I'm just not used to this much inactivety on a college forum. This is a great web site and gives all the fans of EWU a great forum to voice their opinions. If you are a alum or a student, get your buddies on here to voice thier opinions or concerns. 2010 is going to be awesome, so let's get some excitment going.
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Where are the fans?
- Thread starter wineguy
- Start date
RockTheRed
Active member
This is about it. If you don't like this, you definitely are going to be disappointed in attendance at the games. We'll get some extra onlookers this fall, thanks to the red carpet being laid this June - but when the rain, wind, sleet and snow show up - those folks will stay home and watch it on SWX.
The only game we fill the stands - is against Montana - and it's 80% Montana fans. Otherwise, we don't fill home team stands. It's disappointing and not likely to change any time soon. Wins don't help get more people there and losses will keep people away.
The only game we fill the stands - is against Montana - and it's 80% Montana fans. Otherwise, we don't fill home team stands. It's disappointing and not likely to change any time soon. Wins don't help get more people there and losses will keep people away.
That's ridiculous. This is college football folks!! EWU needs some changes! I've seen more fans at my baseball games. Im not putting down the EWU fan base, if it was possible.. but we need some more committment! Football is made for rain, sleet, and snow. Leave the purses at home and support the team!
I couldn't agree more. It's very disappointing that there isn't more of a fan base out of Spokane for a team that is often in the playoffs and very entertaining. It seems they would rather travel further to see a dismal WSU team ... It doesn't help that the local Spokane media is WSU and Gonzaga-centric. I'm not from the area and didn't really think that there were so many sports spectator options in the area that a Div I team would be largely ignored but that seems to be the case.
A
Anonymous
Guest
RockTheRed said:
I'd say it's a big stretch to say that 80% of the people are Montana fans when the Eagles play them in Cheney. If you figure we average roughly 6000 people a game, and the stadium only holds somewhere around 12,000, you do the math. That's a big stretch, I'd say it's more about 50/50.
Eastern has traditionally played the "little brother" to both WSU and UW in the state of Washington. It's this way in many western states with FCS programs that have 2 or more FBS schools as well (Oregon, California, Utah, Arizona). That, coupled with the fact that over the years Eastern has done a very poor job marketing itself not only in the greater Spokane area, but also on the western side of the state, and well, you get an average annual attendance record of 6-7k fans a game. Furthermore, as strange as it seems for a city located in the Pacific Northwest, people in Spokane are big-time "fair-weather" fans. Add all of this to the fact that about 40% of Eastern's students are commuters from Spokane that don't live on campus or in Cheney, and that also factors into the equation.
There is a big room for improvement in attendance. The team has done it's job on the field the last several years, and I don't believe the program can really make a serious play-off and NC run without an improvement in the fan base. Sure, under the status-quo we can continue to have 7-4 or 8-3, or maybe the off 9-2 seasons when we are really good and stacked with Seniors. But we are missing several key ingredients to make a perrenial national power in the FCS world. This doesn't happen by just winning alone, we have to improve the all-around game-day experience to get people to get off their butts and out to games. A lot of improvements have been made to Woodward over the past 5 or so years, but there's still a long ways to go. Unfortunately, with the recession going on there isn't a lot of extra money to make additional improvements. Even the red carpet is being funded entirely with private donations. This was a great idea in my opinion, and I think if nothing else, it will help to shed some light on a program that is highly under-noticed.
A few of my thoughts on how to improve the fan base for football.
1.) Improve the football facilities. We are making a step in the right direction, but it will take a larger commitment from the administration as well as the boosters. This won't happen overnight, but the University needs a long-term plan for facility improvements. These should include the installation of field-turf (2010), new score-boards, expanded parking, and a permanent concrete grand-stand on the visitors side, in that order. Many people will question why we need to expand seating when we don't fill our current stadium. My opinion is that an aesthetically better looking stadium will get people to come out and watch games, because of the improved game-day experience as a whole. Look at the University of Montana, for example. Before Washington-Grizzly stadium was built in 1986 with large private-sector funding, the Grizzlies played in "New Dornblaser", which was an old, raggedy stadium. Montana's attendance figures back then are similar to what ours are now. Montana built an entirely new game-day experience completely around the new stadium, fan attendance sky-rocketed, their program reached new levels, and the rest is history. I'm not even saying we need to build a new stadium, a lot can be done with Woodward. It just needs to be done. In the long-term, this will pay huge dividends not only with respect to recruiting, booster support, and fan-base, but regional and national recognition for the University as a whole.
