Playoff Attendance

[BisonFan02]

I totally believe the 18,000 number, there were empty seats in the dome but with playoff tickets, you have actually make an effort to "buy" those tickets, it isn't like season tickets that you actually own and paid for earlier. I would imagine that it is just scalpers buying up some tickets and not getting rid of them but you are limited on how many you can buy, so this thing is kind of a mystery.

Its a different count too.....they don't count band members and both NDSU/MSU occupied seats for bands. That's at least some of the slight downtick off of a 18,700ish #.

[SUPharmacist]

Its a different count too.....they don't count band members and both NDSU/MSU occupied seats for bands. That's at least some of the slight downtick off of a 18,700ish #.

Definitely looked better than the last couple weeks. Sad I couldn't make it to Fargo these playoffs.

[Backdraft]

Celebration Bowl
North Carolina A&T vs Alcorn State
Attendance: 32968

[Hammerhead]

Does anyone know if playoff attendance is # of tickets sold or # of tickets used? I would think it's tickets sold since the NCAA gets most of that money. I'm guessing some season tickets are owned by companies who didn't get takers for all the playoff tickets they purchased.


Its a different count too.....they don't count band members and both NDSU/MSU occupied seats for bands. That's at least some of the slight downtick off of a 18,700ish #.

[TheKingpin28]

Does anyone know if playoff attendance is # of tickets sold or # of tickets used? I would think it's tickets sold since the NCAA gets most of that money. I'm guessing some season tickets are owned by companies who didn't get takers for all the playoff tickets they purchased.I thought it was tickets scanned, this way teams can report low and yet still make money if the tickets are not "scanned".

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

[Professor Chaos]

Does anyone know if playoff attendance is # of tickets sold or # of tickets used? I would think it's tickets sold since the NCAA gets most of that money. I'm guessing some season tickets are owned by companies who didn't get takers for all the playoff tickets they purchased.


I thought it was tickets scanned, this way teams can report low and yet still make money if the tickets are not "scanned".

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk
I'd agree with Kingpin because the attendance numbers never seem to add up for NDSU playoff games when they sell out. For instance, unless the bands accounted for 600+ seats they sold more than 18,077 tickets to that game in Fargo last Saturday. There has to be a reason they report the turnstile/scanned count rather than the tickets sold count and, like Kingpin also said, the only logical theory I can think of is that it saves them money that they'd have to send the NCAA.

I think it was earlier in this thread we talked about that and some thought the NCAA wouldn't allow that but I'd wonder if they would really care all that much to audit schools for that extra few thousand bucks???

[Professor Chaos]

Celebration Bowl
North Carolina A&T vs Alcorn State
Attendance: 32968
Don't mean to start a flame war but I probably will but this is a great example of inflated attendance (like we see reported in the regular season) vs actual attendance (like we see reported in the playoffs). When the camera panned the A&T sideline at the opening kickoff it was maybe 25% full. As I understand it A&T brought more fans... maybe they were sitting on the Alcorn sideline but in order to have 33k they'd have to have the lower bowl at Mercedes-Benz stadium mostly full since the upper bowl was curtained off.

[Panther88]

Don't mean to start a flame war but I probably will but this is a great example of inflated attendance (like we see reported in the regular season) vs actual attendance (like we see reported in the playoffs). When the camera panned the A&T sideline at the opening kickoff it was maybe 25% full. As I understand it A&T brought more fans... maybe they were sitting on the Alcorn sideline but in order to have 33k they'd have to have the lower bowl at Mercedes-Benz stadium mostly full since the upper bowl was curtained off.

No flaming or “ghosting.” Socializing, standing/walking, ... will give that appearance “at kick-off.” It’s a norm of sorts not to be in a seat “at kick-off.” Attend a game and you can view it w/ your own two eyes vs a stranger giving you the 411 over the world-wide.

[Professor Chaos]

No flaming or “ghosting.” Socializing, standing/walking, ... will give that appearance “at kick-off.” It’s a norm of sorts not to be in a seat “at kick-off.” Attend a game and you can view it w/ your own two eyes vs a stranger giving you the 411 over the world-wide.
The attendance inflation happens everywhere... it's not just the Celebration Bowl. For instance, here's a pic of the reported crowd of 12,120 at the Frisco Bowl:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMSPlXFWkAUF0el.jpg


Or this was at Mercedes-Benz yesterday for the Falcons game when they reported a crowd of 70,000+

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMarl1yXkAUn016.jpg

If that's 70k then the Celebration Bowl had 120k. xlolx

[Gil Dobie]

Don't mean to start a flame war but I probably will but this is a great example of inflated attendance (like we see reported in the regular season) vs actual attendance (like we see reported in the playoffs). When the camera panned the A&T sideline at the opening kickoff it was maybe 25% full. As I understand it A&T brought more fans... maybe they were sitting on the Alcorn sideline but in order to have 33k they'd have to have the lower bowl at Mercedes-Benz stadium mostly full since the upper bowl was curtained off.

