How can Alabama regain the spring game record?

[KrAzY3]

Alabama isn't a very big state, and as far as I recall Bryant-Denny hasn't had the largest capacity, so setting attendance records hasn't generally been within the reach of fans. We're not going to be the largest fanbase, we are not the loudest fanbase, and as fans we really don't have many chances to reach the heights that the football team can achieve. Alabama fans support the team well, obviously and that's easier said than done. Alabama put the spring game on the map. Our support and enthusiasm for the game has lead to other fans support their spring games better and now it has become more of a television spectacle as well.

That support matters though. Nick Saban mentioned it several times, before and after the spring game but the support it not only appreciated but it helps. It helps recruiting, it helps showcase the Alabama program, not to mention giving us a chance to show our support to the players. I'd argue our support of the spring game in some ways matters more than others, merely because we all know that the stadium is going to be packed for big games. It's not certain that A-Day is going to have the top attendance anymore. Last year, bad weather scared some people off and an announced 65,000 seemed a bit optimistic. This year's attendance was right where one might expect, a solid showing for sure.

I do feel like we can in the very least re-take the SEC record back (beating Ohio State would require the stadium to be at full capacity and even then holding the record could prove to be impossible). The question is how do we get the upper deck full? The two things that come to mind for me is finding a way for their to be more organized groups at the game. I saw one, but it seems like a missed opportunity for groups to take some kids to the game on a very affordable budget and let them experience Bryant-Denny.

The other might be better half-time entertainment. I certainly don't mind the QB challenge and personally I find it interesting to watch former QBs compete, but some sort of a halftime show would probably draw a few more people into the stadium.

Anyway, I was just wondering what other people thought about it. I've made it clear that I think our support here matters and to be clear our support is very good for this game, but in some ways we have created a monster. I'm just wondering how/if we can take back the record.

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

Agree. Tons of food and stuff for kids to do would help.

 

[TUSKtimes]

Alabama isn't a very big state, and as far as I recall Bryant-Denny hasn't had the largest capacity, so setting attendance records hasn't generally been within the reach of fans. We're not going to be the largest fanbase, we are not the loudest fanbase, and as fans we really don't have many chances to reach the heights that the football team can achieve. Alabama fans support the team well, obviously and that's easier said than done. Alabama put the spring game on the map. Our support and enthusiasm for the game has lead to other fans support their spring games better and now it has become more of a television spectacle as well.

That support matters though. Nick Saban mentioned it several times, before and after the spring game but the support it not only appreciated but it helps. It helps recruiting, it helps showcase the Alabama program, not to mention giving us a chance to show our support to the players. I'd argue our support of the spring game in some ways matters more than others, merely because we all know that the stadium is going to be packed for big games. It's not certain that A-Day is going to have the top attendance anymore. Last year, bad weather scared some people off and an announced 65,000 seemed a bit optimistic. This year's attendance was right where one might expect, a solid showing for sure.

I do feel like we can in the very least re-take the SEC record back (beating Ohio State would require the stadium to be at full capacity and even then holding the record could prove to be impossible). The question is how do we get the upper deck full? The two things that come to mind for me is finding a way for their to be more organized groups at the game. I saw one, but it seems like a missed opportunity for groups to take some kids to the game on a very affordable budget and let them experience Bryant-Denny.

The other might be better half-time entertainment. I certainly don't mind the QB challenge and personally I find it interesting to watch former QBs compete, but some sort of a halftime show would probably draw a few more people into the stadium.

Anyway, I was just wondering what other people thought about it. I've made it clear that I think our support here matters and to be clear our support is very good for this game, but in some ways we have created a monster. I'm just wondering how/if we can take back the record.

I'll bring my guitar if it will help?


When something like SEC football is new and different that euphoria is mighty powerful and contagious. That's what happen to us 10 years ago. I can remember seeing Saban T-shirts all over the mall before that first A-Day game. Had we had our stadium expansion at that time, Georgia would still be looking up. Perhaps we own that record you speak about. What has been great to see over the past 10 years is the way Bama has sustained that spring fever interest. If someone decided to add up the attendance of our spring games the last 10 years, I wonder what 2nd place would look like?

