On behalf of the "drunk sorority girl"

Submitted by cigol on

Resulting from the new student seating  policy (which I am personally a big fan of), the general sentiment of disdain towards the "drunk sorority girl," who seems to personify every student not in his or her seat by 11:59 AM has come more into light.  So for that, I'll take their side.

First off, I'm a student who gets to every game early and is generally "that guy" at 11:20 trying to round the troops away from "just one more game" of flip cup.  Nevertheless, these people should not be shat on for the following reasons:

1) Global reach:  Everyone on here likes to talk about how sweet of a university this is and how we're so academically superior to OSU and Sparty.  While sort of arrogant, everyone is dead on.  UM is way better. We get far more students from all over the country / world, and this has become even moreso in recent years.  For multiple reasons, Michigan has far far more out of state / country people that didn't grow up in Grand Rapids with Ford / Schembechler posters over their beds, relative to the previous eras of Michigan football that so many on here reminisce about.  For the university and our diplomas / egos, this isn't exactly a bad thing.  

Conclusion: More national / international university with flourishing world class grad programs = less kids that care as much as the rest of us.  Just be grateful that most of them still go, we still have 20k students at most games, and don't whine that we only have 109k instead of 112k at kick off.  It could be worse. SEE: Wisconsin day games.

2) Richrod / Late Carr (??) Effect:  Let's face it, 2007-2012 has been a relatively dark era for Michigan football.  My first games were in 2010, and something about having the only entertaining games being shootouts against Illinois and UMass doesnt breed the immense school pride that will pull people away from that last game of flip cup to see them touch the banner.  Couple that with the more geographically diverse student body, and you have less people showing up for noon kickoffs, especially against Directional Michigan and Purdue.

Conclusion: Non-elite teams and unexciting games, coupled with #1 = less kids that care as much as the rest of us.  Again, just be grateful that most of them still go, we still have 20k students at most games, and don't whine that we only have 109k instead of 112k at kick off.

5th and Long

April 24th, 2013 at 6:52 PM ^

Perhaps the security policy is partly to blame.  Regardless of decade college students like to mix booze and football.  The difference was in past decades students could sneak alcohol into the stadium and continue to party throughout the game. There was no reason not to go to the game early.  The 1983 and 1992 games referenced above were pre 9/11 games where sneaking booze into the stadium was an accepted tradition.  In '92 we snuck a  pony keg into the stadium strapped to the bottom of a wheel chair...and we were just copying others who had done it.  In the 80's you could bring drinks into the stadium.  You didn't have to sneak.  You could even exit the stadium at half to get more booze and re-enter.   Getting anything into the stadium today is virtually impossible, so normal red-blooded partying college students have a disincentive to show up early if they want to party.  Also, keep in mind even as recent as the mid-to late 90's not every UM game was on TV, so if you didn't show up you didn't see it.  You had to wait for highlights on Sports Center or Michigan Replay on Sunday.  Now students can preparty and watch the first quarter or half on their iphone.

The 2001 game referenced above is the first game post 9/11.  It was a big deal.  People were told to get there early because of extra security, and most didn't know what to expect so everyone showed up.

Also John Navarre was at QB that game so there's that...

http://www.wmich.edu/wmu/news/2011/09/007.html

lexus larry

April 24th, 2013 at 5:02 PM ^

An 8-4 1982 season, coming off a loss in the Rose Bowl in January 1983, mid-way through the 1983 season, the stands were packed early against foes mighty and meek equally.  No amount of beers in hand (or apples, marshmallows, rolls of toilet paper) prevented or made it easier for students to arrive prior to kick-off.

Grasping at straws, my friend.

ChiCityWolverine

April 24th, 2013 at 2:45 PM ^

Look, I am in agreement that it would be nice if the whole stadium were full at kickoff, but the high-horse/arrogant we were better fans than everybody schtick is getting old. This fanbase was segmented enough during the RR disaster. Instead of blaming other sections of the fanbase, everyone should just bring it on Saturdays. The students on this site are not the ones that don't show up, just as the alums on this site aren't the ones who sit on their asses and don't make any noise until the 4th quarter.

