bad the attendence was yesterday. The attendence is actually decreasing as the season goes even as RU is playing better. The Purdue attendence was bad for homecoming but shocked how bad on a nice day the attendence was yesterday. Student turnout is okay at best and some leave at halftime. Did the switch from Yankee Stadium to High Point cut some attendence...meh it looks like the season ticket holder showed, its the endzone bandwagonners who shunned the game

The lots were pretty full, purple I think more full earlier than most games so its the hardcore and season ticket holders that are coming but it looks like the casual NJ fan has dropped off the map. I think dynamic pricing really needs to go away. Marketing will have to make a push to get those fans back and yes winning matters but we want to get them on board for the start of next year which is a very advantegous schedule for RU. Also lets remember, Rutgers simply does not have a large fanbase and does have a good chunk of frontrunners. We rely on other schools fans to bring 5-10K to boost attendence numbers. So really we need to stop busting on other schools attendence numbers because we simply need to do better. Its understandable why we are struggling with attendence right but 34,972 on a nice day against a winnable opponent is something out of the Graber years

 

[KeithK7624]

announced attendence

those who were there were great, loud and cheering especially in the 2nd half. Great atmosphere but even I am shocked how bad the attendence was yesterday. The attendence is actually decreasing as the season goes even as RU is playing better. The Purdue attendence was bad for homecoming but shocked how bad on a nice day the attendence was yesterday. Student turnout is okay at best and some leave at halftime. Did the switch from Yankee Stadium to High Point cut some attendence...meh it looks like the season ticket holder showed, its the endzone bandwagonners who shunned the game

The lots were pretty full, purple I think more full earlier than most games so its the hardcore and season ticket holders that are coming but it looks like the casual NJ fan has dropped off the map. I think dynamic pricing really needs to go away. Marketing will have to make a push to get those fans back and yes winning matters but we want to get them on board for the start of next year which is a very advantegous schedule for RU. Also lets remember, Rutgers simply does not have a large fanbase and does have a good chunk of frontrunners. We rely on other schools fans to bring 5-10K to boost attendence numbers. So really we need to stop busting on other schools attendence numbers because we simply need to do better. Its understandable why we are struggling with attendence right but 34,972 on a nice day against a winnable opponent is something out of the Graber years

It didn't help that every other game has a theme. First responders, military, band, etc

 

[Degaz-RU]

Yeah dynamic pricing is killing attendance.

 

[Barnaby&Neill]

Attendance is a lagging indicator — give it time; this year’s success will be evident in next year’s sales, which should see a little boost.

 

[Knight Shift]

Yeah dynamic pricing is killing attendance.

I blame Julie.

 

[RUBound]

Agree that number is surprising low - the fact that it was scheduled at Yankee Stadium (and had caused many non-die hard fans to plan for something else that day) may have contributed to that number.

 

[LETSGORU91]

It didn't help that every other game has a theme. First responders, military, band, etc

How does that hurt attendance??? Will large amounts of people avoid games to prove a point against the military, first responders, etc?

 

[RU-05]

Unfortunately, as someone who works on Saturdays, I'm one of those fans who does not show consistently.

But I think for the average fan the bad start to the season, notably the EMU loss and the OSU blowout, in the wake of last years awful season, took the wind out of the sails.

RU needs momentum to get the fans in the stadium, they are only now starting to get that.

 

[brgRC90]

There are programs out there that can barely fill a stadium even when they are good or great. Rutgers does not seem to be one of those programs. Win and they will come.

 

[RUskoolie]

Attendance is a reflection of the prior season in most cases. 2018 will also be a small dip I believe, but if we go bowling in 2018, then 2019 will trend back up.

Also, people plan for things weeks and months in advance. We would have had roughly 30k for the Yankee Stadium game, you can't switch venues of a football game 14 days out and not be shocked to see empty seats everywhere. Yesterday went exactly as I imagined, a poorly attended game but with people going nuts because we don't suck anymore.

 

[jtung230]

Yeah dynamic pricing is killing attendance.