Bama was first to make spring ball a colossal happening, without the rock and roll band. And the fan base has been faithfully making it a happening these past 10 years. It's like the old adage," imitation being the sincerest form of flattery." I can live with that. Of course if we break the record anytime soon, I can live with that too.

 

[81usaf92]

There are probably 2 contributing problems...
1) Alabama weather during April has hurt attendence quiet a few times. Sometimes it's hot as hades and then other days it rains. Yesterday's rain early in the morning probably hurt people who were on the fence about coming.

2) some Alabama fans have become spoiled. Plain and simple. I remember seeing every game packed in 2011 and 2012, but now it's only the big games.

2007 was as big because everyone knew change was coming and ticket prices were going to be sky high for the next 5 or so years. It was more of an opportunity to be apart of something than seeing an A day game. I doubt we ever hit close to those numbers again unless CNS announces in the spring that it was going to be his last year.

 

[dvldog]

Depends on who the next coach is.


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[ptw1961]

I really would not worry about Ohio St bragging about having the all time spring record. Big deal- they have over 55,000 undergraduate students and are in a state with 2 and 1/2 to 3 times the population. They are also the only major program in that god-for saken state. Let's worry about the important stuff- like winning another title.

 

[KrAzY3]

Let's worry about the important stuff- like winning another title.

I'd make two pertinent points in response to that.

A: We, as in the fans are limited in our participation. It doesn't matter how much we focus, we're not going to score any touchdowns.
B: That means the only way we can impact winning another title is with our support. And yes, A-Day is a big part of that. Nick Saban said it several times, including yesterday. Our support, showing up, showing enthusiasm, setting the record, etc... that did have an impact.

I already covered those things but I suppose they are worth reiterating. We shouldn't worry so much about what players on the field do because those things we truly can't make a difference in. We're just here to support the team.

 

[CrimsonPride]

One thing that gets overlooked when talking about the new spring game records is that schools and coaches are out and out begging fans to attend. That's what happened for UGA yesterday.

In 2007, the A-Day game was announced and the fans packed BDS. Not because of an advertising blitz but because fans were starved for what we hoped to be the start of great Alabama football again. We attended because this was our first glimpse of the years of mediocrity finally ending. And if you wanted to see it, you had to be in BDS because the game was not on TV. No one saw that coming. As a matter of fact the upper decks were closed in the beginning and sections were opened in phases as it became apparent that the fans were still coming. If the Fire Marshall had not forced the AD to close the gates, none of these schools today would break our record. Over 10,000 were turned away in 2007.

We were scorned and criticized in the media and by other fan bases for being over zealous and having nothing else to do in our lives until everyone saw how the recruits and players reacted to it. Now, everyone is is trying to capitalize on that including ESPN. The spring games of most of football powers in the big 5 are televised live. And as with regular and post season games, TV has reduced the number of fans in the stadium.

IMO, the 2007 A-Day game will always be set apart from any spring game records that follow because it was a spontaneous act of over 100,000 Bama fans simply being us.

 

[81usaf92]

I'd make two pertinent points in response to that.

A: We, as in the fans are limited in our participation. It doesn't matter how much we focus, we're not going to score any touchdowns.
B: That means the only way we can impact winning another title is with our support. And yes, A-Day is a big part of that. Nick Saban said it several times, including yesterday. Our support, showing up, showing enthusiasm, setting the record, etc... that did have an impact.

.

Maybe, but people are going to Alabama mainly because its Alabama and Nick Saban. Maybe it could impact one of those on the fence players, but I think most come for the opportunities it opens.

 

[B1GTide]

Sell tickets, with proceeds going to charity. With a limited number of tickets, you will sell out. Because fans have tickets in hand well in advance, their excitement will build and they will be less likely to bail if the weather is not optimal.

 

[TommyMac]

Well it should have been expected by either the buckeyes or their equally classless cousins to the North, the ones with the hideous headgear they copycatted.

I'd almost lay book that the attention whore Harbaugh will try o beat the buckeyes next year. After all, Meechigan hasn't had much to crow about on the field for the last 50-60 years.

