Pregame: Illinois vs Eastern Illinois, Thursday, August 29th, 8:00pm CT, BTN

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#176      
Illini2010-11
Fighter of the Nightman said:
Put me in the camp that we firmly need BOTH, and many fans on this site are severely underrating how much the "fun" aspect matters for not just attendance, but the reputation of the program. I have tailgated countless times in Iowa City with my friends, and people in the community rearrange everything in the fall just to be part of the tailgating and partying on college football Saturdays. People who literally DON'T LIKE THE HAWKEYES (like me!) still have a great time and don't pass up a chance to get in on the action if they don't have other plans.

While we need to keep improving on the field, we also need to continue the great efforts under Whitman to improve the gameday experience. People going to Wrigley are not just there for the baseball being played by the Cubs ... we need at least a fraction of that at Memorial Stadium. Any one idea might get talked down as silly by some here, but that is part of the problem! As one small-scale example, have an annual brewery day for one game, where Central Illinois breweries set up tents and create a bit of a "Beer Village" in part of Grange Grove or some surrounding area. Don't have it be a one-time gimmick, turn it into an annual fall tradition that is famous throughout Central Illinois. Have 2-3 of these with different themes per year. We need SOMETHING in our tailgating/gameday scene that definitively distinguishes the fan experience from other schools. People underestimate how many casual fans that ropes into attending at least one game per year, and word spreads that "going to an Illini football game" is just simply a good time in and of itself.
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I agree with a lot of what you are saying, and you definitely need a fun vibe and winning. Some of the Iowa comparisons are a bit hard to compare back to us. You mention they have a great tailgating vibe, but they have had a very long tradition of winning as well. Going back to when Hayden Fry began coaching in 1979, Iowa has only missed making a bowl game ten times (35 bowl games) and have bowled in 21 out of the last 23 years! Illinois has only gone bowling 17 times in that same time period. These things do go hand in hand.

When the Cubs were very bad, their attendance dipped substantially as well. There was no amount of gameday/bar crawling/tailgating atmosphere that was going to change that.

I am firmly in the camp that everything starts with being able to field a competitive product, first and foremost. I honestly do not believe there are any tailgating adds that will stick for increasing long-term stadium attendance without being able to field a competitive team first. If Illinois consistently starts winning, I guarantee that the gameday experience will also improve. Until then, anything the DIA does for tailgating, etc. will be largely seen as a gimmick to the casual fan, especially those that live in the burbs of Chicago and St. Louis, IMO. It is simply too hard to justify driving 2.5+hours to watch a bad product on the field when there are many other options of things to do on a Saturday.
 
#177      
uofi7477
No thanks. What is the drinking age "out there" - 13?
 
#178      
Mr. Tibbs
can’t we just ask Apple or Googles AI what to do to make the game day better and wouldn’t we get a detailed answer in like 2 seconds ?
 
#180      
mhuml32
Illinivek23 said:
I want to see our defense be super stingy against EIU's ground game.
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This would be possibly the best takeaway given the competition level. EIU can run the ball. Plenty of questions on whether Illinois can stop the run. If EIU has success running the ball, it's going to be a bad sign.
 
#181      
band camp
Dkayak said:
Illini Octoberfest. Big tents, brats, pretzels, Marching Illini playing, etc
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Announces Last Call GIF
 
#188      
orange100
blackdog said:
Is it that we need a culture of winning or a culture of FUN? Right now besides the game itself there aren't a lot of reasons to come out. Other people have said it but making more out of the gameday experience so that people can have a good time regardless of win or lose will go a long to making sure they come back again.
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this is exactly the right question/answer. somebody else here said the Wrigley experience, I've said before what admin needs to look at is what the Braves have with The Battery in Atlanta. It's an experience built around a sports team. Several square blocks of Bars, restaurants, shopping, hotels, office space- even apartments- plus kids activities and special event areas that surround a stadium (with SEATS not aluminum benches), all walkable and easily accessible from a huge parking garage or walkways from other areas. People go there when there's no games at all, and during the off-season it's still hopping. Champaign is not able to support that on the same scale, but jc there's precious little to do in CU anyway, might as well invest in an experience area that will draw in and create even more fans when winning finally happens. grange grove and muddy fields aint ever gonna do that.
 
