Facility Improvements

[GardenCity62]

After watching two college basketball last week I came to the conclusion perhaps the biggest improvement to SJU basketball would cost very little and could be done before next season. I turned on a Duke game and prior to tip off the students are all standing and cheering creating a tremendous atmosphere. A few days later I turned on a SJU game. The stands are about 25 per cent full and it takes a good twenty minutes to fill with fans who look like the grandparents of the players and who might get up to cheer once or twice  in the second half. Very similar to watching a Garden City HS game with a number of parents in the stands.
Anyone who has attended a SJU game at CA can attest to this. I know these fans have been supporters of the program for years and are among the most loyal in all of college bb but the program needs a jolt. Cragg should fill those seats with students moving the current fans to the next section up which is still a very good seat at CA. I don’t know how legal it is to move fans but this program needs a shot and the more students around the court the better. 

 

 

[Anthony Mattia]

It's never going to happen. I suggested it a couple of times. They want more comfortable seats that they don't get up from, not to be moved higher in the stands.  I even commented on it in the Butler game thread.  Up by 20 in a conference game, shooting the lights out and everyone is sitting quietly. What are they waiting for?  What will it take to get them to cheer loudly and give us a real home court advantage? 

 

[ohiofan]

Get out of jail cards for cursing at the refs?

 

[Knight]

Get some more HS juniors and seniors to attend.  CA should always be a full house and a hot ticket.  Hard to manage with TV’s influence on start times.  Games need to be the happening place.

 

[section10]

the anti grey panther sentiment on this board is getting out of control

 

[paultzman]

the anti grey panther sentiment on this board is getting out of control

NM

 

[beast of the east]

After watching two college basketball last week I came to the conclusion perhaps the biggest improvement to SJU basketball would cost very little and could be done before next season. I turned on a Duke game and prior to tip off the students are all standing and cheering creating a tremendous atmosphere. A few days later I turned on a SJU game. The stands are about 25 per cent full and it takes a good twenty minutes to fill with fans who look like the grandparents of the players and who might get up to cheer once or twice  in the second half. Very similar to watching a Garden City HS game with a number of parents in the stands.
Anyone who has attended a SJU game at CA can attest to this. I know these fans have been supporters of the program for years and are among the most loyal in all of college bb but the program needs a jolt. Cragg should fill those seats with students moving the current fans to the next section up which is still a very good seat at CA. I don’t know how legal it is to move fans but this program needs a shot and the more students around the court the better. 
 

I don't believe any season ticket holder would voluntarily give up their seats to be moved further away.   Those sections are currently sold out for season ticket subscribers, and we have some substantial donors with season tickets who are seated in the upper section now.     The last time there was a reseating to accomodate students, there were several hundreds cancellations, the team wasn't very good, and the student section was largely empty until finally discarded.

But to be clear, since we have more than 3000 season ticket holders, and have been attracting as many as 1200 students in a 5500 arena, your assertion that the stands are 25% filled is a blatant misrepresentation.   

 

[plandome4]

It's never going to happen. I suggested it a couple of times. They want more comfortable seats that they don't get up from, not to be moved higher in the stands.  I even commented on it in the Butler game thread.  Up by 20 in a conference game, shooting the lights out and everyone is sitting quietly. What are they waiting for?  What will it take to get them to cheer loudly and give us a real home court advantage? 

I can tell you first hand Section 9 lower..very few people stand. Next time we have a big run..look over and the ONLY person you will see standing is Mike Cragg. ....pathetic
 

 

[beast of the east]

It's never going to happen. I suggested it a couple of times. They want more comfortable seats that they don't get up from, not to be moved higher in the stands.  I even commented on it in the Butler game thread.  Up by 20 in a conference game, shooting the lights out and everyone is sitting quietly. What are they waiting for?  What will it take to get them to cheer loudly and give us a real home court advantage? 

