Battle for the Old Mountain Jug 2012 & 2013 to be at BoA Stadium in Charlotte

[T-Dog]

Nothing officially official as of yet but the contract is signed from what I understand.

http://www.ncaawiki.com/images/a/a1/Jug0116--pl.jpghttp://www.ncaawiki.com/images/8/84/Omj-lg.jpg


http://qualitysprinkler.com/portfolio/bankofamstatium.jpg

[Grizalltheway]

No smack intended, but what's the appeal of playing in a huge stadium that will be half full at best? xconfusedx

[T-Dog]

BoA seats 74K and I think we'll get at least 40K.

It's mostly about market exposure. By far the biggest alumni bases for both schools is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and if we're moving up, it's not a bad thing.

And before anyone chimes in, this has absolutely nothing to do with UNC-Concord.

[PantherRob82]

The UNH fans made it sound like their game against UMass at Gillette was amazing.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Cool, hope it sells well for the game.

[91Niner]

No smack intended, but what's the appeal of playing in a huge stadium that will be half full at best? xconfusedx

Remember, BoA Stadium is privately owned and they'll rent it out to virtually anyone willing to pay the going rate. Management couldn't care less if the game draws 10,000 fans or 40,000.

[AppMan]

A group called Charlotte Collegiate Football tried to put a ASU / WVa game together earlier this year, but the Panthers wanted $3 million to rent BOA Stadium. There have been talks about a possible ASU / ECU game at BOA, but I would be shocked if a ASU / WCU game was in the works.

[SideLine Shooter]

I think I'll start drinkin now.xbeerdrinkx

[Saint3333]

A group called Charlotte Collegiate Football tried to put a ASU / WVa game together earlier this year, but the Panthers wanted $3 million to rent BOA Stadium. There have been talks about a possible ASU / ECU game at BOA, but I would be shocked if a ASU / WCU game was in the works.

Yeah this doesn't make a lot of fiscal sense. It costs quite a bit to rent the stadium, neither school makes enough to warrant a game there, especially WCU.

[james_lawfirm]

BoA seats 74K and I think we'll get at least 40K.


Shoot, if true, which I doubt, there might be 10k in the seats. For a stadium that holds 74k that will look like about 26.

Does Western even PLAY football?

[james_lawfirm]

No smack intended, but what's the appeal of playing in a huge stadium that will be half full at best? xconfusedx

Not much. I druther go to Montana.

[SideLine Shooter]

I want to go back to "the whee" because it means a weekend at the Casino.xnodxxthumbsupxxcoolxxshakingmadx

[SideLine Shooter]

Not much. I druther go to Montana.

Amen to that.

[Skjellyfetti]

No smack intended, but what's the appeal of playing in a huge stadium that will be half full at best? xconfusedx

****load better than Cullowhee. And beer sales!

[Grizalltheway]

****load better than Cullowhee. And beer sales!

IDK, I'd rather get tanked before the game and at halftime than pay 10 bucks a beer inside the stadium.

[Skjellyfetti]

IDK, I'd rather get tanked before the game and at halftime than pay 10 bucks a beer inside the stadium.

I haven't been to a football game in a long time that allowed reentry at halftime.

And it's more like $7. xthumbsupx

[GlassOnion]

This is a horrible idea. No way it brings in more than 25,000. 15,000 App fans, all 3,000 west Carolina fans, and a couple thousand who wander in off the street. App loses a majority of student attendence. There would have to be one hell of a gimmick to make a go of this.

[T-Dog]

I tailgated at halftime at Wofford. One of the few advantages Gibbs has over many other stadiums.

[asumike83]

Does anyone know the specific source of this information? I've heard unsubstantiated rumors about a game in Charlotte vs. East Carolina which would make sense, especially if it coincides with the timing of ASU's move up. I just do not see how this could turn a profit though, is it possible that a rumored ECU game got lost in translation (East/Western)? That's about the only sense I can make of it.

[Skjellyfetti]

App loses a majority of student attendence.

We'd have more students there than if the game were in Cullowhee.

This is replacing a WCU home game. I guess we'll have to wait for the details... but, do we know if it's being paid for by WCU and App... or just WCU? If we're not paying for it... it's win/win for us.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

I haven't been to a football game in a long time that allowed reentry at halftime.

And it's more like $7. xthumbsupx

The only time I've been to games that didn't were in Chatty and I just bought an extra ticket to get in for the second 1/2. That is a dumbass rule.