What? We sold 35k tickets. Problem is not everyone is going. You can pick up tickets in the 2ndary market for $20 if you don’t want to pay sticker.

 

[bigbirdRU]

As people have said attendance is usually related to the previous year. This years attendance is a 2-10 season crowd.

The dynamic pricing also kills. I checked the cheapest ticket yesterday and I think it was $55. That’s too much for average joe. Average joe also doesn’t know to go on the message boards and buy from other fans for half that price. I’d always rather fill the stadium for cheap tickets than get a third of the people for high prices.

 

[ColonelRutgers]

As people have said attendance is usually related to the previous year. This years attendance is a 2-10 season crowd.

The dynamic pricing also kills. I checked the cheapest ticket yesterday and I think it was $55. That’s too much for average joe. Average joe also doesn’t know to go on the message boards and buy from other fans for half that price. I’d always rather fill the stadium for cheap tickets than get a third of the people for high prices.

Me too but it's a balance. If they offer cut price single game seats then there is no incentive to buy season tickets and everything that comes with that (R Fund, parking, etc.) and we can also expect to have opposing teams grab a higher percentage of tickets than we'd like. Unfortunately, the athletic department has not even come close to achieving the right balance and the dynamic ticket prices are totally out of whack. Unless you committed to season tickets 9 months ago or are savvy enough to purchase tix on secondary market (and a LOT of casual sports fans are not educated on this market) you are not going to call the ticket office game week or show up at the ticket window on game and pay those high prices for these types of matchups. And all of the games are on TV where you have a great seat and view of the game.

 

[rufeelinit]

I attended my first game after dropping my season tickets this year. Thought the upper deck and non student end zone were very empty. The student turnout was average. It a good core of them stayed for the entire game. I probably over paid for what were very nice seats in section 127 tenth row. I had a good time and enjoyed the game but it did not make me question my decision to drop the season tickets at all.

 

[KeithK7624]

How does that hurt attendance??? Will large amounts of people avoid games to prove a point against the military, first responders, etc?

No, but they buy tickets...

 

[Scarlet_Monster]

What? We sold 35k tickets. Problem is not everyone is going. You can pick up tickets in the 2ndary market for $20 if you don’t want to pay sticker.

There are a lot of people are weary on buying tickets on a secondary market, the same people who won't use Uber/Lyft because they think they'll be mugged.

The dynamic pricing worked for the first 2 years because of the novelty of seeing Michigan, OSU, and PSU coming here for the first time.

Now, no one is willing to pay ridiculous prices to see Rutgers get destroyed by OSU.

 

[ArminRU]

It must have had something to do with with the Yankee game switch. Doesn’t make sense.

 

[ArminRU]

I attended my first game after dropping my season tickets this year. Thought the upper deck and non student end zone were very empty. The student turnout was average. It a good core of them stayed for the entire game. I probably over paid for what were very nice seats in section 127 tenth row. I had a good time and enjoyed the game but it did not make me question my decision to drop the season tickets at all.

So you’re a shitty, fair weather fan.....gotcha

 

[LETSGORU91]

No, but they buy tickets...

Maybe I misconstrued your point. The OP discussed the low attendance and you said it didn't help that every other week there is a theme to the game. Themed games would help attendance.

 

[rutgersdave]

Only the last two games convinced people that Rutgers is turning around. Rutgers offense is still too run oriented and when the other team knows that we are running and they have a good defense, it hard to win. An average or above average QB will give us more options on offense and make it more exciting.

 

[Badgerc]

Except for a conflict or an emergency, why would anyone purchase season tickets and not got to a game?

 

[LETSGORU91]

So you’re a shitty, fair weather fan.....gotcha

Ouch! A direct and heartfelt assessment Armin.

 

[read option]

What? We sold 35k tickets. Problem is not everyone is going. You can pick up tickets in the 2ndary market for $20 if you don’t want to pay sticker.

