Obviously, OU fans have had this discussion since the Tubbs era, if not before. Sorry to bring it up again, but it's really been weighing heavily on me lately.
Which comes first, great gameday atmosphere or a great team?
In my opinion, we could have a great game experience despite not having a championship caliber team. The Thunder did it their first year here. Most of us here have been to NBA games, especially OKC, and the entire experience is a blast. Granted, maybe that's because the team is good and because a lot of fans show up.
However, when you compare the Thunder experience, or that of watching the KU/UCLA game last night, or the MSU/Duke game, they're not even comparable. Surely, a better team and more fans would help that. However, even during the two years Blake was here, the atmosphere wasn't special save for a few exceptions.
The caliber of the team doesn't really have any influence on the timeout activities, the halftime shows, the introductions, the welcoming OU to the floor, etc.
The guy who has the mike during timeouts and such is just not good. Instead of just playing the "Bring 'em out bring 'em out" song, why not do something similar to OU football games with cool Contender music? Why not do a video before the team takes the floor AND a video during team introductions? Why do we not sing the Alma Mater before the games anymore? Why do we not have fans in shooting competitions during timeouts anymore? Why do we do strange promos like the guy wearing 50 t-shirts instead of something cool like the parachute drop at Thunder games? Why not have trivia competitions where entire sections win something if the question is answered correctly?
I really think our gameday people need to visit several NBA games and other college venues and get some ideas, as well as bring back past successful traditions.
Another question, is it illegal for colleges to play beats (not the band) while the ball is in play?
I think the student group Capelables do a great job with what they have (no student attendance).
Which comes first, great gameday atmosphere or a great team?
In my opinion, we could have a great game experience despite not having a championship caliber team. The Thunder did it their first year here. Most of us here have been to NBA games, especially OKC, and the entire experience is a blast. Granted, maybe that's because the team is good and because a lot of fans show up.
However, when you compare the Thunder experience, or that of watching the KU/UCLA game last night, or the MSU/Duke game, they're not even comparable. Surely, a better team and more fans would help that. However, even during the two years Blake was here, the atmosphere wasn't special save for a few exceptions.
The caliber of the team doesn't really have any influence on the timeout activities, the halftime shows, the introductions, the welcoming OU to the floor, etc.
The guy who has the mike during timeouts and such is just not good. Instead of just playing the "Bring 'em out bring 'em out" song, why not do something similar to OU football games with cool Contender music? Why not do a video before the team takes the floor AND a video during team introductions? Why do we not sing the Alma Mater before the games anymore? Why do we not have fans in shooting competitions during timeouts anymore? Why do we do strange promos like the guy wearing 50 t-shirts instead of something cool like the parachute drop at Thunder games? Why not have trivia competitions where entire sections win something if the question is answered correctly?
I really think our gameday people need to visit several NBA games and other college venues and get some ideas, as well as bring back past successful traditions.
Another question, is it illegal for colleges to play beats (not the band) while the ball is in play?
I think the student group Capelables do a great job with what they have (no student attendance).
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