[Skjellyfetti]

Didn't say it was a smart rule or that I like the rule... just saying it's been the rule at most games I've been to as of late... FCS, FBS, and NFL.

And, I could buy close to 7 of the expensive *** stadium beers for the cost of an extra ticket. So **** that. xlolx

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Didn't say it was a smart rule or that I like the rule... just saying it's been the rule at most games I've been to as of late... FCS, FBS, and NFL.

And, I could buy close to 7 of the expensive *** stadium beers for the cost of an extra ticket. So **** that. xlolx

And I didn't imply that you were either the architect or a proponent of the rule. I was able to get an extra ticket from an App buddy that didn't need it and you couldn't buy beer in the Chatty stadium anyway. Your way of doing it for the games makes sense just to be clear. Why the hell are you always so defensive?

[catamount man]

tentative dates:

Oct 20, 2012 - WCU as home team
Oct 19, 2013 - ASU as home team

all potshots aside, I am looking forward to this. xthumbsupx

GO CATS!

[ursus arctos horribilis]

tentative dates:

Oct 20, 2012 - WCU as home team
Oct 19, 2013 - ASU as home team

all potshots aside, I am looking forward to this. xthumbsupx

GO CATS!
Whoa! Cman! Good to see ya over here.

[catamount man]

yeah, thought I'd show some love. HA!

[Apphole]

I don't like it. Why would we lump ourselves with such a horrible program any more than we have to? After our first FBS season I don't want to see them again unless they come to Boone for our "gimme" of the season.

[WileECoyote06]

A group called Charlotte Collegiate Football tried to put a ASU / WVa game together earlier this year, but the Panthers wanted $3 million to rent BOA Stadium. There have been talks about a possible ASU / ECU game at BOA, but I would be shocked if a ASU / WCU game was in the works.

If they asked for that much money, they're stupid.

[Skjellyfetti]

I don't like it. Why would we lump ourselves with such a horrible program any more than we have to? After our first FBS season I don't want to see them again unless they come to Boone for our "gimme" of the season.

We won't be FBS in 2012 or 2013 regardless.

[Apphole]

We won't be FBS in 2012 or 2013 regardless.

Cobb was recently quoted saying the timeline is 6-18 months.

[asumike83]

Cobb was recently quoted saying the timeline is 6-18 monthes.

6-18 months to announce the destination. There is a possibility we could begin transitioning in 2013 but I think 2014 is more realistic. I have a sneaking suspicion that the Michigan re-match was scheduled to kick off 2014 for that reason.

[T-Dog]

We won't be FBS in 2012 or 2013 regardless.

We we would be "FBS Independent" in 2013 if we declare by June 1st, 2012, albeit ineligible for championships and bowl games, but I see your point with the 2-year transition period.

[asumike83]

I will believe this when it is announced. Whether we are FCS, FBS or in the transitional phase, this would be a very curious move. We make the announcement to move up to the FBS, finally get the football game at BoA the fans have been requesting for years and it is against... Western? We already play them every year and the series has not been competitive, I just do not understand.

If it proves to be true, our welcoming to the FBS world may be with a taste of what schools like UNC, NC State, ECU, etc. feel about scheduling us now. If we win big then great, you pounded Western on a bigger stage. We go down to the wire or (God forbid) lose... let the ridicule begin.

Don't get me wrong, if this game happens you could not keep me out of BoA Stadium with a loaded gun. I will be there and I will have a great time but when trying to step up the scheduling to coincide with a move up, I just can't wrap my head around this decision.

[The Cats]

I don't like it. Why would we lump ourselves with such a horrible program any more than we have to? After our first FBS season I don't want to see them again unless they come to Boone for our "gimme" of the season.

This is one thing you and I can agree on. There is nothing is this game for WCU. Why play an FBS wanna be in Charlotte, where all the proceeds for both teams would go to pay the rent on the place? The 2012 game should be in Cullowhee, then, hope to never to play the goons again.

[asumike83]

This is one thing you and I can agree on. There is nothing is this game for WCU. Why play an FBS wanna be in Charlotte, where all the proceeds for both teams would go to pay the rent on the place? The 2012 game should be in Cullowhee, then, hope to never to play the goons again.

There is plenty in this game for Western. You would play in front of a much larger crowd than in Cullowhee and if you were able to pull off the upset on that stage, it would do more for your program than any win you've had in at least the last decade. It is an opportunity.