Exactly. First year without season tickets in a while. Didn't attend UW, Morgan or OSU. Paid $10 for EMU, $20 for Purdue and $20 yesterday. My ticket cost for the season has gone from $800 to $50 and will be able to go to MSU for no more than $20 also. It doesn't pay to be a season ticket holder nowadays. I'll get back in when I have to; which might be a little while.

 

[RU#1fan]

The game was scheduled for the last 9 months for Yankee Stadium and only changed to HPSS 2 weeks ago.
I would think many people who had already changed their plans thinking they weren’t going to the Bronx had other things scheduled yesterday.

You would think however that we would get a much stronger walk up crowd to this game.
RU needs to look at individual game prices ( is it affordable) , Advertise more, and address the Parking headaches to attract the casual/ new college football fan.

 

[needmorecowbell]

Attendance is a reflection of the prior season in most cases. 2018 will also be a small dip I believe, but if we go bowling in 2018, then 2019 will trend back up.

Also, people plan for things weeks and months in advance. We would have had roughly 30k for the Yankee Stadium game, you can't switch venues of a football game 14 days out and not be shocked to see empty seats everywhere. Yesterday went exactly as I imagined, a poorly attended game but with people going nuts because we don't suck anymore.

Totally agree with attendance being a reflection of the previous season. I do think next season we see attendance flat to slightly up. Small sample but I have a lot of friends (some RU fans and some not) asking me about season tickets next year. It's been a while since I've heard that.

 

[retired711]

As people have said attendance is usually related to the previous year. This years attendance is a 2-10 season crowd.

The dynamic pricing also kills. I checked the cheapest ticket yesterday and I think it was $55. That’s too much for average joe. Average joe also doesn’t know to go on the message boards and buy from other fans for half that price. I’d always rather fill the stadium for cheap tickets than get a third of the people for high prices.

Here's a piece from the New York Times on the problems with dynamic pricing. The biggest problem is that it angers everyday customers. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/14/...steen-home-depot-and-a-nobel-winner-know.html

 

[RUJMM78]

Rutgers attendance for sporting events is such a small number as compared to the 9 million people living in NJ.Every excuse imaginable can be used and there still would be a enormous population to draw from if the people in NJ were truly interested in college athletics as compared to other parts of the country.

 

[timberman00]

Dynamic pricing when there is no demand doesn't make sense if your floor is above fair market value. I have season tickets and tried getting some more seats but could not justify $55 for upper deck when the section only had a handful of seats purchased on day of game... How much walk up demand did they expect?

RU needed to do whatever it could to get people to the game... Similar to EMU, they should have given season ticket holders free/discounted tickets.

If any season ticket holder headed into the season thinking their tickets were worth the value that is printed on them, well i have a bridge to sell them. RU should not worry about "devaluing" tickets when the stadium is at 60% capacity. We need fannies in seats, cheering on the team, buying $4 water, etc.

Given current trajectory, the conversation will be very different in 2 years... its a process...

 

[NotInRHouse]

I knew of folks who gave up tix to this game, originally believing it to be at YS and making other plans as a result. I also agree last season and EMU are just too fresh even though the the team is playing much better now.

 

[BHSPCRU]

I developed a severe sinus infection and respiratory issues on Thursday in Las Vegas at a convention and should have just given my tickets away to some fellow RU fans on Friday when I got home my bad. I was stupid enough to think even as of Saturday morning after taking a doctor prescribed antibiotic I could make it. I will make sure next time that some RU fans are in my seats next time if I can’t attend. I think watching this roller coaster game got me sicker lol....

 

[Terry_2426]

I'm a big fan of dynamic pricing in theory, but as mentioned above, it makes no sense when your floor is above market value. The casual fan isn't going to drop $55 for the cheapest seat to watch Maryland. While we all see the progress the team is making, the average joe doesn't see that (and may not even be paying attention to it right now).

One thing that could help for the next year or two besides getting rid of dynamic pricing for the time being: give STH the option to purchase a pair or two of additional tickets to some of the games not in high demand for the same STH price. There's no reason we couldn't have helped get a few thousand more people at some of these games with the team playing better than expected in August, if we had the opportunity to.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

Screw em...I got to sit in great seats yesterday with the best of Rutgers fans.