2.) Do a better job of scheduling. When possible, schedule home games in concurrence with WSU away games. Sounds silly, but as bad as the Cougars are, we lose a lot of potential fans that go to Pullman instead of Cheney to go watch "real" college football. Agree or disagree, just the way it is.
3.) Market ourselves better not only in Spokane, but on the western side of the state as well. Advertise, work to get more games televised in Seattle, and continue to annually play one game in Seattle.
4.) Continue winning. I don't think we will have a problem with that.
I know there's more, but I'm gettin' tired of typing. :lol:
RockTheRed said:
80%? Come on man. While there is always a huge Montana turnout at EWU home games, I would venture to say there are still at least as many Eastern fans there. Give us *some* credit. Are you sure you're not a Montana fan in disguise? :lol:
Anyway, instead of bitching about fan support, why don't people that are in a position to do something about it do so?
Screamin_Eagle174
Active member
Great post Eagle_Power!
To add a couple things. Game day experience is a big part of it. The loads of people that go down to Pullman for a game certainly aren't doing it because of the quality of the team on the field. :lol: Rather, it's that big-time game-day experience. Fans care down there. They yell on third down. They get crazy. They paint up. They have flyovers. Our fans need to learn how to be real fans. We never get loud on opposing teams' 3rd downs. We don't seem to get involved much. The passion is lacking. The stadium is lacking.
The market for FCS football in our region sucks. As E_P already stated, there are a lot bigger tickets out there... Gonzaga, WSU, etc. Not a lot can be done about that, but the University needs up the ante in terms of getting our name out there and making an EWU football game the kind of experience people covet. I think we're headed in the right direction with the red turf, but so much more can be done.
We've never won a national championship. I really think winning the chipper would solidify us as a team worth watching (for those who don't already). People love winners.
To add a couple things. Game day experience is a big part of it. The loads of people that go down to Pullman for a game certainly aren't doing it because of the quality of the team on the field. :lol: Rather, it's that big-time game-day experience. Fans care down there. They yell on third down. They get crazy. They paint up. They have flyovers. Our fans need to learn how to be real fans. We never get loud on opposing teams' 3rd downs. We don't seem to get involved much. The passion is lacking. The stadium is lacking.
The market for FCS football in our region sucks. As E_P already stated, there are a lot bigger tickets out there... Gonzaga, WSU, etc. Not a lot can be done about that, but the University needs up the ante in terms of getting our name out there and making an EWU football game the kind of experience people covet. I think we're headed in the right direction with the red turf, but so much more can be done.
We've never won a national championship. I really think winning the chipper would solidify us as a team worth watching (for those who don't already). People love winners.
Screamin_Eagle174
Active member
wineguy said:
This forum has been around a couple years, but no one's really known about or used it until recently. I've taken the initiative to try and kick-start it by promoting the forum over on rivals and the various EWU fan pages on facebook. If any current EWU students here that would like to put up fliers around campus, I'll design them for you. One thing that I'm working on is getting a link/promo put on goeags.com. Everyone that knows players on the team, tell them about it! I'm sure they love the attention and would be more than willing in spreading the word and building the hype they deserve.
Screamin_Eagle174
Active member
Also, if anyone has ideas about how to make this site better and to ramp up membership/traffic, feel free to post it in the Suggestions thread, or send me a PM. Also let me know if you have any questions about the features of the site or how to do something, like post an image, edit settings, whatever.
One thing I would like to add - another reason why I feel like we aren't totally there yet with the likes of the truly elite FCS programs such as Montana, App State, etc. is the fact that we don't seem to be able to win the close ones. Look at Montana and Sam Houston in '04, Montana and App State in '07, Colorado in '08, and Montana in '09, just to name a few, but there are countless more. Those were all games that we could/should have won, only to fall in the last couple of minutes. (Yes, I said we should have beaten Colorado, we were kicking their asses all game long until the 4th.)
When the national media spot-light is on us, our teams don't always seem to be able to deliver. I'm not trying to be critical, but that is the difference between good teams and great teams. Maybe it's lack of depth or some other countless number of factors, I don't know. It's certainly not because we don't have the talent.