Unless you are conceding this game as a loss in which case yes, there is nothing in it for you.

[Apphole]

I'm just saying, there's no way our administration goes for this. What a step back at a crucial time. If we're playing purple at BoA, it better be ECU.

[StorminASU]

I definitely don't think this is a thing.

If it is, WCU must have A LOT better negotiators than App.

[ursus arctos horribilis]

I'm just saying, there's no way our administration goes for this. What a step back at a crucial time. If we're playing purple at BoA, it better be ECU.

ECU looks down at App in the way App looks down at WCU.xlolx

[Skjellyfetti]

Not really. Their AD has been supportive of us joining CUSA. We had a competitive rivalry with them... that we lead 19 games to 11. We played them down to the wire in 2009. And their fans were very impressed with our team and our fan support at the game.

[asumike83]

Not really. Their AD has been supportive of us joining CUSA. We had a competitive rivalry with them... that we lead 19 games to 11. We played them down to the wire in 2009. And their fans were very impressed with our team and our fan support at the game.

I agree that in terms of the quality of our football program, we are much closer to ECU than WCU. However, let's not kid ourselves: ECU does not view ASU as an equal. The only way that will happen is if ECU is declined by the Big East, ASU gets a bid to C-USA and we are able to renew that competitive rivalry. Given how quickly the Big East is falling apart, that is unlikely in my opinion. I really do not see how they can afford to turn down a program that packs a 50,000 seat stadium every Saturday, regardless of what market they would like to enter. Of all the teams currently committed to the Big East, they would trail only WVU and Louisville in attendance and both of those schools are rumored to be considering departure too. Although I hope otherwise, I do not think ECU and UCF are going to remain C-USA much longer.

[asumike83]

ECU looks down at App in the way App looks down at WCU.xlolx

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am...

http://www.answersfrommen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/vill-mr.-blonde.jpg

[TheRevSFA]

SFA and Sam play their game at Reliant..both schools have huge alumni bases in Houston, so why couldn't App and WCU

[Smitty]

Sounds like they want to see how many people will show up for the game. Even if it will be a blow out the fans will still show up, they do every year it is home at WCU. That is usually our biggest attendance game every year bringing anywhere from 9k-13k. If tickets are not expensive I may travel out to see the game, then possibly see a Panthers game if they are home the next day.

[boonedocks]

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am...

http://www.answersfrommen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/vill-mr.-blonde.jpg

Great Post!

I'm jumping in and calling shenanigans on this. Can't see any way this would go down.

[SideLine Shooter]

This makes no sense at all.

[Apphole]

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am...

http://www.answersfrommen.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/vill-mr.-blonde.jpg

My favorite movie

[WH49er]

Bad decision...it would have the same attendance ratio as the upcoming App/ECU basketball game at TW arena.


If USC/ECU can't fill up BofA, I'd be surprised if App/WCU fills up the bottom bowl.

[asumike83]

If USC/ECU can't fill up BofA, I'd be surprised if App/WCU fills up the bottom bowl.

Honestly, if this does happen (which I am very skeptical of), I would imagine that is the goal. Doubt they would expect to fill up BoA, so covering the upper bowl, selling 35K and filling the lower level would be best-case scenario.

[asu3peat]

"Bad decision...it would have the same attendance ratio as the upcoming App/ECU basketball game at TW arena"

Think the attendance for the b-ball contest will be better than you're anticipating. Guess we'll find out in a little over a month.

[Skjellyfetti]

Not a done deal.


I want to give you a brief update on some potentially exciting news for the Catamounts. We have had some very informal conversations with both the administration of the Carolina Panthers and with Appalachian State University Athletics. These conversations have centered on the possibility of playing a game or more between the two schools in Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. This is an idea that I have had for a few years and may now come to fruition.

As most of you know, the president of the Carolina Panthers, Danny Morrison, is a former commissioner of the Southern Conference and also served as Director of Athletics at Wofford College. Recently, Catamount alum Tobe Childers facilitated a meeting with Morrison, Scott Paul, who is the Director of Stadium Operations for the Panthers and Gorham Bradley and myself. We discussed the possibility, and some of the considerations, in having the Catamounts and the Mountaineers play in Bank of America Stadium. It was a very good conversation.

We left the meeting in agreement to continue to pursue this possibility. There are several questions yet to be answered. We also understand the primary issue: How could this fit into the Panthers schedule and stadium use, in conjunction with the requirements of the NFL? Another is the ability of Appalachian State to explore making a two-year agreement.