/starts to hum cumbaya and imagine everyone holding hands, says fuck it puts the victors on repeat instead

Don

April 24th, 2013 at 2:58 PM ^

I wonder if the demographic changes in the student body have contributed to the problem of attendance, given the larger percentage of undergrads not only from out of state, but out of country. It would be an interesting thing to survey, although getting ahold of relevant data might be impossible.

Blue Durham

April 24th, 2013 at 5:58 PM ^

Bo was always concerned about the impact of televising every game, home and away, on attendance. There was no immediate impact back in the '80's when this first became a reality, but I wonder if, with all of the other additional sports coverage and entertainment options, if there is now a noticeable impact.

I haven't been in the state for almost 20 years, let alone a football game, but back in the '70's and '80's we had crappy opponents, hangovers, drunken sorority girls, alcohol, etc, but attendance was always pretty good. Something seems to have changed.

philclar

April 24th, 2013 at 2:08 PM ^

I get that 7 wins is "dark" for Michigan football standards. But, 2010 was great compared to my first years, 2008 and 2009. Holy shit you don't even know what "dark" is   

julian_the_apostate

April 24th, 2013 at 2:15 PM ^

As a non-UM student at a school with general admittance for all students, I can attest to the fact that the policy works pretty well.  For a big game, you will have to get there early, but for the most part it works fine.

I do wonder what used to happen to students who studied abroad in the fall.  I went abroad my junior year, and it sounds like under the previous system I would have been punished for that, even though I attended every game that occurred while I was on campus.

PS - From experience, people will probably just send one of their friends early to claim good seats.

Hill.FootballR…

April 24th, 2013 at 2:24 PM ^

I am a recent grad, as a student I made every home game in 4 years, and I have loved Michigan football since I was born.

First know that I am for a change in the system, I hated get moved by people showing up late as a freshman and sophomore and I hate that the student section looks empty at kickoff. It's embarassing! I hate it!

Because of this I have always said they should scan when students get their and the next year your ticket location is based upon your attendance and arrival time.

However, let me explain why I am tired of reading these threads and listening to people on this blog whine about the student section. Here are the things I'm sick of hearing: "life isn't fair" in response to seniors who are getting royally screwed or "if you're a real fan you'll forget about tailgating", or "get there the night before and get front row seats."

All of these arguments are complete crap for one major reason, they are admitting that this new system sucks too. All of you bitch about the BCS, the leaders and legends names, Maryland and rutgers, ect., ect (and for good reason), and I believe Brian and some of you come

up with good changes to these very flawed systems. So, if I was to tell you the bcs was changing to a new system where the two best teams chosen by coaches poll would decide the national championship would you all say "wow what a great idea"? No, because although it may be better, it may not, it didn't solve the damn problem of no fair playoff! How about if I said we added Missouri and Iowa st instead of rutgers and Maryland, who would be happy? No one! So quit saying this is better for this or that reason when the plain fact of the matter is this new system sucks! Sure it might be a little better than the last one but it still SUCKS!

We know what would work, and that's the system Brian has said for years (scanning attendance and time of arrival).

Also, if I hear that it works at psu one more time I'll scream because I have friends that love psu football and HATED that system. Plus, they had different sections for seniors, juniors, ect. So it's not even the same. And anyone who says Michigan state does it so we should, all I will say to you is... This is Michigan fergodsakes!

Now, to anyone who says "DB could make way more money by making the student section smaller, and the tickets are sold to students are sold way below face value, so don't whine about the price increase" here are my responses:

You know how else we could make more money?

UNIFORMZ and ADS IN THE BIG HOUSE. That's a terrible argument!

You know what else is undervalued?

The "salary" of the football players! Pay the football players what they earn and students can be forced to pay full price.