It's probably accurate with the short distance for fans to travel. If the Bison played the Championship game in Minneapolis, 30-40K isn't out of the question. Example A. Target Field game vs Butler.

[Panther88]

The attendance inflation happens everywhere... it's not just the Celebration Bowl. For instance, here's a pic of the reported crowd of 12,120 at the Frisco Bowl:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMSPlXFWkAUF0el.jpg


Or this was at Mercedes-Benz yesterday for the Falcons game when they reported a crowd of 70,000+

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMarl1yXkAUn016.jpg

If that's 70k then the Celebration Bowl had 120k. xlolx

Laughable indeed. I'm sure ABC wants to see the pending sellout @ the stadium of rice burners in cisco, texas just off the E-W tollway.

Good luck to you and numerous others as you travel here to watch the fcs championship final.

[TheKingpin28]

I'd agree with Kingpin because the attendance numbers never seem to add up for NDSU playoff games when they sell out. For instance, unless the bands accounted for 600+ seats they sold more than 18,077 tickets to that game in Fargo last Saturday. There has to be a reason they report the turnstile/scanned count rather than the tickets sold count and, like Kingpin also said, the only logical theory I can think of is that it saves them money that they'd have to send the NCAA.

I think it was earlier in this thread we talked about that and some thought the NCAA wouldn't allow that but I'd wonder if they would really care all that much to audit schools for that extra few thousand bucks???It's the NCAA, they will be damned if they cannot penny pinch everyone. xlolx

That said, I'd have to think that as long as numbers reported look similar to attendance in seats, the NCAA will not come calling. Plus, a school can say, only 10k showed up, so that is what we owe you and by scanning them, they are verifying their ticket count.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

[TheKingpin28]

Laughable indeed. I'm sure ABC wants to see the pending sellout @ the stadium of rice burners in cisco, texas just off the E-W tollway.

Good luck to you and numerous others as you travel here to watch the fcs championship final.We will finally get to see what the numbers look like when a championship game isn't relegated to ESPN2 and instead gets on the mother channel of ABC. I'd rather be at a 18-20k seat stadium that is sold out and loud, then a half full 70k seat stadium.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

[Panther88]

We will finally get to see what the numbers look like when a championship game isn't relegated to ESPN2 and instead gets on the mother channel of ABC. I'd rather be at a 18-20k seat stadium that is sold out and loud, then a half full 70k seat stadium.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

Your opportunity to showcase your school and the fcs playoffs is literally right around the corner. The lag from the FBS bowl/playoff season will be evident coupled w/ the severe ramp up of collegiate M&W basketball season in full-swing (conference games).

Good luck to you all.

[Professor Chaos]

We will finally get to see what the numbers look like when a championship game isn't relegated to ESPN2 and instead gets on the mother channel of ABC. I'd rather be at a 18-20k seat stadium that is sold out and loud, then a half full 70k seat stadium.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk
I do wish the NCAA would look for a venue that could more appropriately handle ticket demand if two teams like JMU and NDSU meet in the title game. They wouldn't need a 70k seat stadium but something more in the 30k range would be better. They're going to sell 19,000+ tickets to this one at $80-$90 per ticket so I'm sure they could attract larger venues with that kind of gate receipt potential.

I don't really care if the optics are bad when two teams that don't travel well meet up with each other... I'd rather see supply more reasonably meet demand when two good traveling teams meet up.

[Catbooster]

I'd agree with Kingpin because the attendance numbers never seem to add up for NDSU playoff games when they sell out. For instance, unless the bands accounted for 600+ seats they sold more than 18,077 tickets to that game in Fargo last Saturday. There has to be a reason they report the turnstile/scanned count rather than the tickets sold count and, like Kingpin also said, the only logical theory I can think of is that it saves them money that they'd have to send the NCAA.

I think it was earlier in this thread we talked about that and some thought the NCAA wouldn't allow that but I'd wonder if they would really care all that much to audit schools for that extra few thousand bucks???
I have no idea how the bids/contracts are worded, but if they say "attendance" rather than "tickets", you could argue that the proper number is the tickets scanned as those are how many people attended. It seems to be common enough that I wouldn't be surprised if it's something like that, but who knows? xdontknowx

[Professor Chaos]

I have no idea how the bids/contracts are worded, but if they say "attendance" rather than "tickets", you could argue that the proper number is the tickets scanned as those are how many people attended. It seems to be common enough that I wouldn't be surprised if it's something like that, but who knows? xdontknowx
Yeah, maybe that's the loophole schools can use to make a few extra dollars from sold but unused tickets.