Nonetheless, it is an opportunity that we will continue to pursue. This could possibly take Western Carolina University to a major metropolitan area and that would provide our fans with a first-class experience in a world-class city. Stay tuned, and...

http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101411aaa.html#160

[Mntneer]

Stupid idea. It's not like the Cantamounts won't come to Boone. If it was a team like ECU I could see it but the logic of playing any conference game, *especially* WCU at a neutral site that will be largely empty escapes me.

[asumike83]

The Western AD states that one issue is "the ability of Appalachian State to explore a two-year deal". I take that to mean that App is willing to play the game scheduled in Cullowhee at BoA but do not want to give up a true home game. A one-year deal to play in Charlotte and not Cullowhee would be cool, hopefully we can work that out.

[WH49er]

"Bad decision...it would have the same attendance ratio as the upcoming App/ECU basketball game at TW arena"

Think the attendance for the b-ball contest will be better than you're anticipating. Guess we'll find out in a little over a month.

I hope so for a in-state matchup but on a Tuesday night before Thanksgiving is bad timing. I would check it out if it weren't for a Niners game that night.

[The Cats]

And it probably will not happen.

[Apphole]

I hope so for a in-state matchup but on a Tuesday night before Thanksgiving is bad timing. I would check it out if it weren't for a Niners game that night.

I worry because these are two of the footballiest football schools around. ECU and App fans seem to have one track minds for the most part (to my displeasure). This BBall game will draw <5k. I could easily see an ECU/App football game at BoA drawing 45k+, more than half in black and gold.

[T-Dog]

I shake my head at the App fans who **** on this idea because it's "beneath us". We'll get 40K+ for the first year and there's no way we're even thinking about doing this if the stadium fee is anywhere as big as previously mentioned.

Newsflash, ECU won't play us at BoA as long as we're FCS. Maybe if we announce a move-up we can discuss things with them when we return to Greenville next year (barring an 11th hour change of plans).


I hope so for a in-state matchup but on a Tuesday night before Thanksgiving is bad timing. I would check it out if it weren't for a Niners game that night.

I think that the date is a good thing since students will be heading home that day and the biggest concentration of traveling students will be going to Charlotte. It's actually better than a home game on that date.

Another thing is that this is one of the years we don't play at Davidson and since we're on different terms with the Niners, this was the only way to get a game in Charlotte this year. @ Davidson is usually where the Charlotte App alum have their gathering.

[catamount man]

It's a done deal. Just waiting on official announcement. This was a JOINT effort by prominent WCU and ASU boosters in and around the Charlotte area, most I'm sure are Panthers PSL owners, and Danny Morrison has in fact told folks it's a done deal. WCU home team in 2012, ASU home team in 2013 so get over your ****ing selves.

[GaSouthern]

I think if you can break 40K then it will be a success, anything less will look like a Georgia State home game and IMO will water down the event.

Break 40K and I think it will be great for the SoCon!

[Mikeyosef]

I'm not crazy about this plan. I understand the logic related to alumni bases but frankly this has not been a desireable game to attend in recent years. Maybe it gets the Cats blood boiling but not so much for App fans since it hasn't been a competitive series in some time. Yes, it has great potential but for there to be a good (respectable) turn out both teams will have to be peaking with conference championship or playoff prospects at risk. Right now the Cats aren't sniffing that stratosphere and some question which direction App is moving as well. I love the idea of my Apps playing in BOA stadium but only if we, the Cats and the FCS are not embarrased by the turn out.

[ninerID]

will the not official but officially secret cusa invite be given at halftime?

[Skjellyfetti]

will the not official but officially secret cusa invite be given at halftime?

Surely I'm just extremely hungover and not actually reading a UNCC fan trolling us for not having a conference invite. xconfusedxxlolx

[Apphole]

will the not official but officially secret cusa invite be given at halftime?

Make jokes communty college grad. We'll be the ones laughing from our FBS perch while your team losses to every half decent FCS school you play.

[Apphole]

It's a done deal. Just waiting on official announcement. This was a JOINT effort by prominent WCU and ASU boosters in and around the Charlotte area, most I'm sure are Panthers PSL owners, and Danny Morrison has in fact told folks it's a done deal. WCU home team in 2012, ASU home team in 2013 so get over your ****ing selves.

