As much as I would love to someday watch a football game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, you could not get me to sit out there in the cold (minus 17) if you gave me $1000.

 

I would attribute the empty seats to the cost of attending a game as well the improvements with television.
It's just more convienant to be home and the NFL has given us Red Zone to catch up on all the games.Plus there is no line at the bathroom.

 

I've made a decision to not attend any Dolphins game home or away until Ireland is no longer the GM.

 

I dont like watching games live i go at least once every 2 years but i never enjoy it. Its harder to follow in person for me i have a easier time on tv. Then lets say we lose like i went to the tampa game this season now i get to drive back home in traffic all pissed off its just bad news all around.

 

For reasons like this, the so called fans are easily a bigger problem for the franchise than the GM is. You'll still be fans, you'll just be miserable and try to drag everyone down with you as you complain and try to cause a ruccus along the way. The fanbase has cancer that keeps coming back.

 

The cost is an issue. Living here in Boston, I'd love to take my family to a game in Fenway, but I'm not paying $600-$700 to do it for a baseball game.
same with the patsies, last year, my wife bought me two tickets for the dolphins-patriots game - cost $1200. I said thank you, sold the tickets for $1400 and bought a new back door.
when I lived in Cincinnati, I went to Bengals game every winter. easier to sit in the cold when the seats are cheap
same with Atlanta, I could get luxury seats for $40/seat to have AC in the summer.
It gets to a point where it's simply not worth the money.

 

Nevermind us... the real beauty of these grocery stores buying up the tickets in Cincy and Indy, is they bought them, and then in turn apparently donated them to veterans, and active service military personnel. To me, that's the real story in all of this, and I'm not even an American.

To me, that's pretty awesome on behalf of Kroger, and I believe the other was Meijer. In a world of greedy corporations and businesses, I think its a great thing for them both to do. That's what we should be talking about here IMO.

 

So does that come from a cadaver er........



Sounds pretty inexpensive BTW. Did you go with a mismatched color to save on price?

 

Kroger's bought tickets before for Bengals, but I don't recall them donating them to veterans before. Good on their part.

At the same time, it's kind of sad. I was at the last Bengals home playoff game in 2009 against the Jets. The weather was just as bad that day as it's supposed to be this Sunday and Paul Brown Stadium was packed that day.

 

They have hit there ceiling. **** if i wanted to take my two boys to the football game I am going to spend 4-500 dollars. People just don't have that kind of coin right now. Have you seen the economy

 

and a beer only cost you a buck

 

Yeah, that's right. Fans are what's preventing the team from winning. Because we have so much more impact on the outcome of the games than the guy drafting the players. What an idiotic argument.

My comment was kinda off topic to the thread, so I don't want to drag this out to much. I respect those who will still go to games regardless of whether or not Ireland is retained. I just can't keep getting myself so emotionally wrapped up in the outcome of these games when ownership is not doing everything he can to improve things. Investing money and time to go to these games just makes me that much more miserable when they lose. It's a personal decision for my personal sanity. That's all.

 

It is not my intention to sound rude but this post seems to have been written from atop a rather high horse. What other conclusion can we make when you are suggesting that the NFL should hold local fans hostage by blacking increasing blackouts again instead of improving the product.

The reason why attendance is down is very simple: people don't want the product enough to pay for it anymore. It's too expensive, too inconsistent, and not as enjoyable as it could be. Heck, expense aside, I can't go to a game with my wife and son anymore without one of us being harassed by drunk fans. During the last game I attended against Carolina some drunk clown screamed insults at my son for wanting to escape the rain. I can't even get through the parking lot without dodging beer cans and vomit from wasted tailgaters who are unconscious before the game even starts.

For me, going to a game has become nothing more than trying to make the best out of a chappy experience.

 

My old man lectured me on this years ago. But, as the years have rolled on, and as the mighty NFL has grown by leaps and bounds, it's become apparent to me just how right he was. Yes, the TV contract is huge (meaning billions of $$$), but if stadiums were empty on game days, you better believe the mighty NFL would crumble upon itself. Ticket prices are just ridiculous. Add to that the seating "right" fees, and they're (the owners) just looking for ways to gouge the average "Joe" who wants to take in (along with his family in many instances) a game on Sunday. Perhaps because of the HUGE players contracts??? Gee...chicken or the egg...hmmm?

 

I heard on Sirius NFL radio todoay that Kroger and Meijer both donated them to veterans and active service military members. Personally, I think that's fantastic. I'd like to see corporations that buy these tickets, or maybe the franchises that can't sell them also "sell" or donate them to the underprivileged, and the folks that really can't afford to take their families to games because they are so overpriced now. That's a whole other issue though I guess.