[Professor]

Don't mean to start a flame war but I probably will but this is a great example of inflated attendance (like we see reported in the regular season) vs actual attendance (like we see reported in the playoffs). When the camera panned the A&T sideline at the opening kickoff it was maybe 25% full. As I understand it A&T brought more fans... maybe they were sitting on the Alcorn sideline but in order to have 33k they'd have to have the lower bowl at Mercedes-Benz stadium mostly full since the upper bowl was curtained off.

It was a lot of fans in the club area at kickoff. Most of us didn't come up till halftime

[Professor]

Your opportunity to showcase your school and the fcs playoffs is literally right around the corner. The lag from the FBS bowl/playoff season will be evident coupled w/ the severe ramp up of collegiate M&W basketball season in full-swing (conference games).

Good luck to you all.

I'm very interested to see for myself. As well as the marketing for the game

[Backdraft]

Don't mean to start a flame war but I probably will but this is a great example of inflated attendance (like we see reported in the regular season) vs actual attendance (like we see reported in the playoffs). When the camera panned the A&T sideline at the opening kickoff it was maybe 25% full. As I understand it A&T brought more fans... maybe they were sitting on the Alcorn sideline but in order to have 33k they'd have to have the lower bowl at Mercedes-Benz stadium mostly full since the upper bowl was curtained off.

Well you don't get to see a accurate shot from those camera angles either, especially if you're talking about seeing it in the 1st qtr. There were a lot of people who socialize before going to their seats at the beginning of the game. Although I don't have any wide angle shots of the crowd at the game (I didn't take any) but you can see in the background of them that there were a lot of people at this game.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256100608_67f50f8ab1.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49255852928_71e0e4679d.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49255889738_25b61de22f.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256580646_0e241cd5f4.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256560781_5f8464ea60.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256070218_2661ae0dd8.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256746737_9228852442.jpg

[Professor Chaos]

17,866 for the title game which wraps up the 2019 postseason with a total attendance of 194,442 (or an average of 8,454) which is 5th out of the 7 years of the 24 team playoff field.



Round Avg

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019


Year Avg


All

8,012

8,843

11,260

8,697

9,684

8,087

8,454

9,005



1st round

4,502

7,297

5,634

3,408

4,958

6,373

3,598

5,110



2nd round

8,916

7,949

12,440

10,960

10,919

7,315

9,482

9,712



Quarters

8,058

8,250

12,688

11,787

10,452

8,219

10,841.5

10,042



Semis

12,452

13,752

20,899

11,758

17,404

12,908

14,282

14,779



Title game

19,802

20,918

21,836

14,423

19,090

17,802

17,866

18,820




2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019


Total


Total Att

184,279

203,395

258,971

200,034

222,721

185,998

194,442

1,449,840

[Panther88]

Well you don't get to see a accurate shot from those camera angles either, especially if you're talking about seeing it in the 1st qtr. There were a lot of people who socialize before going to their seats at the beginning of the game. Although I don't have any wide angle shots of the crowd at the game (I didn't take any) but you can see in the background of them that there were a lot of people at this game.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256100608_67f50f8ab1.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49255852928_71e0e4679d.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49255889738_25b61de22f.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256580646_0e241cd5f4.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256560781_5f8464ea60.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256070218_2661ae0dd8.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49256746737_9228852442.jpg

Please don't introduce honesty in this thread. They had a great thing going.

"17,866 for the fcs nat'l championship game." xconfusedx

[Panther88]

We will finally get to see what the numbers look like when a championship game isn't relegated to ESPN2 and instead gets on the mother channel of ABC. I'd rather be at a 18-20k seat stadium that is sold out and loud, then a half full 70k seat stadium.

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

Success or fail? >>>>>>>> "17,866 for the fcs nat'l championship game."

I rode past the venue and heard the crowd a few times. xthumbsupx

[Backdraft]

Please don't introduce honesty in this thread. They had a great thing going.

"17,866 for the fcs nat'l championship game." xconfusedx

Didn't they have like 3-4 weeks to plan to go to this game?

The Swac Championship game only had a week and had 22365 there.

[Professor Chaos]

Success or fail? >>>>>>>> "17,866 for the fcs nat'l championship game."

I rode past the venue and heard the crowd a few times. xthumbsupx


Didn't they have like 3-4 weeks to plan to go to this game?

The Swac Championship game only had a week and had 22365 there.
That's 101% of capacity at Toyota Stadium so I wouldn't have expected much more. Ticket demand was down though compared to 2 years ago though when these same two teams played. They sold 1000+ standing room tickets that year though.

I would like to see the FCS championship at a bigger venue though. Toyota Stadium reduced their capacity by 3k with their recent endzone renovation.

Also, ticket prices for this game have nearly tripled in the last 7 years. The cheapest seat in the place costs $75 before fees (closer to $90 after fees). Sideline seats were $85 plus a minimum of a $5 fee on every ticket.