I'll believe it when I see it. If it's true I guess I'll never be going the the Whee again. I wish I could say I was sad.

[apaladin]

Make jokes communty college grad. We'll be the ones laughing from our FBS perch while your team losses to every half decent FCS school you play.

".......our FBS perch?" LOL. I guess this says it all!

[Apphole]

".......our FBS perch?" LOL. I guess this says it all!

How so? Considering that the FBS is above the FCS, it's reasonable to refer to it as a "perch." Would you have preferred "position?" It may have been lazy writing but it's certainly accurate.

[Skjellyfetti]

It's a done deal. Just waiting on official announcement. This was a JOINT effort by prominent WCU and ASU boosters in and around the Charlotte area, most I'm sure are Panthers PSL owners, and Danny Morrison has in fact told folks it's a done deal. WCU home team in 2012, ASU home team in 2013 so get over your ****ing selves.

Charlie Cobb just said on our pregame show that he's not interested in moving a home game to Panthers stadium.

[Saint3333]

He said other FCS programs can discuss what they'd like to do with their home games, but we weren't looking to move a home FCS game to Charlotte. He did say ASU would be interested in playing an FBS program in Charlotte.

[wheeman04]

i hope this is false. I don't wanna see us get destroyed in front of 40k in downtown charlotte.

"Bag the Wag 2011"

[Appaholic]

Charlie Cobb just said on our pregame show that he's not interested in moving a home game to Panthers stadium.

Don't toy with us, Charlie. AppSt agreeing to a 2-yr deal to play Western...in Charlotte, no less...is beneath us. Not because we have FBS aspirations, but because Western is such a crappy program at the moment. We'd do better to invite Montana...the game would be more competitive and Montana would bring more fans than Western...please tell me this is no more than a vicious rumor...I would be ashamed of this deal...ECU? yes....any local FBS team? yes....Both Wofford and Furman would bring more fans to BoA than Western....I can't believe our program would take a step back like this....nothing screams "amateur" more than lowering yourselves to Western's level....xoopsx

[ursus arctos horribilis]

Don't toy with us, Charlie. AppSt agreeing to a 2-yr deal to play Western...in Charlotte, no less...is beneath us. Not because we have FBS aspirations, but because Western is such a crappy program at the moment. We'd do better to invite Montana...the game would be more competitive and Montana would bring more fans than Western...please tell me this is no more than a vicious rumor...I would be ashamed of this deal...ECU? yes....any local FBS team? yes....Both Wofford and Furman would bring more fans to BoA than Western....I can't believe our program would take a step back like this....nothing screams "amateur" more than lowering yourselves to Western's level....xoopsx

Personally, I want to see Montana play at your stadium. I want to see and be a part of the real thing at the rock. I don't care one bit about playing at BoA because it's fine for a showpiece or whatever it is. I want to be at the real thing and experience the real gameday culture that App has. Not some made up **** off campus for the benefit of those that don't normally make the game anyway and don't have the attachment that the App fans that make the trek to The Rock to see the games do.

I know you were just throwing it out as an aside but I really would be disappointed if it were that way.

[catamount man]

After last night's 51-7 blowout at UTC, I hope this game in Charlotte gets cancelled. I really do. The entire athletic dept needs over hauling and Dennis Wagner needs his fat *** run out of Cullowhee ASAP.

You know what kills me? In 2001, Western Carolina, under a 5th year coach named Bill Bleil had a 7-4 record, 5-3 in the SoCon, lost at Boone by only 10, he got named SoCon coach of the year........and one month later, our then AD, at the behest of our nerdy ***, sports hating chancellor, now former chancellor, fired Bleil because a football player shot and killed a man at a bar in Maggie Valley.

That would be like my boss firing me because one of my relatives killed somebody in another town. It's ridiculous, it was then and it still is. Bleil had WCU headed in the right direction, Briggs paranoia cost him assistants consistently, and now Wagner, HIRED BY A SEARCH FIRM NO DOUBT, sits at 8-32 after 4 1/2 seasons.

I would NOT wish this on any fan of another team. It is pathetic.:(

[Mntneer]

I shake my head at the App fans who **** on this idea because it's "beneath us". We'll get 40K+ for the first year and there's no way we're even thinking about doing this if the stadium fee is anywhere as big as previously mentioned.


I'm sorry, but playing Western in BoA is beneath pretty much any respectable FCS school. Unlike some fans, I really wish that wasn't the case, that there was an actual rivalry again. But WCU can't get their **** together. It's not worth giving up a real home gate for this farce. Not to mention there is no way in hell it would draw 40k+.

