John U. Bacon on the GA Student Section

Submitted by Wave83 on

My son just pointed this out to me.  I see it was published on May 3, but I didn't see any reference to it on the board when I searched.  It does predate Brian's belittlement of the the MSA president's complaint about breaking the "long-held social contract."

Whatever.  I think Bacon is on to something and I think we, the university, and the athletic department should treat the student attendance situation as something to learn from and adapt rather than to fight back with a stick.  The problem might lie closer to a place where Brandon will never look:  himself and others who are focused solely on money.

Anyway, here is Bacon's article:  http://michiganradio.org/post/students-aren-t-leaving-michigan-football…  

SIAP

UMxWolverines

June 12th, 2013 at 6:29 PM ^

''Because tickets are so expensive now, and games take so long, the current students didn’t go when they were kids – which is when you get hooked on the band flying out of the tunnel and the players touching the banner.''

For real? The current seniors would've been 13-14 when we last won the big ten title and 15-16 during the game of the century.

M Fanfare

June 12th, 2013 at 7:33 PM ^

Bacon's argument here is really thin. I know he grew up in Ann Arbor so he went to a lot of games as a kid, but thousands of students (both in-state and out-of-state) attended their very first Michigan game just a few short days after their parents dropped them off for Welcome Week.

I don't think whether you went to games as a kid really determines future fandom, it means that you lived within driving distance and someone you knew (family, friends) had an affinity for Michigan football.

lexus larry

June 13th, 2013 at 10:46 AM ^

disagrees with you.  DB's stated purpose for the mascot, jet-pack man, parachuting the football in, etc. is to excite and engage the next generation of Michigan football fan.  Can't say there are that many non-affiliated young kids sitting in $95 seats, but you never know.

Jaqen H'ghar

June 12th, 2013 at 6:30 PM ^

For students, Brandon has nothing to do with it. Tickets are priced perfect for students. Diehard students will buy them no matter what almost and the ones who think they are too expensive most likely won't go to the games let alone get there early

TrppWlbrnID

June 12th, 2013 at 7:42 PM ^

The gallows of 16th century England. Hanging was a very slow and painful death as most times your neck would not break and you would just dangle there until you we're strangled. Men could elect to hire or have their family hire groups of young boys to attach themselves to the legs of the hangee to increase the likelihood of a quick death by broken neck. This was considered "dying easy." Dying hard then meant that you may dangle there for a long time. It was kind of a last f**k you to your punishers as it was a long ordeal and the crowd would often plead and sympathize with the victim.

TheGhostofFerbert

June 12th, 2013 at 6:49 PM ^

I consider myself a diehard fan, but I wouldn't buy no matter what because at some point (fast approaching), I just won't be able to afford them.  The people who WILL buy them no matter what are the rich kids who treat the games as a purely social event and don't go if they don't feel like it or are too tired.

bigpapa.KG

June 12th, 2013 at 7:51 PM ^

Although im a grad, I still have the honor of sitting in the student section. Maybe its because general admission sitting works in my favor I havent really given it much thought. If you want good seats, show up early. Ive been doing it for years, but now I will finally get rewarded for it. I thought Bacon's article brought up some good points, mostly about our cupcake out of conference games.

rmsWolverine91

June 12th, 2013 at 8:07 PM ^

I can't recall which comment, but someone said that John U. Bacon only supports underperformers - Rich Rod and the students. What would the game day atmosphere be like without the students? As a rising senior at Michigan, I wholeheartedly feel that we make the crowd what it is. Between the 20s are old and lifeless ticket holders that make as much noise as a passed out kid at Phi Psi. The Big House would be very dull without the passion and cheering the students add to the gameday experience. Furthermore, the students, especially Seniors and Juniors, are very upset with the GA seating. Although I will be at the game (haven't missed a home game since 2004), it wouldn't surprise me if a bunch of students don't show up in a rebellious act. Should be interesting. A lot of fights may break out between upper and lower classmen as many 2014 and 2015 feel entitled to be seated closer to the field.

M-Wolverine

June 12th, 2013 at 9:00 PM ^

Anyone who starts a fight because they feel "entitled" to seats should be banned from the stadium for the rest of their academic career. It's childish and unbecoming a college student.

denardogasm

June 12th, 2013 at 8:17 PM ^

I can't comprehend why it's so difficult to stop drinking 20-40 minutes sooner and get to the game on time. No argument could convince me that that last hour is so important. I have no sympathy.

ESNY

June 12th, 2013 at 8:33 PM ^

Sorry but that conclusion was reached long before the article was written and long before the topic even came up.



You know where i watched the Game my freshman year in 1995? Yup, my parents couch in NJ because it was thanksgiving weekend. Didn't get to see biakabatuka run for 300 plus yards cause I was home for thanksgiving. Our student tickets also didn't include the UVa game because it was before the school term started. So Bacon can spare me the shit he is slinging that its all Brandon's fault for chasing the mighty dollar.



I see no issue for GA. Maybe the seniors have a legit beef but its really not a big deal. I think I sat in my actual seats like twice as a student. Hopefully all the loud, crazy fans will be closer to the field ad will make it louder. Not to mention hopefully it'll cure the awful bottleneck getting to the seats. It shouldn't take 25 min to go from concourse to seats.

Perkis-Size Me

June 12th, 2013 at 8:47 PM ^

I feel zero sympathy towards any student except the diehard juniors and seniors who show up early. They're the ones getting screwed, but the student body as a whole has no one to blame but itself.



This isn't the Greek community's fault, as much as I've heard people try to go that route. This isn't Dave Brandon's fault. Its the student body's collective fault. Because they thought chugging those last 5 beers were more important that showing up on time. As a recent grad who pregamed before every game and still managed to show up early for the games, turning on the TV at kickoff and seeing a half-empty student section pissed me off.



If you don't want to show up on time? Fine. Sell your tickets to someone who will. There's thousands of alums out there who will buy your tickets, show up early, and stay well after the game is done.



flysociety3

June 12th, 2013 at 9:09 PM ^

I'm more pissed that ticket costs have risen at fairly extreme rates over the past few years...

I couldn't care less about General Admission, but if that's your remedy for getting higher attendance, how about drop the cost a little bit? 

I am going to get them regardless, but it's still annoying

maizenblue1971

June 12th, 2013 at 9:44 PM ^

with the later kickoff times for most games, plenty of time to party and get to the game on time.
simply it is all about priorities. if the games are important to you, then you get there early.
the students not showing up at the first game just hurts yourself and insults your classmates and team.

UMxWolverines

June 12th, 2013 at 9:53 PM ^

I wonder how the players actually feel about it as well. That's something I'd love to get the opportunity to ask. How do you feel about your fellow students not showing up on time to see you play but the rest of the stadium has no problem?