[TheKingpin28]

Success or fail? >>>>>>>> "17,866 for the fcs nat'l championship game."

I rode past the venue and heard the crowd a few times. xthumbsupx

I would call it a success, even with how bad the weather was. Hell, there were Tornadoes the day before.

[Professor]

That's 101% of capacity at Toyota Stadium so I wouldn't have expected much more. Ticket demand was down though compared to 2 years ago though when these same two teams played. They sold 1000+ standing room tickets that year though.

I would like to see the FCS championship at a bigger venue though. Toyota Stadium reduced their capacity by 3k with their recent endzone renovation.

Also, ticket prices for this game have nearly tripled in the last 7 years. The cheapest seat in the place costs $75 before fees (closer to $90 after fees). Sideline seats were $85 plus a minimum of a $5 fee on every ticket.

Bigger venue such as ? Can't see more than 25k showing up for the FCS title game

[Panther88]

I would call it a success, even with how bad the weather was. Hell, there were Tornadoes the day before.

Twisters in Jan are a decent occurrence here. Just as long as you all view it as a success, that’s all that matters, right?

*tread the blasphemy carefully so you don’t call your venomous cohorts liars*

- - - Updated - - -


Didn't they have like 3-4 weeks to plan to go to this game?

The Swac Championship game only had a week and had 22365 there.

Audience, Fi. Audience :D .

[TheKingpin28]

Twisters in Jan are a decent occurrence here. Just as long as you all view it as a success, that’s all that matters, right?

*tread the blasphemy carefully so you don’t call your venomous cohorts liars*

- - - Updated - - -



Audience, Fi. Audience :D .

When capacity is met and the city and community are boosters of NDSU, I call that a success. You have your thing and the rest of the FCS has a true D1 championship.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

When capacity is met and the city and community are boosters of NDSU, I call that a success. You have your thing and the rest of the FCS has a true D1 championship.

Why even respond to him?

His mantra is trolling. He's like Notre on here.

[Professor Chaos]

Bigger venue such as ? Can't see more than 25k showing up for the FCS title game
Something 25-30k. I absolutely think that's attainable if two good drawing teams would both make it. I've said it many times before but I'd rather they chose a venue that could accommodate demand when the matchup is between the best drawing fan bases rather than worry about optics of an empty stadium if the matchup is between two poor drawing fan bases.

[TheKingpin28]

Why even respond to him?

His mantra is trolling. He's like Notre on here.

It's a Sunday evening and I am waiting for 2020 away tickets to go on sale, I got nothing better to do.. xlolx

[TheKingpin28]

Something 25-30k. I absolutely think that's attainable if two good drawing teams would both make it. I've said it many times before but I'd rather they chose a venue that could accommodate demand when the matchup is between the best drawing fan bases rather than worry about optics of an empty stadium if the matchup is between two poor drawing fan bases.

It sucks they did not expand the stadium and add a 2nd deck on the opposite side. I do not know if it is doable (footings and all), but if they could add another 5K on that side and/or eliminate the stage on the far end and put another 1K there, that would get them up to 24K just like that.

[Professor]

Something 25-30k. I absolutely think that's attainable if two good drawing teams would both make it. I've said it many times before but I'd rather they chose a venue that could accommodate demand when the matchup is between the best drawing fan bases rather than worry about optics of an empty stadium if the matchup is between two poor drawing fan bases.

what stadium fits that profile in TX?

[TheKingpin28]

what stadium fits that profile in TX?

BBVA + SRO (MLS) = 23K
Bobcat Stadium (FBS) = 30K

BBVA Stadium (Houston)
-Warmer Weather
-Slightly below 25k
-Hospitality on both sides and lower level access
-All Seated Stadium (Bleachers are where the band can be)
-Students can be in the other lower endzone


Bobcat Stadium (San Marcos)
-Less than a hour from San Antonio and Austin.
-Bleacher seating outside of club section on one side (home side)
-Rest of the stadium is all bleachers
-Whoever is the "home team" is clearly going to chose hospitality side
-Higher up donors on visitor side are probably not going to be to keen on sitting on bleachers.
-Hospitality is only on one side
-30k seat stadium

[Professor Chaos]

what stadium fits that profile in TX?
Doesn't have to be in Texas... just has to be somewhere that wants to bid on it. It's going to be in Frisco through at least though the (January) 2025 title game anyway... it just grinded my gears that they renovated it to be 3k seats smaller after it had sold out the FCS title game the previous 4 years with the larger capacity. Obviously the primary tenant (FC Dallas soccer) didn't need the 20k+ capacity.

[cx500d]

what stadium fits that profile in TX?

SMU's stadium seats 32,000, and UNT's stadium seats 31,000; these are the only ones in a decent area close to that profile.

