Topic: When football returns…

[THECHAMPISHERE]

Whenever that is. We have A LOT of work to do.

We have almost COMPLETELY lost the 0-30 year old crowd. If we don’t make major changes (which includes to start winning) we will be back in the FCS or worse before long.

1. COACH: We need plans for a Coaching change. Dead Man Talking ain’t cutting it and Sir Punts a lot ain’t inspiring the younger generation during games. As talked about before we need a confident young buck with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove that God willing won’t be here any more than 4 years. Let’s get the best young up and comer out there who is all business and wants to use us as a P5 steppingstone. 


2. FANS:

a. We need to gimmick the hell out of the program. Every home game should include some huge gimmick to get people in the stadium. Bobble Head nights. Concert (maybe some nationally known bands)/Fireworks before or after game. Special guests. Etc.

b. Outside of the chair backs every seat should be general admission. We can raise the price of general admission a little to compensate. But let everyone sit where they want outside of the chairbacks. **Another thing this does is automatically places fans in the best position/closest to field for TV games. Areas where fans never sit may be able to be repurposed.

c. Every fan 18 and under gets in free and sits wherever they want outside of the chairbacks. If Joe Blow who is 35 can use his nephew’s ID and pass as a 17 year old…more power to him. The 18 and under crowd can use a school ID or other form of ID to prove their age. Obviously 7 year old’s don’t need to show an ID. We desperately need to get young people in the stadium or we won’t have D-1 football 20 years from now.

d. There should be free GA tickets given to every elementary, middle, and high school in the area. Bring them in and charge them 5 bucks for a hot dog and hopefully make a lifetime fan in the process. Nothing wrong with that. They may even buy a 25 dollar t-shirt or 60 dollar sweatshirt too! Think about it...the elementary and middle school crowd will almost have to bring a ticket buyer with them. 1 Free ticket in that case may create two paying tickets (parents). 


3. STADIUM:

a. Turf due to be replaced. We need to replace the 25 yard lines with “75” yard lines. And make some other unique designs in the turf.

b. Lights will probably need replaced at some point to the new LED Seizure lights…that can be turned off and on. This will work well with some of my next suggestions…

c. We should be shooting for one of the biggest scoreboards in college football. Why? Because scoreboards are cool and may be one of the biggest aids to the atmosphere during game days. Good atmosphere…people come back. It’s entertainment folks.

d. We should have some sort of party deck.

e. We should think about getting a DJ.

f. Marshall Games should be advertised as WV’s biggest party.

g. Keep or bring back the Fireworks after touchdowns. People like pyrotechnics. The more, bigger, and more often the better.

h. We then need something else/other things absolutely unique to get fans in the stadium.


4. UNIFORMS:

a. It’s 2020 we should never be wearing the same uniform combo twice. Let fans get excited to see a different uniform combo each game. It’s the little things that get fans pumped. All Black, Throwbacks, Matte designs, neon designs, etc. We need a few different helmet designs. (Here comes the “we’re poor” crowd…if MTSU & WKU can do it, we can. You want a football team or not?)

b. We need a bat sh*% crazy uni combo for at least 1 game…all neon green or something. If it's ugly and we make sports center...awesome. There's no bad press. Get people talking about Marshall football again.


5. Pander, Pimp, & Gimmick the hell out of the program like never before. I know haters are going to hate (as they always do)…but we can either do it now…or not have a D-1 football team in a few years. We are losing so many battles right now. Marshall needs to act like they appreciate their community. People always say Huntington needs Marshall…I think at this point…things equally go both ways…Marshall needs Huntington and the surrounding area’s people/potential fans more than ever! We simply have A TON of rebuilding to do after this Dark Snyderday era.

First Billboard: YOU'RE ONE OF US. HERD FOOTBALL. (Marshall Football should be letting the community know it needs them.)

[QuickStrike]

The Democrats are not going to allow a season due to COVID-19 agenda to try to hurt President Trump.  If there is a season, it will probably be more about the pre-game anti-American flag disrespecting sh.it show by the kneeling Kaepernick cult disciples.