#189      
IlliniFaninHoosierLand
Some notes about EIU to make you all aware of since I do follow them a bit more closely:

-QB Pierce Holley (#3) is the preseason OVC/Big South offensive player of the year and is on the preseason Walter Payton Award (FCS Heisman) watch list. Was second team all conference last year while passing for 2,741 yards and 17 TDs. The passing yards were the 7th most in a single season in program history.
-LB Elijawah Tolbert (#11) tested the transfer portal and was at Missouri State during spring practice earlier this year before transferring back to Charleston. Two-time first team all-conference. Led team in tackles with 87, which was 4th most in the OVC/Big South. Tolbert is on the preseason Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year) watch list.
-4 EIU players were named to the Phil Steele Preseason Big South/OVC Football first team: RB MJ Flowers (#4), WR Eli Mirza (#7), OL Sebastian Pares (#71), and Elijawah Tolbert.
-EIU's defense was a strength last season as they had 25 turnovers gained (14 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries), which was 2nd most in all of FCS. They return their entire front seven. The biggest issue with their defense will be their secondary as they only return one starter, Mark Aitken (#2), in that part of the defensive backfield from last year's team. They have to replace two All-American starters at both safety positions as well as a corner.
 
#190      
GoDucks349
PNWIllini said:
You’re still demanding the team win before you’re willing to get loud. That’s the problem.

Crowds all over the Pacific Northwest region go to football games expecting they can affect the outcome. 12th Man Penalties. Seahawks and UW, but also Oregon, WSU, ORST, Seattle Sounders soccer (!) all show up at games ready and willing to make as much noise as possible. I’ve been in these crowds. We are cheering ourselves and want our teams to give their all.

Maybe if Illini football fans were screaming from the opening kickoff, the opponent might false start. We do this stuff here. It’s a point of silly pride. Let’s mess with the visiting team.

The last Illini game I went to with my dad in person was around 2021; a non conference game. Moribund crowd, half empty stadium. Made me a bit annoyed. But of course I behaved myself and didn’t rock the boat.

I’m sorry but y’all have to deliver your energy every game win or lose. Or you aren’t worth performing 100% for. Bielema would love to have it. Might mean the difference between a win and a loss.
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This is quite true. I remember some years ago UCLA came into Autzen and after they recieved the opening kickoff they got the ball at their own 20. Two plays later and two illegal motion penalties later UCLA had the ball at their own 10 yard line. I remember seeing the UCLA QB turn to the crowd and give them the single digit salute. Of course the crowd just got louder. :)
 
#193      
1970 John
Students are critical, but they hsve been treated like second, no, third class citizens. End zone seats? Ugh. It’s like they’re trained monkeys to entertain all the grownups.

And we have no culture, no traditions. There’s no there there. You know what we had. I don’t have to say it. But in 1969 I saw Illinois lose to Michigan 57-0. And you know, the crazy thing is that we still came to games, we stayed to the end of games, we suffered but we stayed with it. I don’t think we were special, but I believe we had something special, something that was our own. And two minutes during halftime made the bad stuff go away, or at least hold it at bay.

You can’t replace that. Yes, a winning team will bring ‘em in. But tradition, that’s the heart and soul of Saturday afternoon. That stays with you through thick and thin, and tradition, we lost that in 2007.
 
#194      
illini0440
Illinois a lot…..EIU less than a lot.

And side not and what really irks me about the win and I’ll show up….is the amount of work the coaches and players put in 365 days a year to go out there for 12 games in front of the fans. The staff puts in 14 hour days minimum to put a plan together to try and win games for them, the players and us the fans. The players….6am workouts, 8 am class, lunch/meetings, afternoon classes, film/more meetings, dinner, study tables, film and opponent scout on their own.(not necessarily all in that order) but they do all of that 6 days a week just to go out and play for them and everyone who supports the university.
 
#197      
lstewart53x3
Mr. Tibbs said:
can’t we just ask Apple or Googles AI what to do to make the game day better and wouldn’t we get a detailed answer in like 2 seconds ?
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Prompt for ChatGPT 4:

Hi ChatGPT, I’m on the committee of a college football game day experience team. The team is the university of Illinois fighting Illini in Champaign Illinois.

For the most part, we’ve been a losing team over the past 30-40 years and because of it, the game day experience suffers.

So I’d like to come up with some fresh ideas to revitalize the game day experience and breathe new life into it so that our fans can’t wait to attend the games each week, win or lose.

Do research on the top game day experiences from the best programs in college football (especially teams that don’t win a lot of games but still draw huge crowds!) and give me ideas for:

1: exciting promotions leading up to game day to sell more tickets

2: The game day experience before the game begins

3: The game itself to get our fans on their feet and cheering on the team

Try to keep costs low. Anything that does have a cost, please share the budget that idea would need to implement.