[Professor]

Doesn't have to be in Texas... just has to be somewhere that wants to bid on it. It's going to be in Frisco through at least though the (January) 2025 title game anyway... it just grinded my gears that they renovated it to be 3k seats smaller after it had sold out the FCS title game the previous 4 years with the larger capacity. Obviously the primary tenant (FC Dallas soccer) didn't need the 20k+ capacity.

IF NDSU is still dominating and traveling well by the end of the contract , then i can see it moving. But without the Bison, i don't see them moving this unless some city throws a lot of cash. NCAA Football attendance is down across the board

[Panther88]

It's a Sunday evening and I am waiting for 2020 away tickets to go on sale, I got nothing better to do.. xlolx

That’s right. Do what your cyber-daddy-wannabe bully says because you had better not think or interact for yourself.

Astounding. xlolx

[Panther88]

When capacity is met and the city and community are boosters of NDSU, I call that a success. You have your thing and the rest of the FCS has a true D1 championship.

If ndsu fails to make the 2021 final game and no slc school makes it, the brutal truth about location will be on display for the world to see, or not.

[DFW HOYA]

Here's a place that seats 27K. Easily accessible by plane or even rail. Just not in Texas.

https://goprincetontigers.com/images/2016/6/20/FB_Stadium.jpg

[cx500d]

Here's a place that seats 27K. Easily accessible by plane or even rail. Just not in Texas.

https://goprincetontigers.com/images/2016/6/20/FB_Stadium.jpg

that would be ironic...

[Gil Dobie]

Something 25-30k. I absolutely think that's attainable if two good drawing teams would both make it. I've said it many times before but I'd rather they chose a venue that could accommodate demand when the matchup is between the best drawing fan bases rather than worry about optics of an empty stadium if the matchup is between two poor drawing fan bases.

If NDSU is in it, a Minneapolis US Bank Stadium could draw 40,000+

[TheKingpin28]

That’s right. Do what your cyber-daddy-wannabe bully says because you had better not think or interact for yourself.

Astounding. xlolxKeep on trolling

Sent from my SM-J727V using Tapatalk

[UNHWildcat18]

I like Exploria stadium in Orlando.
better chance of warmer weather
Good sightlines
25k capacity.
Orlando air fair is pretty cheap from most parts of the country.

[Gil Dobie]

I like Exploria stadium in Orlando.
better chance of warmer weather
Good sightlines
25k capacity.
Orlando air fair is pretty cheap from most parts of the country.

It was only the 2nd year of the I-AA championship, but Orlando drew 5,200 fans for that game, EKU vs Lehigh.

The largest crowds are generally at sites nearest or at one of the 2 finalist home. Georgia Southern and Marshall had the biggest crowds when GSU and Marshall were at home for the championship. Hard to predict the finalist each year and get a venue that way, just need to be lucky.

[WestCoastAggie]

Atlanta should bid on the game.

[Professor]

Here's a place that seats 27K. Easily accessible by plane or even rail. Just not in Texas.

https://goprincetontigers.com/images/2016/6/20/FB_Stadium.jpg

Won't it be at or below freezing?

[Panther88]

Atlanta should bid on the game.

lol xlolx

Wouldn't it make more cents and sense if those people had their nat'l championship game in an area where the greatest concentration of fcs championship participating schools is geographically located?

[Gil Dobie]

lol xlolx

Wouldn't it make more cents and sense if those people had their nat'l championship game in an area where the greatest concentration of fcs championshipo participating schools is geographically located?

Still a matter of luck on who is the finalist. Georgia Southern hosted 3 years. When GSU was in it the average was around 25,000. When YSU and Marshall played it was half that. The next year Marshall hosted and was in the championship, over 30,000. Chattanooga's best crowds were the App St years. Put it in Minneapolis, and you would get 40,000 if NDSU was in it, much lower if not. There have been 17 Western teams in the finals since 2000, so a Southeast venue isn't any better than Texas, unless it's close to one of the schools.

[PAllen]

Won't it be at or below freezing?

You mean like will there be snow and ice leading up to kickoff?

[A&T AGGIE96]

Success or fail? >>>>>>>> "17,866 for the fcs nat'l championship game."

I rode past the venue and heard the crowd a few times. xthumbsupx

I didn't watch this game, I forgot...seriously, had a lot going on this weekend...but only roughly 18K for the FCS National Championship Game?

A game and location known for months in advance. A game that is nationally televised on ABC. A game were anyone that knows anything about FCS could predict the participants.

Not even 18K people...xsmhx

What would happen if JMU and NDSU weren't playing? I hope the ratings were good. If not, expect to see this game on ESPN 3 in the near future. Very disappointed...I thought being on ABC would really do wonders for this game.