Finally, for all of you saying the student section is too empty at kickoff (I agree), the student section isn't very loud (I disagree) and this system is going to change these for the better (I believe they both suck) here is what I have to say to you. You know who is really quiet, everyone outside the student section! I don't care how empty the student section is, it's way more of a home field advantage than all the old people who don't make any noise. You want to kick them out too? Make their seating like the students? Or do they spend enough $ to give them the option of being terrible fans while the students who pay 20 to 55 thousand dollars a year get kicked out? This football team is part of the university of Michigan. Guess what keeps that university open and allows it to have a football team, the STUDENTS. So cut them a break.



/end rant





Don

April 24th, 2013 at 2:50 PM ^

Personally, I think all fans should be fitted with shock collars that are calibrated to the amount of noise the wearer is making. 30 seconds of silence = a jolt to the neck. If the decrepit old bastards can't take it, give their tickets to people who are vocal.

One entertaining half-time activity would be to take an old geezer out of the stands and force him to try field goals. If he doesn't make it, an iPhone app lets the crowd give him a zap.

Mabel Pines

April 24th, 2013 at 4:17 PM ^

I'm telling you, you will change your tune when you get older.  I embarass my 12 year old if I yell stuff and the mean older ladies in front of me don't like it if I scream, either.  I clap and yell and stuff with everyone else, but everyone looks at you like you are cray cray if you yell something out of turn.  Srsly.  It just isn't the same as when you are 20. 

Don

April 24th, 2013 at 4:51 PM ^

If I get much older, I'll be dead since I'm 60.

I got news for you—it doesn't matter what you do when you're my age—young people either look right through you as if you aren't there, or they smile at you like you're their senile uncle.

Blue Durham

April 24th, 2013 at 6:15 PM ^

Don, apparently this is some serious stuff, and this is no time to employ half-measures.

Show up late, don't show up at all, don't cheer, don't cheer loud enough, have blue hair, or are just an irritating drunken sorority girl, that's it, its the scrotum squeeze of death for you.

We get rid of the 85,000 or so deadbeat fans that plague the stadium and fill them with real Michigan Men who know how to attend and properly cheer the team, only then will the world be right.

Don

April 24th, 2013 at 2:42 PM ^

Based on that view, I say reduce the student allotment by half, and require the lucky students who do get tickets to clean up the stadium after the game.

 

814 East U

April 24th, 2013 at 2:44 PM ^

Everyone is bitching about students acting entitled. Well, yeah compared to every single non alum inside of Michigan Stadium THEY ARE ENTITLED. It is THEIR UNIVERSITY. They pay tuition, they go to class, they deal with everything on campus. Who cares if some drunk hillbilly from Fowlerville will show up 30 minutes earlier and stay longer. He will pay for his tickets and that is all he contributes to the university whereas students will be more likely to donate in the future and have a stake in the reputation of the school and alums.

Cry about the student section all you want. The BIG sucks so if someone wants to skip the Northwestern game in a snowstorm...let them. I agree it is pathetic to a degree but that is the way the world is today. Older generations didn't shoot up schools and bomb innocent people. The younger generation does for some reason. young people across the board are dumb.

Lower the student section in size if you want but that will screw over true student fans. Yes, the sorority girls will be let in BUT THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LET IN. It is the way Michigan games have always been (from our perspective). GUESS WHAT? 

STUDENTS PAY OVER $200 FOR STUDENT TICKETS!!! My cousin who goes to Alabama pays like $75. UM over charges the students to begin with so F DB they can do what they want. Hockey season tickets are $200???? WHAT?!?! Western games are free for students and they are better than us recently. The whole system needs reevaluating. I JUST BLEW UP AND WASTED YOUR TIME....SORRRY CAPPPPSSSSS! NEED MOAR SUBS!

Vote_Crisler_1937

April 24th, 2013 at 6:38 PM ^

My friend/classmate at NU got the policy enacted where every student pays a student activities fee and in exchange all sporting events are free with student ID.



I do not advocate that for Michigan. Michigan does not have to do what other schools do for tickets.

jmblue

April 24th, 2013 at 2:53 PM ^

Let's face it, 2007-2012 has been a relatively dark era for Michigan football.