Response:

To revitalize the game day experience for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, here are some creative ideas inspired by top programs, especially those that have found ways to keep fans engaged even when their teams aren't consistently winning:

### 1. Exciting Promotions Leading Up to Game Day

- **Theme Days and Giveaways**: Promote each game with a different theme (e.g., "Throwback Night," "Superhero Day," "Orange Out").

Offer small giveaways that tie into these themes, such as rally towels, foam fingers, or themed t-shirts. These can be low-cost but highly effective in creating excitement.

- **Ticket Bundles and Family Packs**: Offer family ticket packages that include food and beverage vouchers or discounts on merchandise. This encourages families to attend and makes the experience more affordable.

- **Player and Coach Engagement**: Host weekly Q&A sessions or live chats on social media with players or coaches leading up to game day. Fans can ask questions, engage with the team, and feel more connected to the game. This creates buzz and anticipation.

### 2. The Game Day Experience Before the Game

- **Interactive Tailgating Zones**:

Create fan zones with interactive activities such as inflatable games, face painting, and photo booths with the team mascot. Incorporate local food vendors to give it a community feel. Low-cost interactive activities can enhance the pre-game atmosphere without a large budget.

- **Fan of the Game**: Introduce a "Fan of the Game" program where one lucky fan is chosen before the game to experience special perks, such as sideline passes, announcing a play, or receiving a signed jersey. This builds anticipation and increases fan participation.

- **Traditions and Marches**: Consider creating or revitalizing a pre-game tradition like a "March to the Stadium" where the band, cheerleaders, and fans walk together, building energy and unity. This can become a staple event that fans look forward to each week.

### 3. The Game Itself to Get Fans On Their Feet

- **Interactive Halftime Shows**: Engage the crowd with halftime contests, such as field goal challenges or a mascot dance-off. Another idea is to invite fans to participate in a "Fan vs. Alumni" game where selected fans compete against former Illini players in fun challenges.

- **Enhanced Audio and Visual Experience

**: Use music and video effectively to pump up the crowd. For example, play a specific song like "Sandstorm" by Darude, as South Carolina does, that everyone associates with high energy. Also, consider showcasing fan videos on the big screen or having fan cams where fans can show off their school spirit.

- **Community Recognition**: Similar to the "Golden Scarf Ceremony" used by the Seattle Sounders, consider recognizing a local hero or alumni during the game. This ties the team to the community and gives fans something to cheer for beyond the game itself.

### Budget Considerations

- **Giveaways**: Small items like rally towels or foam fingers can be sourced for as low as $1 per item when bought in bulk.

- **Interactive Zones**: Renting inflatables and setting up interactive zones might cost around $500 to $1,500 per game, depending on the number of activities.

- **Fan Engagement Tech**: Implementing fan cams or interactive voting during the game could be incorporated into existing stadium tech, minimizing extra costs.

These ideas can help energize your fan base and create a memorable game day experience that draws crowds, regardless of the team's performance. By focusing on community, tradition, and interactive engagement, you can build a strong connection between the fans and the Illini that keeps them coming back.
 
#199      
fuddrules
They aren't doing all of that for me. They aren't playing for me. That's a load of malarkey.

BB isn't coaching for me either.
 
#200      
Thaillini22
The winning vs. attendance thing... for me it leaves out something fundamental, which is why winning is actually important.

I believe it's that winning allows us to say "see, my university, winners" and "my team, yay, my university yay, I'm proud."

For Illinois, the problem is we haven't had much else surrounding the FB program for so long that allows us to say "my team, yay, my university yay, I'm proud." It has basically all come down to the winning/losing, zero sum. And there has been consistent losing, thus the opposite of "my team makes me feel proud inside."

I believe that if we still had the same poor W/L record over the last (choose your duration), but we had Enter Sandman, Jump Around, the coolest/funnest tailgating ever, nationally famous halftime events, truly bleeding edge marching band, rowdy crowds and not "down in front" crowds, innovative stadium features, a swimming pool in the NEZ, only 2:30pm and night games, a Greek system that was fully immersed in the Saturday FB experience, and 10 other creative, fun, schtick-y things that Illinois has just always done and always been known for, we'd have had some things other than W/L to make us say, "yeah, Illinois FB fan here! have you been?" and thus much better attendance over the years, regardless of the losing.

Our FB games have never felt like "events."

So, I guess I'm kinda siding with PNW. I think we've had a marketing problem. We've ONLY had the W or L to make us proud en masse.
 
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