[Mr. C]

After last night's 51-7 blowout at UTC, I hope this game in Charlotte gets cancelled. I really do. The entire athletic dept needs over hauling and Dennis Wagner needs his fat *** run out of Cullowhee ASAP.

You know what kills me? In 2001, Western Carolina, under a 5th year coach named Bill Bleil had a 7-4 record, 5-3 in the SoCon, lost at Boone by only 10, he got named SoCon coach of the year........and one month later, our then AD, at the behest of our nerdy ***, sports hating chancellor, now former chancellor, fired Bleil because a football player shot and killed a man at a bar in Maggie Valley.

That would be like my boss firing me because one of my relatives killed somebody in another town. It's ridiculous, it was then and it still is. Bleil had WCU headed in the right direction, Briggs paranoia cost him assistants consistently, and now Wagner, HIRED BY A SEARCH FIRM NO DOUBT, sits at 8-32 after 4 1/2 seasons.

I would NOT wish this on any fan of another team. It is pathetic.:(

I wrote a column at the time pretty much excoriating the Catamount administration for the move and predicting what would happen because of Bleil's firing. But taking it back further, WCU should have NEVER fired one of the most loyal guys you'd ever meet when they got rid of a great coach in Steve Hodgins. The only thing wrong with Hodgins is he didn't beat ASU. But he had the Catamounts in contention for the SoCon title and the playoffs nearly every year and produced NFL-level talent. Of course, this is the same institution that fired a pretty good basketball coach in Phil Hopkins, not long after he took WCU to the NCAA playoffs.

[Mr. C]

I'm sorry, but playing Western in BoA is beneath pretty much any respectable FCS school. Unlike some fans, I really wish that wasn't the case, that there was an actual rivalry again. But WCU can't get their **** together. It's not worth giving up a real home gate for this farce. Not to mention there is no way in hell it would draw 40k+.

I frankly don't understand the response of many ASU fans on this issue. Playing a game at BofA is a win, almost no matter who the opponent is. And those of you doubting the attendance, if the Mountaineers draw nearly 30,000 a game at Kidd Brewer, why wouldn't those same fans go to Charlotte, along with a lot of others? WCU would draw some folks, too. I think the crowd size would be better than people on here think.

[AppMan]

If they asked for that much money, they're stupid.

Stupid or not, that's the going rate. If you want to play in their diggs, you gotta pay the cash.

[SoCon48]

ECU looks down at App in the way App looks down at WCU.xlolx

EXACTLY!

[SoCon48]

After last night's 51-7 blowout at UTC, I hope this game in Charlotte gets cancelled. I really do. The entire athletic dept needs over hauling and Dennis Wagner needs his fat *** run out of Cullowhee ASAP.

You know what kills me? In 2001, Western Carolina, under a 5th year coach named Bill Bleil had a 7-4 record, 5-3 in the SoCon, lost at Boone by only 10, he got named SoCon coach of the year........and one month later, our then AD, at the behest of our nerdy ***, sports hating chancellor, now former chancellor, fired Bleil because a football player shot and killed a man at a bar in Maggie Valley.

That would be like my boss firing me because one of my relatives killed somebody in another town. It's ridiculous, it was then and it still is. Bleil had WCU headed in the right direction, Briggs paranoia cost him assistants consistently, and now Wagner, HIRED BY A SEARCH FIRM NO DOUBT, sits at 8-32 after 4 1/2 seasons.

I would NOT wish this on any fan of another team. It is pathetic.:(

Thunder Ridge is what did Bleil in. An assistant coach getting a DUI and players involved in fights and a shooting was the reason Bleil was canned. This bad publicity would get a coach fired at almost any self respecting university.

[asumike83]

I frankly don't understand the response of many ASU fans on this issue. Playing a game at BofA is a win, almost no matter who the opponent is. And those of you doubting the attendance, if the Mountaineers draw nearly 30,000 a game at Kidd Brewer, why wouldn't those same fans go to Charlotte, along with a lot of others? WCU would draw some folks, too. I think the crowd size would be better than people on here think.

I really hope so but I think that figure is optimistic. South Carolina played East Carolina at BoA in the season opener this year. South Carolina's average home attendance is over 75,000 while ECU is right at 50,000; attendance for that game was 58,000.