[Professor Chaos]

I didn't watch this game, I forgot...seriously, had a lot going on this weekend...but only roughly 18K for the FCS National Championship Game?

A game and location known for months in advance. A game that is nationally televised on ABC. A game were anyone that knows anything about FCS could predict the participants.

Not even 18K people...xsmhx

What would happen if JMU and NDSU weren't playing? I hope the ratings were good. If not, expect to see this game on ESPN 3 in the near future. Very disappointed...I thought being on ABC would really do wonders for this game.
You do realize it was a complete sellout right? Unless you were a JMU or NDSU donor high enough on the priority list to get tickets through their allotments the game was sold out since August.

[A&T AGGIE96]

You do realize it was a complete sellout right? Unless you were a JMU or NDSU donor high enough on the priority list to get tickets through their allotments the game was sold out since August.

So does that mean the game will be moved to a larger venue next year. If the demand is that high it's a real disservice to the fans to restrict that availability of the game to the masses. That's a classic case of shooting yourself in the foot.

What do you think this game could draw? 30...40K or more fans ?

[Professor]

You do realize it was a complete sellout right? Unless you were a JMU or NDSU donor high enough on the priority list to get tickets through their allotments the game was sold out since August.

Doesn't that limit the growth of FCS football to the casual fan

[Professor Chaos]

So does that mean the game will be moved to a larger venue next year. If the demand is that high it's a real disservice to the fans to restrict that availability of the game to the masses. That's a classic case of shooting yourself in the foot.

What do you think this game could draw? 30...40K or more fans ?
I wish it would but it's contractually locked into Frisco through January 2025. I doubt it would draw 40k unless it was two very good drawing fan bases in one of those fan bases back yards. I think 30k is reasonable if it's the right matchup (some combination of NDSU, JMU, Montana, Montana St, Jacksonville St, etc).


Doesn't that limit the growth of FCS football to the casual fan
You could make a pretty convincing argument that it does IMO. Most casual fans aren't going to buy tickets to this game in August especially when they're starting to approach $100 a piece with fees. A right sized venue would give access to more fans at more affordable prices IMO.

[PAllen]

I wish it would but it's contractually locked into Frisco through January 2025. I doubt it would draw 40k unless it was two very good drawing fan bases in one of those fan bases back yards. I think 30k is reasonable if it's the right matchup (some combination of NDSU, JMU, Montana, Montana St, Jacksonville St, etc).


You could make a pretty convincing argument that it does IMO. Most casual fans aren't going to buy tickets to this game in August especially when they're starting to approach $100 a piece with fees. A right sized venue would give access to more fans at more affordable prices IMO.

This is another case of a larger venue with lower ticket prices would be hugely preferable from a good of the game standpoint, but the current thinking in the sports world is that smaller crowds paying through the nose is more profitable at least short term. As long as it's in Frisco and it keeps selling out, expect the prices to continue to go up.

[Panther88]

I didn't watch this game, I forgot...seriously, had a lot going on this weekend...but only roughly 18K for the FCS National Championship Game?

A game and location known for months in advance. A game that is nationally televised on ABC. A game were anyone that knows anything about FCS could predict the participants.

Not even 18K people...xsmhx

What would happen if JMU and NDSU weren't playing? I hope the ratings were good. If not, expect to see this game on ESPN 3 in the near future. Very disappointed...I thought being on ABC would really do wonders for this game.

Watch it, A96! You'll be accused of fictitious "trolling" for not following the sheeple mentality of the resident cyber-bully(ies) lol.

Edited:
I wonder if Honda@the ATL will outpace the fcs nat’l champ game. (?????)

[Bisonoline]

I didn't watch this game, I forgot...seriously, had a lot going on this weekend...but only roughly 18K for the FCS National Championship Game?

A game and location known for months in advance. A game that is nationally televised on ABC. A game were anyone that knows anything about FCS could predict the participants.

Not even 18K people...xsmhx

What would happen if JMU and NDSU weren't playing? I hope the ratings were good. If not, expect to see this game on ESPN 3 in the near future. Very disappointed...I thought being on ABC would really do wonders for this game.

Over 400 flights were cancelled due to weather. A lot of people got stuck paying for hotel rooms that they never stayed in.

[Outsider1]

I honestly don't know about the numbers, but I thought the crowd looked good on TV. It ended up being a really beautiful day for Championship football...

[caribbeanhen]

by 2025, the Bison and JMU might have moved on, what would of attendance looked like in 2013 without Bison fans, Towson reportedly had less than 500 people at the game

How would say a Weber State vs Kennesaw State match up draw in Frisco?

[ASU33]

I honestly don't know about the numbers, but I thought the crowd looked good on TV. It ended up being a really beautiful day for Championship football...

It did! The atmosphere came across solid via the television. Overall solid display for FCS.

[Cocky]

Birmingham is building a new stadium.