I can tell you first hand Section 9 lower..very few people stand. Next time we have a big run..look over and the ONLY person you will see standing is Mike Cragg. ....pathetic


 

I know I stand and others do too. I definitely know Mike C. stands and cheers continually.    Yes, our older fans don't stand as much as students, and never have.    But they are there, and most are season ticket holders.     Before the huge initiative to engage more students, even the student sections behind each basket weren't filled.   

I think we can explore how to get more students closer to the court.  Maybe a minor expansion.
 

   

 

[PharmDJohnnie11]

As much as Carnasecca is a dump, it does get pretty loud in there for big games so I think this is the least of our problems. 

The sole focus should be to make it more comfortable, and hospitable for all fans i.e. seatbacks, air conditioning and improved concessions. 

 

[redmannorth]

It's never going to happen. I suggested it a couple of times. They want more comfortable seats that they don't get up from, not to be moved higher in the stands.  I even commented on it in the Butler game thread.  Up by 20 in a conference game, shooting the lights out and everyone is sitting quietly. What are they waiting for?  What will it take to get them to cheer loudly and give us a real home court advantage? 

I can tell you first hand Section 9 lower..very few people stand. Next time we have a big run..look over and the ONLY person you will see standing is Mike Cragg. ....pathetic



 

I know I stand and others do too. I definitely know Mike C. stands and cheers continually.    Yes, our older fans don't stand as much as students, and never have.    But they are there, and most are season ticket holders.     Before the huge initiative to engage more students, even the student sections behind each basket weren't filled.   

I think we can explore how to get more students closer to the court.  Maybe a minor expansion.
 

   

The wonderful photos we received of the last game confirm exactly what you said. The players were crazy excited and engaged but most of our fans directly behind were sitting on their hands. I remember when I was a season ticket holder as a student from 81-83, when we were a very good team, and had tickets in the higher sections. I was so excited and vocal and people around me looked at me as if I was nuts. We have always had a very reserved fan base for the most part. It isn’t a question of SJU currently not being a top 25 team. 
no doubt loud and engaged students closer to the floor would create a serious home court advantage at ÇA. The trick now is to see how that can be done without alienating the loyal long time season ticket holders. By no means an easy task.
very different than in Raleigh NC where the vast majority of students are from out of state and leave when they graduate thereby not becoming season ticket holders. However if there is anyone who can navigate this difficult situation it is Mike Cragg.  

 

[monte]

It's never going to happen. I suggested it a couple of times. They want more comfortable seats that they don't get up from, not to be moved higher in the stands.  I even commented on it in the Butler game thread.  Up by 20 in a conference game, shooting the lights out and everyone is sitting quietly. What are they waiting for?  What will it take to get them to cheer loudly and give us a real home court advantage? 

I can tell you first hand Section 9 lower..very few people stand. Next time we have a big run..look over and the ONLY person you will see standing is Mike Cragg. ....pathetic




 

I know I stand and others do too. I definitely know Mike C. stands and cheers continually.    Yes, our older fans don't stand as much as students, and never have.    But they are there, and most are season ticket holders.     Before the huge initiative to engage more students, even the student sections behind each basket weren't filled.   

I think we can explore how to get more students closer to the court.  Maybe a minor expansion.
 

   

The wonderful photos we received of the last game confirm exactly what you said. The players were crazy excited and engaged but most of our fans directly behind were sitting on their hands. I remember when I was a season ticket holder as a student from 81-83, when we were a very good team, and had tickets in the higher sections. I was so excited and vocal and people around me looked at me as if I was nuts. We have always had a very reserved fan base for the most part. It isn’t a question of SJU currently not being a top 25 team. 
no doubt loud and engaged students closer to the floor would create a serious home court advantage at ÇA. The trick now is to see how that can be done without alienating the loyal long time season ticket holders. By no means an easy task.
very different than in Raleigh NC where the vast majority of students are from out of state and leave when they graduate thereby not becoming season ticket holders. However if there is anyone who can navigate this difficult situation it is Mike Cragg.  

