Thursday July 19, 2007

It Doesn't Add Up

It Doesn’t Add Up
I often read message boards and I see how some fans are disgruntled with Clemson football. I host a sports talk show in Clemson and I hear from fans who say they are fed up with the state of the program. I read columnist that write about the doom and gloom of the future of the program. Several nation college football writers have Tommy Bowden back on the hot seat.

If you wanted to be down about the program then you would have plenty of company. Yet, we find out earlier this week that Clemson broke the record for season ticket sales with over 57,000 sold.

How can this be?

How can the feelings be this down and the ticket sales be this high?

I have a few theories and would love to hear your thoughts. Some of the reasons may include:
1. The overall feelings of fans are not that negative but we get that feeling because the ones that are disgruntled are louder in their complaints.

2. Clemson fans are excited because the home schedule is exciting. Florida State and Virginia Tech are worth the money to invest into the season ticket package.

3. Tiger fans are excited about James Davis and C.J. Spiller and don’t want to miss the next big play from “Thunder” and “Lightning.”

4. The Clemson base has grown and the ticket demand has grown with it.

5. Upstate fans are interested in seeing Willy Korn for the first time.

6. The environment of tailgating at Clemson is so good that fans just can’t imagine not being there each weekend.

Those are six reasons I can come up with to answer the question. So which ones are the major reasons for the increase in season ticket sales despite such doom and gloom projections by some? Let’s examine each theory.

1. The overall feelings of fans are not that negative but we get that feeling because the ones that are disgruntled are louder in their complaints.

I truly believe in the squeaky wheel theory. I believe that most fans are not as concerned as the louder minority. I think most people see the program on better footing and the future looking brighter. I think most rational Clemson fans feel like the next five years will be better than the last five years. I think most are concerned over the way the season ended and will not stand for that kind of finish again. However, I think most understand that this team is getting closer. Many were there on that magical Saturday last year when Clemson dominated Georgia Tech and they think this program keeps progressing but they understand the environment. They understand that talent is not the only factor in winning and injuries, turnovers and luck can make a difference.

I don’t think many Clemson fans like it when Bowden tries to be positive in an answer to a question and it comes across as making an excuse. Many don’t like hearing how close we are but many understand that is true. But more than anything else the internet has given another outlet to the squeaky wheels.

2. Clemson fans are excited because the home schedule is exciting. Florida State and Virginia Tech are worth the money to invest into the season ticket package.

I do buy the strength of schedule argument. I think it is easier to sell season tickets when FSU and Virginia Tech come to town. I do think some fans would like to see more of a entertaining schedule but the Tigers drew over 81,000 per game last year and played some patsies at home.

3. Tiger fans are excited about James Davis and C.J. Spiller and don’t want to miss the next big play from “Thunder” and “Lightning.”

The “Thunder” and “Lightning” effect holds water with me. I would also add exciting players like Jacoby Ford and Ricky Sapp to that list. When I grew up in Columbia I can remember many people would go to the Carolina Coliseum just to see Zam Frederick play basketball for the Gamecocks. The team was very average but Zam could fill it up and it was worth the price of admission. I can see how some fans will not want to miss the next great moment provided by Davis, Spiller and company.

4. The Clemson base has grown and the ticket demand has grown with it.

I really think the fan base is growing and that is a major difference. The area is growing and people who come to the Upstate hear so much about Clemson football they want to get involved. The entire upstate is growing and new industries bring new employees to the Upstate. Also the area has become a growing part of the upscale residential market. The Cliffs, The Reserve and other major attractions we have in the beautiful lakes and mountains are a draw to buyers on a national scale. Some of these folks will have more of an interest in the Clemson community.

5. Upstate fans are interested in seeing Willy Korn for the first time.

On this morning’s radio show we threw out the Willy Korn effect theory and had an e-mailer who was a graduate of Byrnes High School who said she will follow the program closer because of Korn. A local superstar can have a significant effect on ticket sales in my opinion.

6. The environment of tailgating at Clemson is so good that fans just can’t imagine not being there each weekend.

The tailgating and complete weekend idea is also a good one in my opinion. I think Clemson has been branded as a family atmosphere and people get excited about Clemson football no matter what the team looks like. It might be more about the Hill, Howard’s Rock, Death Valley and tailgating than the individuals that make up each squad.

Maybe none of these make too much sense to you so I would love to read your theories.

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