Attendance at games

[vbdad]

The student attendance is baffling. They haven’t come for years. There was less than 50 on Monday night. What else are they doing? I’m certain it isn’t studying.

 

[Sooner04]

You guys would not believe how hard Kruger and his staff have worked to reach the students. Nothing works. They can't get them to the LNC. They'd rather sit somewhere else and watch the game on the phone.....if they watch it at all.

 

[cowboysooner]

First, like many of you the issue I don't understand is the lack of student support. I think Lon and staff work extremely hard at attendance, but just aren't having any luck.

I have an undergraduate degree and post graduate degree at OU (there 6 years), and I don't think I ever missed a game. I just don't get why the kids don't support the team, what else do they have to do. but the fact is that student and general attendance has sucked forever.

We have had some isolated periods of good attendance. Off and on with Billy, off and on with Kelvin, off and on with Capel and off and on with Lon. In each instance, the attendance coincided with our having a really good team and a star. But, by in large, attendance has been a mystery.

I am sure it is different for everyone, but for me, I just don't like the arena.

 

[Hollisp]

Great read on the topic:

Staples: Why your student section should be more like the Grand Canyon U. student section https://theathletic.com/1397407/201...-student-section-party/?source=shared-article

 

[coolm]

they're not going because the college dynamic has changed. it's not really anything different the school is doing or not doing or has failed to do in the past. the model for success and the expectations of things like attendance need to be adjusted accordingly.

 

[OUSKINS]

they're not going because the college dynamic has changed. it's not really anything different the school is doing or not doing or has failed to do in the past. the model for success and the expectations of things like attendance need to be adjusted accordingly.

But has it just changed at OU? That's what sort of baffles me. If it's a millenial or generational thing it's something we should be more across the country. But look at a school like Pitt.. program in the dumps for several years now, but always a full and raucous student section... same with almost every school in the conference. It's just weird. Can't quite pinpoint why OU specifically has such trouble getting students to go to games.

 

[coolm]

But has it just changed at OU? That's what sort of baffles me. If it's a millenial or generational thing it's something we should be more across the country. But look at a school like Pitt.. program in the dumps for several years now, but always a full and raucous student section... same with almost every school in the conference. It's just weird. Can't quite pinpoint why OU specifically has such trouble getting students to go to games.

thats a legitimate question. We've had periods of good attendance, but overall it's always been a tepid response compared to the monster. Periods ... not a culture.

Even many of the schools where it has been a culture historically have seen a lessening. The only real solution for OU overall is exactly what coach Lon is doing ... extol the ones who are there and keep putting out an enjoyable product. I personally think Lon's style is very accommodating to that formula. He's pleasant, his style is fun, and he isn't a cheater. I couldnt be more pleased.

 

[inoref]

Maybe OU students want to stay in the dorm and play video games instead

 

[AdaSooner]

But has it just changed at OU? That's what sort of baffles me. If it's a millenial or generational thing it's something we should be more across the country. But look at a school like Pitt.. program in the dumps for several years now, but always a full and raucous student section... same with almost every school in the conference. It's just weird. Can't quite pinpoint why OU specifically has such trouble getting students to go to games.

Hollisp’s post on the first page peaked my interest in students at Grand Canyon University and their fanatical devotion to their basketball team. I found the answers in this article.

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/02/gr...tball-best-student-section-havocs-dan-majerle

The student leaders of the Havocs work directly with the university. They sit in on marketing meetings. They meet with President Mueller weekly and go over ideas for the next game.

Do you think OU’s brass would meet every week with student representatives to get their advice on topics like marketing, halftime entertainment and music, etc.?

GCU targets students, not wealthy donors and big money corporations:

Where established schools generally give 70 to 80 percent of the seats to donors and season-ticket holders, GCU needed to build a fanbase with an atmosphere that appealed to students. The school sought feedback from students on everything from tailgates to music. The party was going to be what got the students in the building for every game. And nobody wanted to miss the party.