Even in my advanced years, I still get pretty animated and loud at games. Even when I haven't plied myself with alcohol. But historically our CA fan base has been old men with one foot in the grave, and families. Neither of which are very vocal at games. Get the younger fans and students in, and you'll hear a more ruckus crowd. A bar across the street wouldn't hurt none either 

 

[IDRAFT]

I find the needing bars around campus as a prerequisite for attendance confusing. One there are plenty of restaurants with bars within a five minute walk of the gym on Union Turnpike. Two SJU opens a section of Taffner up for free for all season ticket holders and I believe ten dollars for anyone else before all games. The ten bucks gets you food if you want it and you can buy beer and wine. From there it’s about a ninety second walk to Carnesecca and you even get a chance to say hello to Joe Lapchick.

Now you can’t do shots if that’s necessary for someone to leave their house, but I think the restaurants on Union would be fine if you need that much alcohol in your system to enjoy yourself.

 

[ohiofan]

It's never going to happen. I suggested it a couple of times. They want more comfortable seats that they don't get up from, not to be moved higher in the stands.  I even commented on it in the Butler game thread.  Up by 20 in a conference game, shooting the lights out and everyone is sitting quietly. What are they waiting for?  What will it take to get them to cheer loudly and give us a real home court advantage? 

I can tell you first hand Section 9 lower..very few people stand. Next time we have a big run..look over and the ONLY person you will see standing is Mike Cragg. ....pathetic





 

I know I stand and others do too. I definitely know Mike C. stands and cheers continually.    Yes, our older fans don't stand as much as students, and never have.    But they are there, and most are season ticket holders.     Before the huge initiative to engage more students, even the student sections behind each basket weren't filled.   

I think we can explore how to get more students closer to the court.  Maybe a minor expansion.
 

   

The wonderful photos we received of the last game confirm exactly what you said. The players were crazy excited and engaged but most of our fans directly behind were sitting on their hands. I remember when I was a season ticket holder as a student from 81-83, when we were a very good team, and had tickets in the higher sections. I was so excited and vocal and people around me looked at me as if I was nuts. We have always had a very reserved fan base for the most part. It isn’t a question of SJU currently not being a top 25 team. 
no doubt loud and engaged students closer to the floor would create a serious home court advantage at ÇA. The trick now is to see how that can be done without alienating the loyal long time season ticket holders. By no means an easy task.
very different than in Raleigh NC where the vast majority of students are from out of state and leave when they graduate thereby not becoming season ticket holders. However if there is anyone who can navigate this difficult situation it is Mike Cragg.  

Even in my advanced years, I still get pretty animated and loud at games. Even when I haven't plied myself with alcohol. But historically our CA fan base has been old men with one foot in the grave, and families. Neither of which are very vocal at games. Get the younger fans and students in, and you'll hear a more ruckus crowd. A bar across the street wouldn't hurt none either 

I'll drink to that.

 

[GardenCity62]

How about luring the old timers to give up their court side seats by putting backs on the seats in the next section up where they would be sitting and leave the lower section for the students as bleacher seats. I am well aware that those in the lower seats may well be the most loyal in all of college bb but if Cragg could move students to court side even on one side of the court SJU would benefit. 
I sat for many years in the second section up and the sight lines are terrific. Put a back on the seat and you have a great way to take in the game.

 

[mjmaherjr]

How about luring the old timers to give up their court side seats by putting backs on the seats in the next section up where they would be sitting and leave the lower section for the students as bleacher seats. I am well aware that those in the lower seats may well be the most loyal in all of college bb but if Cragg could move students to court side even on one side of the court SJU would benefit. 
I sat for many years in the second section up and the sight lines are terrific. Put a back on the seat and you have a great way to take in the game.