Ya know... I can totally agree with this post. I've also been that drunk fan, but I dont harass others. I just have a good time with myself and my friends Im with and mind my own business.. I go to quite a few Lions games since I live so close to Detroit and my best friend is a Lions season ticket holder. It was enjoyable going to Ford Field when they sucked... I went to the Lions/Bears game early this season, and wow... its amazing how that place could be so empty so few years ago, now so packed with drunk arrogant idiots that are so disrespectful its unbelievable. You'd think they'd won the superbowl every year for the last 5 years.

Everytime the lions scored in that game, one guy across the aisle from us would stand up in his Johnson jersey and scream at this Bears fan sitting just a few seats from me, who was in his 50's, minding his own business in a Bears golf shirt, tucked into a pair of dockers style pants... and this lions fan would scream at him "take that Bear ****er!!" over and over and over... its just distgusting. The guy didnt make it to the middle of the third quarter of course. Im not sure if he was just so drunk, or if he just got thrown out eventually.

It wasnt just this one guy though, its an awful lot of people in that stadium, and I assume many other NFL stadiums every Sunday. The Dallas in Detroit game I heard many other examples from as well. Just crazy what goes on nowadays.

 

That's another aspect of this issue for sure. And, it really goes to the morality of society issue. Which may or may not be something that can be discussed on this board. But, and just going back to what my dad told me over the years, they used to go to NFL games dressed to the nines. Suits and ties. Long coats. You know what I mean. It was a big event, so they dressed and acted as such. Now a days it's all about looking and acting like an idiot. That's what is considered "normal". Moreover, maybe it's even a way to stand out? HEY MAN, I WANT MY 15 MINUTES OF FAME! EVEN IF I LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT IN THE PROCESS!!

But yeah, I would NEVER even consider taking my son to an NFL game today because I know the drunken debauchery that takes place. MLB is all together different. Although, certainly not that different in the wallet. :no:

Honestly, maybe it is the rise and fall of the Roman Empire all over again. My kingdom for a horse!

 

You have it completely backwards..

There is one way to fill a stadium that can sustain it's power all it's own, and that is to build a stadium that is more intimate and built to intimidate..that is what I've been telling you and anyone who would listen, for decades.

It is the ultimate solution to this problem..the fact that you or whoever cannot see it, is fine..you will continue to see the evidence unfold..

In fact I already posted a thread and link that backed my summation up 100 percent..the NFL is now taking notice, ( bout freakin time) you are behind what is being talked about in serious tones.

I repeat, there is only one solution that will overcome all the problems that you talk about...a true designed intent, home field advantage, built into the structure...the energy created, inside a venue, that captures this thru design, then marketed as such, will be the big winner, the dolphins,the canes will continue to suffer a serious home field DISadvantage, until they understand what I'm talking about and do something about it..

 

So tell us why the playoff teams had trouble selling instead of going back the the same ol story from you? The COLTS had trouble selling out a playoff game!!!! The team with a roof over their head .....

I'm afraid it is you that have it backwards.

 

The narrative right now, and the NFLs biggest problem on this topic is trying to get fans to go to games instead of fans getting comfy on their coaches with their redzone channel while saving money..we know that this is an ongoing topic for the last couple years..my solution to this problem overcomes that issue directly..owners, executives, etc, have been focusing on the wrong solutions, their trying to make their stadiums more tech advanced, more bells and whistles...wrong...they should be (and finally are) focusing on the connection, the closeness of the watch/action, as the draw.

Playoff teams are winning games..the colts are in a dome with the best young Qb in the game..I thought it was about winning games ? Hmmm.

Our problem is that our stadium is the antithesis of what the NFL wants stadiums to evolve into, they finally have recognized something I have been talking about for years, so your not just disagreeing with me anymore...now if you could only understand how this bad of a disadvantage truly affects a culture and team..

Once again, you obviously have it backwards..the more you argue the more your going to be wrong in the long run..

The 12th man concept in archecture will be the new wave, the lure, fu@& the wifi, screw the handheld devices in your seats to check your fantasy teams, the performance and engagement of the fan to the players in the stadium will be the new competitive edge..To do that effectively, to make it impactful, to make money off it, the structure MUST dictate it to be so..

Save this post..cause one day we will come back to it...and if you keep taking your immature pot shots at me, I will make sure I do.

 

I find enjoyment from the whole media spectrum that sits in complete confusion as to what the solution could be to get attendance up..