[DFW HOYA]

by 2025, the Bison and JMU might have moved on, what would of attendance looked like in 2013 without Bison fans, Towson reportedly had less than 500 people at the game

How would say a Weber State vs Kennesaw State match up draw in Frisco?

How about Colgate and Cal Poly?

[UNHWildcat18]

How about Colgate and Cal Poly?

How about Marist and Presbyterian?

[ASU33]

Birmingham is building a new stadium.

That place is supposed to be awesome. Especially with the entertainment district right around the stadium.

[ngineer]

I don't think the championship game should be in a stadium that seats more than 20-25,000. It also needs to be in a city that is relatively easy to get to with airline connections. FCS football does not have the 'casual following' that FBS schools do. People either are 'into' their teams or they are not and those won't spend several days of their life going to, attending, and traveling from the game. A lot of schools are fairly small enrollment-wise with small alumni bases. Frisco looks like a nice stadium from what I've seen on TV

[nodak651]

I don't think the championship game should be in a stadium that seats more than 20-25,000. It also needs to be in a city that is relatively easy to get to with airline connections. FCS football does not have the 'casual following' that FBS schools do. People either are 'into' their teams or they are not and those won't spend several days of their life going to, attending, and traveling from the game. A lot of schools are fairly small enrollment-wise with small alumni bases. Frisco looks like a nice stadium from what I've seen on TV

This is exactly why they game should be played in a different city. For the health of the FCS as a whole, the FCS championship would benefit from increased attendance by FCS fans in general, not just fans of the team in the championship. If the game were to be played in a destination city, more casual fans of the FCS as a whole would have an excuse to attend the game, and in years where smaller schools make the championship, the attendance wouldn't dip as much. The game should be a huge party for FCS fans of all teams. As a UND fan, I hate to bring up hockey here, but it's relevant - college hockey has tons of small schools, yet the championship game sells out nearly every year, regardless of who is playing. This is mostly because hockey fans from across the whole country go the the games every year, despite the match up. With the game in Frisco, the location is much less desirable for someone just looking for an excuse to go on vacation. Solution? Nashville! They are building a new 27K seat MLS stadium, and it's a the fastest growing party destination in the country. It's also a place where wives and girlfriends (ones who don't care about football) would WANT to go! It's also much better situated, near both southern and eastern FCS teams, and its easy to fly in to from the west. City 10/10, Climate 10/10, Location 10/10, Stadium 10/10, Capacity 10/10. The city would also embrace the game as well, as the tourism and sports industry there is very important.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/09/04/PNAS/4826be44-864d-466e-bdbc-43419e1d700a-Screen_Shot_2018-09-04_at_4.30.24_PM.png

[that guy]

Vikings stadium could host it since it is never used in Jan.:D Sure they would let them use it just for concession to get back lost playoff $$.

[PAllen]

The comparison to the Frozen Four is a bit flawed. What is attendance like at the D-II hockey championship?

Yes, I know, and that is part of the issue with the comparison. How about the D-III championship?

[cx500d]

This is exactly why they game should be played in a different city. For the health of the FCS as a whole, the FCS championship would benefit from increased attendance by FCS fans in general, not just fans of the team in the championship. If the game were to be played in a destination city, more casual fans of the FCS as a whole would have an excuse to attend the game, and in years where smaller schools make the championship, the attendance wouldn't dip as much. The game should be a huge party for FCS fans of all teams. As a UND fan, I hate to bring up hockey here, but it's relevant - college hockey has tons of small schools, yet the championship game sells out nearly every year, regardless of who is playing. This is mostly because hockey fans from across the whole country go the the games every year, despite the match up. With the game in Frisco, the location is much less desirable for someone just looking for an excuse to go on vacation. Solution? Nashville! They are building a new 27K seat MLS stadium, and it's a the fastest growing party destination in the country. It's also a place where wives and girlfriends (ones who don't care about football) would WANT to go! It's also much better situated, near both southern and eastern FCS teams, and its easy to fly in to from the west. City 10/10, Climate 10/10, Location 10/10, Stadium 10/10, Capacity 10/10. The city would also embrace the game as well, as the tourism and sports industry there is very important.

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2018/09/04/PNAS/4826be44-864d-466e-bdbc-43419e1d700a-Screen_Shot_2018-09-04_at_4.30.24_PM.png
Here's where you lost me

[nodak651]

Here's where you lost me

You know it's a valid point. The FCS championship should be an annual party for everyone in the FCS. If you don't agree with that, I don't know what to tell you.

[Professor Chaos]

You know it's a valid point. The FCS championship should be an annual party for everyone in the FCS. If you don't agree with that, I don't know what to tell you.
Everything except for the climate part. Nashville, historically, is 10 degrees colder on average than Frisco in January with more snow.