Except for the whole winning a BCS bowl thing in 2011 and going undefeated at home two consecutive years. Next year's juniors, sophomores and freshmen will have never seen a home defeat (and almost zero home basketball losses on top of it).  Kind of hard to feel bad for you guys at this point.

 

 

BOX House

April 24th, 2013 at 3:11 PM ^

My only problem with the "drunk sorority girl" stereotype is the stereotyping of Greek life in general. I know this board is generally anti-Greek life, but that stereotype is just not accurate - as all stereotypes are not a good portrayal of groups. 

There are plenty of undergrads not associated with Greek life who overdrink and don't make it to the games or only show up at half-time; the problem is not limited to drunk sorority girls or drunk fraternity guys. And there are sections of Greek life who comprise the most vocal portion of the student section. A lot of times they are the ones in the front row cheering loudest and celebrating with the players after the game.

Butterfield

April 24th, 2013 at 4:42 PM ^

The board is anti-stupid.  If the students oppose a good idea or refuse to recognize an existing problem, then I suppose for that issue the board could be considered anti-student.  Just turns out you're on the stupid side of this issue. 

RadioMuse

April 24th, 2013 at 7:00 PM ^

I got season tickets in 2008, always arrived before the team ran out, and never left until after the games were over.  Yes, even Northwestern.  That experience kinda broke me...  I still show up early for games and stay late to games I'm excited about / think will be competitive... I showed up within minutes of the gates opening for UTLs, and nearly an hour early for Ohio and Nebraska in '11.  I was early for Air Force, Michigan St. and Northwestern this year...

But after 2008 it's difficult to rustle up the enthusiasm to wake up super early, walk a couple miles to the stadium, and watch us level a floundering Illinios team or another MACrifice.  But I'm also graduating, so I suppose I can't be part of the problem anymore.

KingGeorge17

April 24th, 2013 at 9:27 PM ^

I never watched college footbal until I became a freshman here at Michigan in 2008. In that year we won 3 games. I still wanted to get to every game early. I don't think its a richrod effect, but rather a growing culture of tailgating for as long as you can. 

bronxblue

April 24th, 2013 at 10:25 PM ^

This is the old man in my talking, but it's 6-8 weekends a year, spread out during some of the nicer months in Michigan (at least when students are on campus).  If you can't get to an "early" game by 11:30, then be prepared to sit away from the field.  It's that easy.  I know people want to rationalize instances when this isn't fair or how this will affect attendance, but there are enough students at the school to fill a couple thousand spaces.  If you can't be one that week, deal with it.

icegoalie1

April 24th, 2013 at 10:38 PM ^

But I take my M Football way too serious and never mixed football and alcohol when I was a student.  It was never an issue to hang at the tailgate too long for me.  Saturday's were about one thing and one thing only...the game.  After the game was over there was plenty o time for gettin' your drunk on, but never a reason to be late to one of the main reasons I went to UM in the first place.

Mgoblue2011

April 25th, 2013 at 2:00 AM ^

I hate how Anti Greek this board is. We get it, you want students to show

up on time. But sorry, getting hammered at massive parties in beautiful weather with beautiful girls as well as your best friends and fraternity brothers (something you will Only do about 20 times in your life) is more fun then going to the first quarter of the Illinois game. I have the next 40 years to be a punctual, responsible fan. Let me have my four years of being an idiot.

M-Dog

April 25th, 2013 at 1:07 PM ^

Or just stay at the great party longer and see 3/4ths of the game from row 70.  It's not like you won't get a seat, and a decent one at that.

I get single game alumni assoc. seats from time to time, which are terrible.  They're at the very top of the South end zone, mixed in with the opponent's fans.  After the half, I usually go over and sit in the top of the student section.  The seats are better, the crowd is more lively (and more Michigan), and you're near the band.  They're still pretty good seats.

Now imagine sitting in them after your great pre-game party, and life is pretty sweet.