Improve Mason home game experience discussion

[GM Logo Guy]

I thought the DJ and hype guy were great last night, had the students the most engaged I've seen since the KE days.

I liked the addition of the DJ, but we need more Green Machine. It’s a tough balance, but the band is one of Mason’s most unique and exciting features. The DJ was a nice touch, but the crowd really came alive when the Green Machine played Rage Against the Machine at the end of the game.

 

[Jack Strop]

Not taking a stand here but the name of the company is Sodexo.

You bear me to it. Well done,.sir!

 

[Verdad]

You bear me to it. Well done,.sir!

Not taking a stand here but the name of the verb is “beat”.

 

[jkh1978]

I think someone needs to teach the students what to do. They were loud at obvious times and when camera was on them but there was many other times they were still. Hand out chants and other instructions on paper.

 

[GMU79]

I think someone needs to teach the students what to do. They were loud at obvious times and when camera was on them but there was many other times they were still. Hand out chants and other instructions on paper.

This is so sad that this keeps being an issue with the students. They don't know how to cheer and be loud and annoying!!?? Heck, my friend and I almost got tossed by the refs on several occasions. It's not that hard!!

 

[jkh1978]

I think the DJ is helping with the energy but during the Planet Fitness promotion did they have to play "Sexy and I Know It" and show so many young kids?

 

[Stoolguy]

Wow. When did that happen? They always used to allow it...

Yes, the next concessions contract has to include some major changes. The pricing model is atrocious.

I believe Sodexo cracked down last year because they lost the contract with GMU as a whole and are contracted through playfly and monumental. EBA is their only income at GMU now so they want to squeeze as much as possible out.

 

[GMU_Polevaulter]

I'm coming from North Carolina. Where do you hail from?

As for the Gold Room experience, gm 1 I hardly noticed a difference except it felt like less tables, though I know the others were just outside. But I'm not expecting much, so maybe that's why I don't notice much difference. I'm there to support the team, and drink 'free' beer, and talk with my basketball friends. Check, check, and check. I have a great time.

Central VA- about 1:50 minutes to 2 hours each way.

 

[jessej]

All things that existed in years past when we could pull in more than 3k, I’m not buying it. Our fanbase was never making the trip our from DC, it’s always been from the burbs.

There is a different perspective for those who are not die-hard Mason alumni fans - as represented by many on this board.

Currently the USG is shut down, and I know of some former government employees who are tightly controlling their budgets and spending. The free tix are nice, but if you have kids, you know what the real costs are. $10 popcorn and $5 soda will leave many families on a tight budget at home.

Aside from that GMU BBall is competing for Entertainment dollars. Is the total product experience worth the money?

For example - this is the last year of my 5-year ticket contract I have with Georgetown BBall. I have been protected from price increases but have already seen some of the expected price increases for next season. Cheap lower-level seats for the Maryland at Georgetown starting at $159 per seat. A likely OOC schedule consisting of 5+ KenPom 300 and higher teams. I am not interested in sitting in the 200 nor 400 level seating which likely means I will be sitting at home and watching those games on TV.

another example - University X now only sells their game tix online only - no walkup sales. The additional online surcharge along with the hassle of getting downtown - either driving and parking or riding the subway and walking increases both the hassle and costs. So now a ticket to their below average Women's program is now costing me $30-$40 and is not worth it to me, so I will also watch on TV.

I moved here in 1995 and have attended GMU men's bball games since 2000 - albeit sporadically in the beginning. Ticket Pricing has been ok in terms of reasonable costs for a non-diehard alumni fan until this season. I cannot see paying more than $10 a ticket to see a game against a D2 team or a KenPom 300 and higher team.

The concessions are overpriced and i think that in 20+ years of attending games I have purchased one soda. I usually go to the Giant in the Mall across the street and buy dinner there. One of the main positive benefits is free parking.

NIL has forced an increase in ticket pricing and as basic economics go - an increase in price forces a decrease in demand for most common goods.

My personal belief is that winning or not - the non-student attendance will be a max of 3000 until the A-10 season starts or the OOC games of ODU and JMU.

Just My Opinion

 

[MasonFanatic]

Hand out chants and other instructions on paper.

They've done this (and maybe still do). It doesn't seem to help as much as we'd hope.

When I was a student, we have a group of passionate students who organized cheers organically and shamed everyone else into participating.

 

[Where's the party?]

Shout out to my boy, Miles. He's doing a great job in the Gold Room given his limited resources and even more limited flexibility from the venue. He's there all the time, and willing to talk with (and listen to) the all the patrons. I even like his plowing ahead with the chant, even though it seems to get more laughs than participants

For the Green and the Gold!!