Improve Mason home game experience discussion

[GSII]

Can we get a popcorn report for EBA?

 

[tblack33]

Thats what I’ve been thinking - we have to first get the students there in numbers and repeatedly, then we can get them off their butts.

But we do need some plans in place to make the environment more engaging when they do show.

I actually thought the student attendance was good on Monday, it was the alum/season ticket holder attendance that was lacking. 3k for a home opener has to be down there among our lows, opening night generally is well attended even against the blind and deaf sisters of the Chesapeake bay.

 

[TweederGMU]

Can we get a popcorn report for EBA?

He doesn't post anymore

 

[Jack Strop]

Agree. There used to be some rowdies down by the opposing bench. The bleacher dancing girls add very little to the experience.

I don't mind the Fly-girls. I certainly dig they're spirit. But yes, stick several alumni down there to show the students what it's all about to raise hell. I'd do it. We'll need another 20 or 30 more. Who's with me?

 

[Old Man]

He doesn't post anymore

The popcorn in the Gold Room was pretty good, though I believe it comes from University Mall Theaters, or at least it used to. Proper crunch, not too much salt, and a great price! It works for me.

 

[Jack Strop]

This might help to get butts in seats—pass it on...

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1985753341582852477

View: https://www.twitter.com/MasonAthletics/status/1985753341582852477

 

[ProfessorCFK]

Nope, don't like that.

 

[jessej]

Nope, don't like that.

View attachment 2825

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hng_YjA8nV8&t=2s

 

[gmutom]

Nope, don't like that.

View attachment 2825

$5 for those who want to stand with no table, $3 to sit on the floor

 

[TweederGMU]

But... but.... you all have Wegmans now

 

[mkaufman1]

So here’s the thing with the Gold Room — and obviously, I’m not local anymore, so I don’t get to go in there much — but here’s my two cents.

We’ve always said the same things about it:

1. It’s too crowded.
2. There’s never anywhere to sit.
   Among other complaints.

So now they’ve made some changes. They adjusted the price (yeah, I know — not ideal), but they’re also trying to improve the overall experience and offer an option for those who want a guaranteed place to sit — through a small additional donation.

Sure, they’re “Mason-ing” it a bit by adding a pay-to-reserve-table model, but let’s be honest: if you split a $10 table five ways, that’s $2 each. Split a $20 table six ways, that’s about $3.75 per person. It’s really not bad — and that extra money goes right back into supporting the program.

If we want our programs to stay competitive, every little bit helps. Those who don’t want to pay for the “premium” setup can still enjoy the regular experience. It’s kind of like how they charge for parking at Homecoming — I get why people gripe, but in this case, the Gold Room change should actually help basketball, whereas parking fees mostly cover cleanup and staffing costs (or so we can assume).

 

[MASONscott]

So here’s the thing with the Gold Room — and obviously, I’m not local anymore, so I don’t get to go in there much — but here’s my two cents.

We’ve always said the same things about it:

1. It’s too crowded.
2. There’s never anywhere to sit.
   Among other complaints.

So now they’ve made some changes. They adjusted the price (yeah, I know — not ideal), but they’re also trying to improve the overall experience and offer an option for those who want a guaranteed place to sit — through a small additional donation.

Sure, they’re “Mason-ing” it a bit by adding a pay-to-reserve-table model, but let’s be honest: if you split a $10 table five ways, that’s $2 each. Split a $20 table six ways, that’s about $3.75 per person. It’s really not bad — and that extra money goes right back into supporting the program.

If we want our programs to stay competitive, every little bit helps. Those who don’t want to pay for the “premium” setup can still enjoy the regular experience. It’s kind of like how they charge for parking at Homecoming — I get why people gripe, but in this case, the Gold Room change should actually help basketball, whereas parking fees mostly cover cleanup and staffing costs (or so we can assume).

That is a reasonable point and we do need to stay competitive.

My son is a senior at Arizona State. My wife recently spent 10 days in the desert and attended two football games.

They sell beer under their own brand and advertise profits going to their NIL. Mason's crew could propose our *upgrades as benefiting the NIL. Fans at the ASU game went out of their way to buy the beer that benefitted the NIL. Beer was from a local brewery and half-decent so that helped. Something we could learn from...

*we didn't notice any Gold Room upgrades in game 1. A post card on our table mentioned there may be some forthcoming.