This.
But lack of donations is directly affected by how much a university makes their alumni and donors and tailgaters feel part of the program. When you tailgate and simple rules of enforcement are pushed aside then you quit tailgating. When you have 11 football games and only four of them are at home and 3 of them are late in the season, the college kids just don't care. Why should they? It proves the university considers athletics second on every level. When the facilities are the oldest and smallest in most of your poor conference, it shows you don't care. A 9000 seat football stadium in the Southland? THAT'S SMALL even for the SLC. A basketball arena that functions as classrooms, is 50 years old, and serves refried hot dog water bites at $3 a pop....um...no.
The university needs to find a way to make the experience of athletics better. No. They need to actually MAKE an athletic experience at UCA. I once tailgated at a baseball game...the looks I got from some fans (what's this? it's new!) and the administration (why are you doing that!) was strange. The smiles I got from the players and the coaches was awesome.
It doesn't take HUGE dollars to make fans feel like family.
My tailgates and get togethers are open to anyone who wants to join me.
But you better be a BEAR fan! LOL.
I have tailgated with fans from other schools too. They are a blast.
I've been to McNeese's tailgates. Their fans cook up and invite ANYONE and party and drink and have a blast the day before a football game.
That doesn't cost UCA a darn penny.
Ok . Rant over.
[/quote]
BearCountry would love to get together with ya sometime and tailgate with you. I did for the 2019 season, but didn't get a ton of people who wanted to do it with me. I can bring the TV, Boombox and Food! Even for a couple of games!
I am suprised how much UCA doesn't care for the non-bear backer fans. Most of the fans back the bears! We just don't have 10,000.00 to hand out to you.[/quote]
I've been going to UCA football games since 1989. I know that's not as long as some of the posters on this board, but it is what it is. I'm disappointed in our athletic administration making this a afterthought. The players deserve better. The fans deserve better. Maybe it's time to take it off their hands and create a group that leaves them behind.
I can see it now after we set up a tailgate tent on the berm along first base line. "um. You are not allowed to set up a tent on the visitor side. You can rent a spot on the wooden patio though". UGH. Seriously. Dogs and kids run on that thing. How about we let the fans get some HYPE into this program for once.[/quote]
Wow, now I feel like a kid with being born in 1994. Haha! Yes you have hit the nail on the head. For real though, send me a private message if you want and maybe we can tailgate at an event sometime. I have an official UCA Tent from Sam's. A pretty good TV, and can get a hold of a generator if needed. Also, my wife loves to make tailgate food and do all that kind of stuff. As well as if anyone wants to PM me.