[GreenDaddy]

I agree with most of what you are saying.

1. Whoever replaces Doc needs to be an offensive guy, because we are always at our best when we play fast and have a high powered offense. I still like Sean Lewis from Kent State, dude took them from 2 wins to 7 wins in ONE year. Also plays with a fast and exciting offense.

2. Winning will cure most of the problems when it comes to gaining the younger fan base. We really need another run of 5-6 league titles and a couple access bowl berths to get the crowds flowing. It also wouldn’t hurt to land a player that turns into a superstar durning his time here. We kind of got lucky with that in the 90’s.

3. I still think we should remove those sorry looking upper end zone bleachers and put in a party deck. We don’t need them and a party deck would be nice for game day atmosphere. A 32,000 Edwards stadium is plenty enough for what we are. Also, completely agree about making every seat outside of the chairbacks GA. Let people sit where they want.

Don’t really have any comments on 4 and 5.
 

[W0lfman]

The Democrats are not going to allow a season due to COVID-19 agenda to try to hurt President Trump.  If there is a season, it will probably be more about the pre-game anti-American flag disrespecting sh.it show by the kneeling Kaepernick cult disciples.

Please keep politics off this board. Enough division in every day life. The Tavern is open.

[HaveUherd]

He has no life outside of blaming the evil democrats for everything.

[Taft#1]

He has no life outside of blaming the evil democrats for everything.

Please keep politics off this board. Enough division in every day life. The Tavern is open.

[MUsince96]

Thanks for the effort of all that Champ. I don't want to make a point by point agree and disagree retort but I definitely agree on 1. and a lot in 3. I think endzone suites and a party deck would be awesome while keeping some endzone sections 119, 121, 123, 128,  126, 221, and 228.

At the very least the endzone seating needs painted. They've been peeling for years and it just looks bad. Repaint it silver so it matches the rest of the stadium and looks less like an addition.

[elginherd]

Sir-Punts-a-Lot!

That made me nearly spit up coffee this morning!!

Please consider other Herdfans & their keyboards before posing again ;D

[Scottyo614]

Can’t stress enough that bringing in a one year, two year wonder isn’t the answer to bring the crowd back. Once they get hired out you have to hire again and good luck.

You know what fixed everything? Recruiting and developing top talent. Winning. Putting players to the pros. You don’t need to gimmick to do that.

[elginherd]

The Huntington area needs reasons for people to want to work, live & visit here. For a town of less than 50k, there is an amazing variety of restaurants (my Denverite daughter was really impressed during her 3 week long visit last summer), improving accomodations, a growing medical industry, etc, etc.

An important draw for this region would be a FB team who wins with an exciting offense.

It's not only important for funding the AD, it's important for retaining grads in the region, the hosptiality industry, recruiting new businesses who desire to set up in a place with a university, tech schools, a medical center and relatively cheap real estate.

[HerdinNT]

Champ,  here we go again.  It is not that you have a few good ideas to toss around but you dont back it up with any stats.  By stats I mean expense.  For instance, you want to remove a section of seats and add some entertainment experience.  Sounds good.  How much does this cost to complete and when will it be paid back ( years ).  I could go on and on but unless you look at the whole package ( cost versus revenue over how long ) it just is plain nonsense and disillusion.  If you want your dreams to be at least considered, then join a club/organization that determines the future of Herd football.   Otherwise, he is to another of your posts- dream onward. 

[puma]

This is a fan board, of course there's going to be a lot spit-balling and throwing out ideas. You know what would really help? If Hamrick released some kind of master plan related to the future of the Joan, Marshall football, and C-USA. Just some kind of vision. Then we could have numbers to debate. I won't even go that far, I'd just like some kind of communication.