 

[B1GTide]

Well it should have been expected by either the buckeyes or their equally classless cousins to the North, the ones with the hideous headgear they copycatted.

I'd almost lay book that the attention whore Harbaugh will try o beat the buckeyes next year. After all, Meechigan hasn't had much to crow about on the field for the last 50-60 years.

Having a bad day? :biggrin:

 

[Crimson1967]

Free beer.


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[Bama Reb]

I wouldn't worry about it. There's a huge difference between volunteer attendance and attendance by weeks long public promotion.

 

[Alasippi]

Our players deserved a full house, if nothing else, out of appreciation for yet another national title.
But our football fan base has always been a bit spoiled, and right now, it's not hungry.
Georgia's fan base is. Plus they have new optimism with a new coach and great expectations!
We have great expectations, but we had to wash the car.
The only way we'll regain the attendance record is for Coach Saban to go 0-11 for three straight years, and we hire a new coach, who scream's, "We need to set the all time attendance record!!". In other words, until we start losing again, it aint gonna happen. So I hope it never does. National Championships, I care about losing. Recruiting wars, I care about losing. Spring Game attendance records? Nah.
sip

 

[MikeD]

I really would not worry about Ohio St bragging about having the all time spring record. Big deal- they have over 55,000 undergraduate students and are in a state with 2 and 1/2 to 3 times the population. They are also the only major program in that god-for saken state. Let's worry about the important stuff- like winning another title.

I would counter that it is important to fill the stadium to capacity. Even Saban stated that the first spring game attributed as much to turning the program around as anything else. It continues to be important because of the large number of recruits who attend the game each year.

We expect total domination from our teams, I believe it is important to discuss how we can be the best fan base in the country. We are the all time greatest football program in college football, so how can fans contribute to ensure we continue to lead the pack? It's a conversation worth having.

 

[rgw]

I don't know if the blow up A-Day extravaganza is sustainable and I'm very happy with a 60-70k turnout year to year. They'll be a big deal for new staffs trying to generate excitement but I doubt we'll see the stadium packed out again until we get a new staff or have some concert or the like after the game.

I remember going to some early 2000s A-Day games and even a JV game in 2002. The JV game especially, there may have been 1000-2000 people in the whole stadium. Once the games started getting televised, it probably put a dent in being able to consistently pull a 80-90k+ number.

 

[Roll Dawgs]

UGA had the benefit of a perfect storm. New coach, new enthusiasm, hungry fan base, new star qb recruit. However, there is no reason Alabama can't capitalize. The leading program in the county - Alabama - may not think it needs to reinvent itself for spring games, but I disagree. Promote. Challenge fans to attend. Have a pre-concert or halftime concert with a high profile act. Make the game exciting and more than just a scimaage to watch. Parade with the players and band..who knows. Just saying that people are emulating Bama and now Bama has - and can - raise it to another level. Spring game is just for fun, anyway. So, focus heavily on just that with a total entertainment factor. By the way, UGA had a pre game mini concert atmosphere with Ludacris yesterday.

 

[tidegrandpa]

UGA had the benefit of a perfect storm. New coach, new enthusiasm, hungry fan base, new star qb recruit. However, there is no reason Alabama can't capitalize. The leading program in the county - Alabama - may not think it needs to reinvent itself for spring games, but I disagree. Promote. Challenge fans to attend. Have a pre-concert or halftime concert with a high profile act. Make the game exciting and more than just a scimaage to watch. Parade with the players and band..who knows. Just saying that people are emulating Bama and now Bama has - and can - raise it to another level. Spring game is just for fun, anyway. So, focus heavily on just that with a total entertainment factor. By the way, UGA had a pre game mini concert atmosphere with Ludacris yesterday.

I know I'll be 'politicizing' but so what, you can't determine who's counting their money. Bad economy shows up.

 

[Roll Dawgs]

I know I'll be 'politicizing' but so what, you can't determine who's counting their money. Bad economy shows up.

I understand completel... Charge a minimal fee. Heck, if we are brianstorming options, change it up all together. ��