I think RU ought to start giving fans a chance to earn credits towards priority pts. for tickets scaned/used and also a kiosk in the stadium where you can scan your tix only AFTER the game on way out to earn credits towards points.

 

[DennisHajekRC84]

I'm a big fan of dynamic pricing in theory, but as mentioned above, it makes no sense when your floor is above market value. The casual fan isn't going to drop $55 for the cheapest seat to watch Maryland. While we all see the progress the team is making, the average joe doesn't see that (and may not even be paying attention to it right now).

One thing that could help for the next year or two besides getting rid of dynamic pricing for the time being: give STH the option to purchase a pair or two of additional tickets to some of the games not in high demand for the same STH price. There's no reason we couldn't have helped get a few thousand more people at some of these games with the team playing better than expected in August, if we had the opportunity to.

dynamic pricing was supposed to be set by the market, not made up in advance and maintained even when the floor is lower. Sure, keep it for the PSU/UM/OSU games...maintain the sideline tix value too...but discount the endzones and upper corners for games selling at $25 on ticket sites. Eco class at RU taught me to sell/produce until the last $ where there for the taking.

 

[Upstream]

I'm not sure how much dynamic pricing impacted the ticket price for this game. Dynamic pricing really only kicks in as available inventory gets scarce. If tickets were $55, that's not because of dynamic pricing, it's because that's the single game price. You can argue that the price is too high, but dynamic pricing isn't to blame.

 

[newwavedave1]

When we put a winning/competitive team on the field, attendance will increase. Even then, without the tradition of the "Big Boys", we will have trouble selling out games.

 

[DJ Spanky]

Why anyone would be surprised by the low attendance is beyond me. The game was scheduled for the Steinbrenner Memorial Whorehouse, so a LOT of people weren't going. In fact, I think most (if not all) of my tailgate crew were not going. With that in mind, many people made other plans for the weekend. Even with the game moved back to Our House, more than a quarter of our group had made plans that they couldn't change.

 

[greenknight]

Pains me but I had to give up my 4 seats after 20 yrs. Had some big bills thrown my way will jump back in next year or the following year. Miss having them

 

[Leonard23]

announced attendence

those who were there were great, loud and cheering especially in the 2nd half. Great atmosphere but even I am shocked how bad the attendence was yesterday. The attendence is actually decreasing as the season goes even as RU is playing better. The Purdue attendence was bad for homecoming but shocked how bad on a nice day the attendence was yesterday. Student turnout is okay at best and some leave at halftime. Did the switch from Yankee Stadium to High Point cut some attendence...meh it looks like the season ticket holder showed, its the endzone bandwagonners who shunned the game

The lots were pretty full, purple I think more full earlier than most games so its the hardcore and season ticket holders that are coming but it looks like the casual NJ fan has dropped off the map. I think dynamic pricing really needs to go away. Marketing will have to make a push to get those fans back and yes winning matters but we want to get them on board for the start of next year which is a very advantegous schedule for RU. Also lets remember, Rutgers simply does not have a large fanbase and does have a good chunk of frontrunners. We rely on other schools fans to bring 5-10K to boost attendence numbers. So really we need to stop busting on other schools attendence numbers because we simply need to do better. Its understandable why we are struggling with attendence right but 34,972 on a nice day against a winnable opponent is something out of the Graber years

Attendance was pathetic & a disgrace. Too many fairweather fans in our fanbase & NJ. Have some pride people. Make it a priority to support your school & alma mater & show up, regardless of results & record.

 

[AreYouNUTS]

Attendance is a lagging indicator — give it time; this year’s success will be evident in next year’s sales, which should see a little boost.

This. If you noticed the 2 areas hit hardest by the last couple of seasons have been:

- the north endzone
- the student section

...makes complete sense. They'll come around again if we KEEP getting better/winning.

Lose to PSU, beat Indiana, and I'll bet dollars-to-donuts both areas are a tad more "full" than yesterday.

 

[greenknight]

I will 100% be there for Mich St