I like the upgrades we've seen to the Joan in the past few years -- the fan shop, new video board, cleaning up the concourse, painting, etc. -- but I'd kill to know where it will be in 5 or 10 years? Basically the same or do we get bigger concourses, new bathrooms, or a party deck? All of these winning seasons aren't driving attendance.  In a lot of ways, things are worse now than under Snyder. Something is broken and improving fan day experience might help.

As for myself, two things I'd love to see would be a party deck and opening up the ACF lot to tailgating. Basically, maximize the party atmosphere. Make it so everyone and his brother can afford a tailgating spot and seating inside the Joan. The west lot and chairbacks can basically stay as they are but look to a different demographic for the east lot (ACF) and the endzone.

[whf]

Who owns that parking lot?

[puma]

Huntington Metro Development Authority.

[HerdBlizz]

I think that the face masks are beginning to cut the O2 supply to your brains. 

[svherd]

Hey, at least the man is throwing out ideas. Which is more than I can say for those in the Schewey.

[coalherd]

This is a fan board, of course there's going to be a lot spit-balling and throwing out ideas. You know what would really help? If Hamrick released some kind of master plan related to the future of the Joan, Marshall football, and C-USA. Just some kind of vision. Then we could have numbers to debate. I won't even go that far, I'd just like some kind of communication.

I like the upgrades we've seen to the Joan in the past few years -- the fan shop, new video board, cleaning up the concourse, painting, etc. -- but I'd kill to know where it will be in 5 or 10 years? Basically the same or do we get bigger concourses, new bathrooms, or a party deck? All of these winning seasons aren't driving attendance.  In a lot of ways, things are worse now than under Snyder. Something is broken and improving fan day experience might help.

As for myself, two things I'd love to see would be a party deck and opening up the ACF lot to tailgating. Basically, maximize the party atmosphere. Make it so everyone and his brother can afford a tailgating spot and seating inside the Joan. The west lot and chairbacks can basically stay as they are but look to a different demographic for the east lot (ACF) and the endzone.

What, Hamrick with a "master plan"?  Well, "I'm shocked . . . shocked"!!  We have the Herd Rises campaign which, of course, contains detailed plans for a baseball facility and rather less "detailed" plans for Henderson Center (i.e., Gullickson gym) upgrades.  Of course, the specific plans for the baseball facility are now, apparently, back on the "drawing board", having been blown up by construction estimates that came in millions of $$$$ over the projected budget.  As for any timetable, detailed specific plans, etc., for the exact work at the Henderson/Gullickson well, apparently, there aren't any!

So, right now, Herd Fans, future athletic facility upgrades are clear as the proverbial MUD!  Yes, the pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench into the process.  But, until the reworked design changes, modifications, etc., to the baseball stadium are actually released, accepted, etc., all we know is that MU "hopes" to have the stadium ready for play in . . . 2022, . . . 2023, . . .?  As the work at the CAM, etc., I guess we may be looking at . . . 2025, 2028, 2030, or later!   Your guess is as good as any.

See just this week that part of the CAM/Gullickson "upgrade", the Hal Greer statue, has also been "delayed".  I was hoping that when MU unveiled that, it would also include some replacement of the composite surface on the 3rd Ave. plaza outside the JOAN.  If that stuff is deteriorating, cracking etc., as quickly as the concrete steps from the parking facility down to the level of the CAM's entrance, then it seems ridiculous to put up a statue on a crumbling base!  I still say the only way the steps from the parking facility to the CAM will be fixed is after an elderly fan falls, stumbles, etc., on them before/after a HERD game, is injured, and then sues the HELL out of MU.  Then, and only then, will Hamrick, Gilbert, et al., take any remedial action!!!

This, then, as of mid 2020 sums up the specifics of Hamrick's "master plan", such as it is!!

[herdorbust]

Marshall is hurting going forward imo. Sadly Chris Cline passed away. And now they are having to cut everywhere possible because of the virus. They had very little money to begin with and now it’s much much worse. The next football hire better be an offensive mind that has an outgoing, exciting and hardworking coach with a lot of charisma. And they better hope Danny can hold on for 4-5 more years and then hire the right exciting up and comer type coach. If not, Marshall athletics could be in major trouble.