I'm working on inventing a massive pulley system that will come down from the roof that will lift people out of their seats on the touch of a scorers button kinda like what they use on nursing homes

 

[monte]

I find the needing bars around campus as a prerequisite for attendance confusing. One there are plenty of restaurants with bars within a five minute walk of the gym on Union Turnpike. Two SJU opens a section of Taffner up for free for all season ticket holders and I believe ten dollars for anyone else before all games. The ten bucks gets you food if you want it and you can buy beer and wine. From there it’s about a ninety second walk to Carnesecca and you even get a chance to say hello to Joe Lapchick.

Now you can’t do shots if that’s necessary for someone to leave their house, but I think the restaurants on Union would be fine if you need that much alcohol in your system to enjoy yourself.

I haven't done any kind of scientific research on this, although Im more then willing to, but it seems to be that there's a direct correlation between level of alcohol consumption amongst fans attending a specific sporting event, and how much noise they make at said event. Mike Maher any thoughts since this is your area of expertise? 

 

[mjmaherjr]

I find the needing bars around campus as a prerequisite for attendance confusing. One there are plenty of restaurants with bars within a five minute walk of the gym on Union Turnpike. Two SJU opens a section of Taffner up for free for all season ticket holders and I believe ten dollars for anyone else before all games. The ten bucks gets you food if you want it and you can buy beer and wine. From there it’s about a ninety second walk to Carnesecca and you even get a chance to say hello to Joe Lapchick.

Now you can’t do shots if that’s necessary for someone to leave their house, but I think the restaurants on Union would be fine if you need that much alcohol in your system to enjoy yourself.

I haven't done any kind of scientific research on this, although Im more then willing to, but it seems to be that there's a direct correlation between level of alcohol consumption amongst fans attending a specific sporting event, and how much noise they make at said event. Mike Maher any thoughts since this is your area of expertise? 

I agree with you. It's a known fact that once Sly Fox closed my Carnesseca attendance dropped dramatically but my MSG attendance didnt. The taffner thing is fine but hanging with your friends before a game at a bar just even having a beer or 2 is a lot different experience.  The reason why I've gone to Carnesseca this year for a few games and will go to the rest of the season is #1 it's to pay homage to our buddy Weathermannyc who cant make this season  due his medical stuff and #2 work from home it's not as horrible leaving from my house and not having a gap between stock market close and game time I can just relax on my couch and leave later. If SlyFox was open my old routine was leave work at whatever time and meet my buddies at SlyFox an hour or little longer before game-time.

MSG I have time to drive home take the huntington trainline and go to city and pre game if needed

 

[room112]

I find the needing bars around campus as a prerequisite for attendance confusing. One there are plenty of restaurants with bars within a five minute walk of the gym on Union Turnpike. Two SJU opens a section of Taffner up for free for all season ticket holders and I believe ten dollars for anyone else before all games. The ten bucks gets you food if you want it and you can buy beer and wine. From there it’s about a ninety second walk to Carnesecca and you even get a chance to say hello to Joe Lapchick.

Now you can’t do shots if that’s necessary for someone to leave their house, but I think the restaurants on Union would be fine if you need that much alcohol in your system to enjoy yourself.

I haven't done any kind of scientific research on this, although Im more then willing to, but it seems to be that there's a direct correlation between level of alcohol consumption amongst fans attending a specific sporting event, and how much noise they make at said event. Mike Maher any thoughts since this is your area of expertise? 

100% agree. When I was at UConn, I don't think students were even interested in going to the game unless they could pre-game drink before.

 

[bucketshardy]

 

I agree with you. It's a known fact that once Sly Fox closed my Carnesseca attendance dropped dramatically but my MSG attendance didnt. The taffner thing is fine but hanging with your friends before a game at a bar just even having a beer or 2 is a lot different experience. ... If SlyFox was open my old routine was leave work at whatever time and meet my buddies at SlyFox an hour or little longer before game-time.

 

I believe you are highlighting a potential business opportunity....may be you and a couple professionally successful posters could undertake