ASU's home attendance is in the 25,000-28,000 range while Western struggles to draw 10,000. If they were able to sell 40,000 tickets to that game I would be thrilled but I do not think it is likely. I am hesitant about this idea because playing in an empty-looking NFL stadium does not help anybody, much less justify the loss of the gate revenue generated by a home game if it turns out to be a 2-year deal. You would have to sell a LOT of tickets to cancel a home game and come out on top after splitting the gate with WCU and paying to rent the stadium.

[Appaholic]

Personally, I want to see Montana play at your stadium. I want to see and be a part of the real thing at the rock. I don't care one bit about playing at BoA because it's fine for a showpiece or whatever it is. I want to be at the real thing and experience the real gameday culture that App has. Not some made up **** off campus for the benefit of those that don't normally make the game anyway and don't have the attachment that the App fans that make the trek to The Rock to see the games do.

I know you were just throwing it out as an aside but I really would be disappointed if it were that way.

I meant in addition to the game scheduled in Boone. No way I'd give up the current game scheduled in favor of moving to BoA....

[Appaholic]

I frankly don't understand the response of many ASU fans on this issue. Playing a game at BofA is a win, almost no matter who the opponent is. And those of you doubting the attendance, if the Mountaineers draw nearly 30,000 a game at Kidd Brewer, why wouldn't those same fans go to Charlotte, along with a lot of others? WCU would draw some folks, too. I think the crowd size would be better than people on here think.

How many of those 30k are students? Students that would now have to drive to the game and pay for motel in uptown Charlotte as opposed to walking to the game, walking home and staying in their current residence. I'm not opposed to playing a game in BoA, but it should be a special opponent or circumstance, not a recycle of the annual ***-whopping we typically deliver to this inferior opponent. If we schedule WCU, I'd be suprised if the game exceeded 35k...not much more than we would have in Boone. And we would be getting the gate receipts vs. paying rent....

[james_lawfirm]

How many of those 30k are students? Students that would now have to drive to the game and pay for motel in uptown Charlotte as opposed to walking to the game, walking home and staying in their current residence. I'm not opposed to playing a game in BoA, but it should be a special opponent or circumstance, not a recycle of the annual ***-whopping we typically deliver to this inferior opponent. If we schedule WCU, I'd be suprised if the game exceeded 35k...not much more than we would have in Boone. And we would be getting the gate receipts vs. paying rent....

I believe at the last few games with total attendance of about 28,000, there were 9,000 students. So, to do the math, 19,000 were alum/friends/etc. who might possibly go to a game in Charlotte.

I think attendance in Charlotte against WCU would be between 20k & 25k. The Stadium would look empty. Now, for ECU/ASU, things might be different.

[catamount man]

I wrote a column at the time pretty much excoriating the Catamount administration for the move and predicting what would happen because of Bleil's firing. But taking it back further, WCU should have NEVER fired one of the most loyal guys you'd ever meet when they got rid of a great coach in Steve Hodgins. The only thing wrong with Hodgins is he didn't beat ASU. But he had the Catamounts in contention for the SoCon title and the playoffs nearly every year and produced NFL-level talent. Of course, this is the same institution that fired a pretty good basketball coach in Phil Hopkins, not long after he took WCU to the NCAA playoffs.

I actually recall that column and yes, WCU firing Steve Hodgin was absolutely pathetic. He was Bardo's 1st casualty. Bardo arrived on campus in early 95 as Steve had WCU coming off 3 straight winning seasons, just barely missing the playoffs each season and he flat out refused to give any help to the program. Hodgin lost some good seniors off that 1994 team and went 3-7 and 4-7 and they canned him. Other than 1998, 2001 under Bleil and Briggs one lucky 5-4 season, it's been the craps in Cullowhee. Thanks for reminding me of that article. It was a good one.

[GaSouthern]

I agree with the ECU/ASU thing.

That might be a way for App to setup a home and home with ECU.

Offer two games at their place and one "home" game for App and have the home game in the Panthers stadium!

[Appaholic]

I think attendance in Charlotte against WCU would be between 20k & 25k. The Stadium would look empty. Now, for ECU/ASU, things might be different.

Agree....on both points.

[asumike83]

I agree with the ECU/ASU thing.

That might be a way for App to setup a home and home with ECU.

Offer two games at their place and one "home" game for App and have the home game in the Panthers stadium!

That is what ECU had to do in their series with USC. If we don't end up as conference mates, I would be on board with that.