[svherd]

The fact that we only have 3300 BG members and an alumni base of approx. 110K is pretty sad. Why such a low number. Is that the fault of the BG for not delivering a compelling message and reason to give. Not communicating effectively to all alums? Is it the school for not establishing a better, more emotional connection with the students while here? Is it the alumni themselves who are too absorbed in their own affairs to care about the school where they got their degree and played a pivotal part in their lives?

[lexkyherdfan]

The fact that we only have 3300 BG members and an alumni base of approx. 110K is pretty sad. Why such a low number. Is that the fault of the BG for not delivering a compelling message and reason to give. Not communicating effectively to all alums? Is it the school for not establishing a better, more emotional connection with the students while here? Is it the alumni themselves who are too absorbed in their own affairs to care about the school where they got their degree and played a pivotal part in their lives?

It is sad that is all the BG members we have.  There is always an excuse to why some don't give.  I know several I have been working that are alumni.  Some have plenty of money but feel the need to support other programs whether it is their undergrad or grad program or simply because they live somewhere.  That is why I encourage each BG member to add one member themselves...that adds up. I work each year adding new members and run into a lot of walls...from people that can give...even if it is a small amount.  It isn't like these people would be looking for "benefits" either.

With this pandemic here and things shutting down and job losses...it is going to be even harder.  And those that want to withhold support need to realize it is not hurting just the football program or basketball program...it hurts the entire athletic department.  The BG pays for the scholarships.  If more money pays for those scholarship it opens up more budget dollars in the Athletic Dpeartment to put towards facility upgrades or coaches salaries.  People need to keep their support up.  We needed it.

[herdfan129]

It is sad that is all the BG members we have.  There is always an excuse to why some don't give.  I know several I have been working that are alumni.  Some have plenty of money but feel the need to support other programs whether it is their undergrad or grad program or simply because they live somewhere.  That is why I encourage each BG member to add one member themselves...that adds up. I work each year adding new members and run into a lot of walls...from people that can give...even if it is a small amount.  It isn't like these people would be looking for "benefits" either.

With this pandemic here and things shutting down and job losses...it is going to be even harder.  And those that want to withhold support need to realize it is not hurting just the football program or basketball program...it hurts the entire athletic department.  The BG pays for the scholarships.  If more money pays for those scholarship it opens up more budget dollars in the Athletic Dpeartment to put towards facility upgrades or coaches salaries.  People need to keep their support up.  We needed it.

I don't care about other programs. I am not a Marshall alum. I am a Marshall football and basketball fan. Want my money then entertain me and excite me.

It doesn't seem our AD cares or has a desire/vision to move up. If that is the case then why should I have the desire to donate?

[Herdmeister]

It is sad that is all the BG members we have.  There is always an excuse to why some don't give.  I know several I have been working that are alumni.  Some have plenty of money but feel the need to support other programs whether it is their undergrad or grad program or simply because they live somewhere.  That is why I encourage each BG member to add one member themselves...that adds up. I work each year adding new members and run into a lot of walls...from people that can give...even if it is a small amount.  It isn't like these people would be looking for "benefits" either.

With this pandemic here and things shutting down and job losses...it is going to be even harder.  And those that want to withhold support need to realize it is not hurting just the football program or basketball program...it hurts the entire athletic department.  The BG pays for the scholarships.  If more money pays for those scholarship it opens up more budget dollars in the Athletic Dpeartment to put towards facility upgrades or coaches salaries.  People need to keep their support up.  We needed it.

Agree. I too am not an alum but I I belong to he Alumni Assoc, the MU Foundation along with the BG. and Tip Off Club. I'm happy to have enough income that I can support our athletes.

[Herdmeister]

Landon pretty much summed up my thoughts this morning. He is getting more and more doubtful of a football season, especially a full Sept to Dec season