Still I'd be up for a little more variety so I'm fine if they want to move it to Nashville for 1-3 years... then onto somewhere else.

[MSUBobcat]

The comparison to the Frozen Four is a bit flawed. What is attendance like at the D-II hockey championship?

Yes, I know, and that is part of the issue with the comparison. How about the D-III championship?

If you're saying that D-I hockey can't be compared to FCS because in hockey it's the top championship while in football, FCS is not, I disagree. Of the 60 D-I hockey programs, only 9 teams (7 B1G schools + Arizona State + BC) compete in a P5 football conference and only 7 others (Army, AFA, UMass, UConn, WMU, Bowling Green and Miami) compete in a G5 conference, if I counted correctly. Nearly 75% of D-I hockey schools are either D-II, FCS or have no football and the schools have attendances similar or smaller than many FCS schools.

One reason why they sell out is that it's in somewhat of a destination city (one can argue that no one wants to go to St. Paul in early April, for example, but Frisco in January isn't on many people's bucket list either). A big reason is that they also have a point system that allows previous attendees to get first crack at tickets. Those who have a perfect attendance since priority ticketing was implemented in 1997 (23 years) get to buy seats on Oct. 7, while someone who has only attended once (Group G) can't buy until Oct. 28. The general public can't buy tickets until November 19. Thus it behooves previous attendees to continue attending in order to continue getting the opportunity to buy the better seats, and at face value. These repeat attendees reduce the number of tickets that have to be snapped up by the general public. Throw in a destination city and Priority Ticket Holders have an added reason to attend whether their team is going or not. When Tampa was added, it received rave reviews from fans.

The main reason why comparison to FCS is flawed is the difference in number of games. If you're going to pay the expense to travel somewhere for a sporting event, seeing 2 semifinals and the championship in the same trip is much preferred to seeing just one game.

[caribbeanhen]

Everything except for the climate part. Nashville, historically, is 10 degrees colder on average than Frisco in January with more snow.

Still I'd be up for a little more variety so I'm fine if they want to move it to Nashville for 1-3 years... then onto somewhere else.

This post is like code

Bison fans try to tell you they’re losing a lot and will be tough go the next year when really they’re planning going to the championship game for the next decade

[Gil Dobie]

This post is like code

Bison fans try to tell you they’re losing a lot and will be tough go the next year when really they’re planning going to the championship game for the next decade

No, they'll ride the Trey Lance train as far as it goes.

[POD Knows]

You know it's a valid point. The FCS championship should be an annual party for everyone in the FCS. If you don't agree with that, I don't know what to tell you.Nashville would be a great spot for the game, I am in.

[Professor Chaos]

This post is like code

Bison fans try to tell you they’re losing a lot and will be tough go the next year when really they’re planning going to the championship game for the next decade
After 8 trips I think the Frisco area is starting to lose it's luster with some of us. #BisonProblems

I'll go wherever they play the game as long as my team is in it. My biggest complaint about Frisco is the venue size... but they do a pretty good job with what they have.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I say it every year, have a NCAA Championship Weekend in a reasonable location. Conduct the D2 game Friday night, D3 early Saturday then the FCS title game. The emphasis is solely on a great weekend of football that brings six different institutions and their fans, alums and teams together. The enjoyment will take care of itself. I really think if done right by ESPN it would blend in perfectly with the bowl coverage during the holidays and prove to be one of the highlights of the week. I would have the FCS title game as a lead-in to the playoff semifinals.

[caribbeanhen]

After 8 trips I think the Frisco area is starting to lose it's luster with some of us. #BisonProblems

I'll go wherever they play the game as long as my team is in it. My biggest complaint about Frisco is the venue size... but they do a pretty good job with what they have.


Perfectly understandable as that’s human nature, but just imagine how the rest of us FCS fans feel xnodx

[Derby City Duke]

Nashville would be a great spot for the game, I am in.


Easy same day down and back for me. Would probably go regardless of who NDSU is playing. :D

[frozennorth]

FCS and FBS championships should be a double header. 3 pm game and a 7 pm game

[A&T AGGIE96]

FCS and FBS championships should be a double header. 3 pm game and a 7 pm game

Now you know that won’t happen...most college football fans have no clue what FCS is...hell, how about having D2 play at 12pm? Maybe the Vice President will go to the FCS game for the coin toss...yeah right...outside of this site and a couple other outlets we don’t exist.

The BCS Championship is not going to share any spotlight with lower divisions.

[GAD]

FCS and FBS championships should be a double header. 3 pm game and a 7 pm game
That would turn everything from getting rooms to parking into a nightmare.

[Grizzlies82]

Okay how about playing the game in San Marcos, Texas.

The Texas State stadium holds 30,000 and is located almost exactly half way between San Antonio and Austin, Texas. So just an hour drive from two major airports, and cities which are nice locations to visit.