Should Sooner games be more like Thunder games?

[skyvue]

It's easier to get a larger attendance at a NBA game because of the product on the court. I don't think it has much to do with the in between stuff.

Can't agree with this part of your post. I much prefer college hoops to NBA hoops, especially during their respective regular seasons.

But then I prefer college football to NFL football, too. And I think in all these cases, it has to do with the on-court/field product and the in-between stuff, too.

 

[sdcloud9]

The Thunder success has really created the big fan base to a certain extent. Had the team continued to struggle as it did the first year, it would have taken some time to build the fan base but winning this quickly has made a huge difference.

The key to college basketball attendance is the students, they create the environment that makes college hoops fun.

Winning solves a lot of issues. When the Sooners start to win again, the attendance will improve.

 

[Smash Williams]

It's easier to get a larger attendance at a NBA game because of the product on the court. I don't think it has much to do with the in between stuff. NBA games are different than college games and they should be. Just like NFL games are different than college football games.

It's both the on the court product and the in-between stuff IMO. Casual fans, especially women and children, eat up timeout entertainment. I guarantee there are a lot more people taking girls on dates to Thunder games than OU games (and I'm not talking wives and serious girlfriends), because NBA games are much more of an entertainment experience, for better or worse. I don't know how many times I've seen people stand up during entertainment segments, only to sit down once play resumes and remain in their seats unless something absolutely spectacular happens on the court.

 

[Smash Williams]

Joe C needs to get the Chinese lady who catches bowls on her head for every halftime show. Never get tired of watching that act, most unappreciated talent in the United States.

Red Panda is the Mike Jordan of halftime shows.

 

[HOTROD21]

Can't agree with this part of your post. I much prefer college hoops to NBA hoops, especially during their respective regular seasons.

But then I prefer college football to NFL football, too. And I think in all these cases, it has to do with the on-court/field product and the in-between stuff, too.

Most of us on here probably prefer the college atmosphere better. But in general, the average person that doesn't know much about sports is going to want to go see Kobe Bryant and LeBron James over Byron Eaton or the Morris' twins.

 

[skyvue]

Most of us on here probably prefer the college atmosphere better. But in general, the average person that doesn't know much about sports is going to want to go see Kobe Bryant and LeBron James over Byron Eaton or the Morris' twins.

So it's not a really better product; it just appeals to clueless folks on the fringe more.

Got it.

 

[Tony]

So it's not a really better product; it just appeals to clueless folks on the fringe more.

Got it.

You say clueless, I say potential basketball convert.

 

[Sooner Quick]

The Thunder Girls?

 

[SoonerSpock]

I've noticed the screaming PA guy in the Thunder games I've watched on TV - both home and away. It makes me cringe when watching on TV. I can't imagine how annoying it is in person. I hope we NEVER have a PA guy as loud and annoying as the NBA.

I like some of the stuff OU does during timeouts - the 'Kiss Cam' and the 'Dance Cam' are cute. I wouldn't care if we never saw movie clips on SoonerVision. That could be a generational thing. I like a little bit of piped in music, but in general, I would rather hear the pep band.

There seem to be 2 types of fans who attend college & NBA games:

1) Those who attend to see and be seen.
2) Those who can go to a high school basketball game and be completely entertained by a good basketball game w/o all the bells and whistles of college and the NBA.

We need more of number 2 and less of number 1.

Do I prefer fan #2? Yes! But I would suggest that the Sooners need more of both fan #1 and fan #2. On occasion fan #1 evolves into fan #2 when following a winning basketball team.

 

[HOTROD21]

So it's not a really better product; it just appeals to clueless folks on the fringe more.

Got it.

No its a better product on the court. You'd be hard pressed to see any better athletes in the world than NBA players. After going to the Thunder game tonight, I would have a tough choice if OU was playing in a Final Four game or going to a lets say NBA Finals game involving the Thunder. The Thunder crowd/atmosphere in game 4 was unbelievable.

 

[skyvue]

No its a better product on the court. You'd be hard pressed to see any better athletes in the world than NBA players. After going to the Thunder game tonight, I would have a tough choice if OU was playing in a Final Four game or going to a lets say NBA Finals game involving the Thunder. The Thunder crowd/atmosphere in game 4 was unbelievable.

Ah, but that's two different things -- the crowd and the product on the court. As I've stated, I hated the Thunder's organizational presentation, but the OKC crowd's great.

But you were talking about the product on the court.

I know the NBA is the best of the best -- pro sports always are -- but those elite players don't always play with passion and commitment.

The NBA's may be great during the playoffs, but the regular season can be a slog. And college hoops are pretty great during their postseason, too. Perhaps you've heard of March Madness? The entire country gets caught up in it. I don't know the numbers, but I'll bet it does better in the ratings than the NBA playoffs do, and in any case, it certainly is discussed around more water coolers across the country than the NBA playoffs.