I believe the program is now at the level where we need to start winning some of those games. In my opinion, if we don't beat Montana and share part of the BSC at least 1 in every 3 years, that is failure. Realistically, we should be looking to make the play-offs *EVERY* year, especially now with the expanded 20 team format.
The stadium upgrades are another big part of a winning formula. If LDopa PDX ever gets on this site he can speak on the subject ad nauseum.
When the national media spot-light is on us, our teams don't always seem to be able to deliver. I'm not trying to be critical, but that is the difference between good teams and great teams. Maybe it's lack of depth or some other countless number of factors, I don't know. It's certainly not because we don't have the talent.
I believe the program is now at the level where we need to start winning some of those games. In my opinion, if we don't beat Montana and share part of the BSC at least 1 in every 3 years, that is failure. Realistically, we should be looking to make the play-offs *EVERY* year, especially now with the expanded 20 team format.
The stadium upgrades are another big part of a winning formula. If LDopa PDX ever gets on this site he can speak on the subject ad nauseum.
To fix the "hand Sitting" at the games, EWU needs to start with the student section. I attend every home game and travel every year to watch the Eags play at either Montana school. You can't even compare the difference between the student sections. That may be in part to the cheer leaders. Half the time you look at the male cheer leaders and they look as if they would rather be in bed. I don't know how to fix this, but I know it could easily start there.
Vic E. Wallace
Active member
I agree with all your inputs. HannahO, I am still waiting to meet you. About the games being schedled, I don't think we have any say over the scheduling, I could be wrong. The scheduling are done at "Big Sky Conference Headquarters".
About the stadium. I spoke with our AD Bill Chaves numerous times, he want to get the visitor side the same as our side, Red Seats, etc, but it takes money, something EWU doesn't have. Thanks to all for the monies for our Red Turf, and possibly the Scoreboards for Football, and Basketball. Maybe if we had some rich People like the Griz has, we could get a stadium everyone will enjoy.
I was told we have at least 30,000, Alumins in the Spokane Area. I have been going to the games for 11 years and I get very disappointed when we can't fill the stadium, unless it is against the Griz. We have an "Outstanding Team", we need to get more support. I am guilty for not cheering in the stadium, I bring my earphone radio, listen to the games. I love hearing Larry Weir our Announcer say "Gette Up Horse" :lol: He is the best Announcer we have in this area, maybe the State.
I promise all of you, should I get lucky enough to come into some bread (money) we will get what we need at our University Stadium. That is a promise. (Not being bigheaded, may bald headed) :lol:
Was at practice today, the team is coming along very well. We had some sore individuals from the scrimmage. Not practicing were Tyler Jolley,Ronnie Hamlin, Autise Gauldin (Broken Left Hand), Brandon Kaufman (he got a helmet in his side), however, he went in and came out with his uniform and practice. Good news about Ronnie Hamlin, there was no tear in the knee. He is going to be a great LB.
If all of us that is so into our team, maybe there is something that we can do to help raise some money to assist our Athletic Department, so we can get what we want in our stadium. I keep thinking of the High School in Texas that is building a six million football stadium. Surely wish we were that fortunate to have that type of money
We have two more practices Wed/Thurs @ 4pm. Then rest for the Summer, our team will be around for the Summer getting Bigger and Stronger. They did the same thing last year, and they were stronger once the season got started. Go Eags! Vic
About the stadium. I spoke with our AD Bill Chaves numerous times, he want to get the visitor side the same as our side, Red Seats, etc, but it takes money, something EWU doesn't have. Thanks to all for the monies for our Red Turf, and possibly the Scoreboards for Football, and Basketball. Maybe if we had some rich People like the Griz has, we could get a stadium everyone will enjoy.
I was told we have at least 30,000, Alumins in the Spokane Area. I have been going to the games for 11 years and I get very disappointed when we can't fill the stadium, unless it is against the Griz. We have an "Outstanding Team", we need to get more support. I am guilty for not cheering in the stadium, I bring my earphone radio, listen to the games. I love hearing Larry Weir our Announcer say "Gette Up Horse" :lol: He is the best Announcer we have in this area, maybe the State.