 

http://www.nfl.com/qs/2020/week-1.jsp

Pretty cool video eh..Russell Wilson and sh&$...

"The league and the sport will be dealing with several new oppurtunities and challenges in the coming years, some of it begs the question, what will the NFL look like in the future, imagine new fan experiences inside smaller more INTIMATE stadiums"

Remember when you argued with me last year when I used the word intimate when describing the concept and structure?

I'll tell ya what you said, you mocked me for using the word "intimate", you laughed and said you didn't know what that word had to do with a home field advantage, and made jokes about couples being intimate..

Same ole story my ***.

 

Not sure why you keep bringing up stadium technology and architecture as if these are the biggest factors in the gameday experience..

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the way the stadium is built can determine the level of 12th man and home field advantage you have, my point is if you build it in a design that maximizes the intimacy from stands to field, you will then feel the impact thru the culture, the performance, and the bank account...the blueprint should have the structure built to have the stands as close to the field as possible..upper deck and lower deck..intimate designs, just like the video points out.

The tech part ( wi-if..hand held devices) Is just one example of what execs are focusing on to improve the fan experience in the building thinking that the bells and whistles part is what is going to bring fans out, and that's fine for existing structures that have no choice, but news ones and ones that may upgrade, getting the stands as close to the field should and will take precedent if their smart..the energy that is created, that vibe inside a building like the link in Seattle, IS the draw...I've been talking about this stuff before the a link was ever designed, someone finally got it, and they seem to be doing pretty good with their 12 the man advantage and marketing of..

I think it could be even better if the singular Focus of the architects were to design with intimacy inside the building..

 

Not debating this at all. I agree with you that the fan experience is affected by the stadium architecture and closeness to the product. In Seattle's example, I'm just not convinced that the stadium itself is what brings the fans out to the park. The team itself has been great as of late.

In general I'm not sure that the architecture is going to weigh more into the decision to shell out the dough, considering how much cheaper and more comfortable the product can be enjoyed from home. Lebatard made the great point that the NFL Redzone channel is just another example of the NFL cannibalizing itself.

That said, I would 100% prefer to have an Arrowhead Stadium, Lambeau or Ralph Wilson to the abomination we have presently. They painted the benches areas aqua for wk17 and it only highlighted the giant space between the bench and the first row.

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Not to mention the subsequent donation to Michigan after the failed plea for tax money.

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if it doesn't weigh into the decision when designing a new one, that is when the ignorance of the concept takes place, that's my overall point, they don't know what their losing if they don't, they don't get it..the ones that do, well, will reap the benefits, competitive advantage is just a part of it..

 

DJ you can kiss my *** with that last sentence! There was no ****** pot shot at you. As far as coming back to it. Thats true and it will be in every other post you make.

The original post explained how it seems fans are less and less interested because they can see the games at home on TV. It also had to do with the price of going to a single game. That is especially true in Miami where it is ranked as the 4th worst run city.

The NFL's solution is not to make the stadiums more intimate. That would mean the rebuild or remodel of about 20 of their stadiums. That's too long term to be any type of solution.

Two of the teams that had trouble selling out this week are known for sellout after sellout and for great crowds. Thats because some teams playoff prices are nuts.

The NFL has to accomidate the TV markets or their next deal with them will be far less profitable. Thats where ALL the real money is!!

 

''The original post explained how it seems fans are less and less interested because they can see the games at home on TV. It also had to do with the price of going to a single game. That is especially true in Miami where it is ranked as the 4th worst run city.''

and I gave my explanation what I believe the solution to be, backed with support by the nfl and their vision for future stadiums that happen to coincide with my original concept ideas..

the bottom line is, and what everyone is talking about, is how can you make the fans come out to the stadium instead of staying at home..well, im sorry you cant put the two together without getting irritated that im right, the nfl certainly agrees with me..

the more you continue to dig your hole is this stance of yours the more your going to look silly as it comes to fruition.

 

What the fuk are you talking about? I'm digging no hole. I am the one who said OUR stadium needs to be smaller NOT YOU. You keep patting yourself on the back though.

 

I did this 3 years ago after the Tim Tebow Worship Day

 

I do it because I am not going to reward an owner who continues to employ, what I believe the biggest detriment to our becoming an elite team - oh hell, not even an elite team, just a freakin' playoff team.

 

There is such a disconnect between the owners and fans these days and they don't understand this at all. They just see their fans as a cash register that will continue to keep paying higher and higher prices. They have finally hit the ceiling.