I promise all of you, should I get lucky enough to come into some bread (money) we will get what we need at our University Stadium. That is a promise. (Not being bigheaded, may bald headed) :lol:
Was at practice today, the team is coming along very well. We had some sore individuals from the scrimmage. Not practicing were Tyler Jolley,Ronnie Hamlin, Autise Gauldin (Broken Left Hand), Brandon Kaufman (he got a helmet in his side), however, he went in and came out with his uniform and practice. Good news about Ronnie Hamlin, there was no tear in the knee. He is going to be a great LB.
If all of us that is so into our team, maybe there is something that we can do to help raise some money to assist our Athletic Department, so we can get what we want in our stadium. I keep thinking of the High School in Texas that is building a six million football stadium. Surely wish we were that fortunate to have that type of money
We have two more practices Wed/Thurs @ 4pm. Then rest for the Summer, our team will be around for the Summer getting Bigger and Stronger. They did the same thing last year, and they were stronger once the season got started. Go Eags! Vic
It's not unusual to have poor attendance when the program isn't top notch, but I think this year will be an exception. The coach's are outstanding, the offense is going to light it up; not sure about the defense or special teams yet; but I do know that if you win, 'they will come'. I don't think Bo has ever played a game in high school , less than 10,000 people. At SMU all the students left at half time, no matter what the score. If we can just get the students and some alums to believe in this team, we are on our way. Also, take a chance on some marketing situations. Create excitement at the games. Don't be conservative, go overboard and see what happens.
wineguy said:
I'd say installing red field turf is about as un-conservative as it gets.
I think the attendance figures are more of a function of everything mentioned in previous posts than it does the team's performance. We have posted 12 winning season out of the last 14 and next season we'll be competing for a 5th FCS play-off appearance in 7 years. We recruit well, and the coaches are excellent. Just need to tip the tide in terms of better facilities and fan base.
Ya the red turf should help out alot. I just know that the Mitchell boys where they come from... well lets just say its not quiet. I wish EWU fans could go to a Katy High School football game and see what football is really about. But hey i would rather have a winning season rather then worrying about the fans. Winning = fans. So let's put some W's on the board this year!!
RockTheRed
Active member
Love your enthusiasm Eagle10, but sadly winning here, does NOT = more fans. EWU had the best QB in the league the last two years, and consecutive winning seasons. This is, plain and simple. Cheney, WA. The guys on the field love playing the game, as do their families and the coaches. There are a number of alumni that are die hard fans... but this ain't Katy, TX and if you brought up 10 Mitchell brothers, it's not going to change it.
The Red Rug will garner some curious fans. Once they see it one time, they'll likely choose a different way to spend the next home game. The novelty will wear off. And if we're not winning - well then, our poor attendance, goes to piss poor. So - we BETTER win.
The Red Rug will garner some curious fans. Once they see it one time, they'll likely choose a different way to spend the next home game. The novelty will wear off. And if we're not winning - well then, our poor attendance, goes to piss poor. So - we BETTER win.
FrontFive4Life
Active member
True story Rock...unfortunately
Vic E. Wallace
Active member
To All Fans:
Football Practice for Thursday April 29, 10,has been cancelled. Instead there will be a Scrimmage on Friday 30th,10, @ 4pm. This information came from Coach John Graham, Defensive Coordinator.
I just hope once the Red Turf are installed, we can get more people involved in our games. It was windy today and cold at practice, however fun. All Coaches were involved in punt returns, some were great, and some slipped,etc. :lol:
Hope the weather is better on Friday. The past couple of days have been nothing but the pain in the _____.
I know most of you have to work on Friday, would like to see more at the practice instead of just myself, and coach Beau Father In Law. Hope to see some of you there. Go Eags!. Vic
Football Practice for Thursday April 29, 10,has been cancelled. Instead there will be a Scrimmage on Friday 30th,10, @ 4pm. This information came from Coach John Graham, Defensive Coordinator.
I just hope once the Red Turf are installed, we can get more people involved in our games. It was windy today and cold at practice, however fun. All Coaches were involved in punt returns, some were great, and some slipped,etc. :lol:
Hope the weather is better on Friday. The past couple of days have been nothing but the pain in the _____.
I know most of you have to work on Friday, would like to see more at the practice instead of just myself, and coach Beau Father In Law. Hope to see some of you there. Go Eags!. Vic
FrontFive4Life
Active member
hmm another scrimmage? I'll see if I can make it
