TV game attendance.

[NWLB]

It was a point I was thinking about this weekend, and was noted by that poor UT exile amongst us.

Ten years ago, even six or seven years ago, when the MAC did get a game on TV, the stadiums were half full. Now however, MAC stadiums fill to the brim when TV trucks show. The crowds are gung-ho, the games typically arn't bad (except if UT is playing anybody but Marshall, in which case they suck.)

I was reminded of this while watching UAB beat TCU, and a couple of other games by "mid-major" teams. The crowds were sparse, larger stadiums not withstanding.

It is a mark of how much progress the MAC has made.

With talk of "membership standards" to put the pinch on the Kent States and UB's of the MAC, things stand to improve more.

[BGSUfanatUT]

indeed. Gameday obviously being the biggest of these TV games, and will always bring a crowd. But look at the number of games we had televised last year, and then look at our attendence. There is obviously a connection between them. And now that the MAC is starting to gain non-alumni fans across the nation, ESPN and other stations are showing us more and more. Its a snowball effect that will continue the growth of our conference. And if/when we drop the bottom tier out, and strengthen the MAC, we will be thought of as the best mid-major conf. CUSA holds this title now Id say, but wont for much longer. Even with marshall joining, I think they have been going down hill for a while. Louisville is good, and TCU had that "impressive" run of 1-AA(may as well have been) wins last year to get them some fame, but not anymore. The MAC will take its rightful place as the "best of the rest" if you will, soon enough, and it will be glorious.

[Schadenfreude]

With talk of "membership standards" to put the pinch on the Kent States and UB's of the MAC, things stand to improve more.

I'd rather pinch Akron and Eastern Michigan, myself.

[Dayons_Den]

Now however, MAC stadiums fill to the brim when TV trucks show. The crowds are gung-ho. . .

I would agree if the said tv trucks and crews have ESPN on them, but the Fox Sports Net game of the week doesn't always equal to filled stadiums. I don't think this announcement will serve as a magic tonic to bring any more fans than would have attended it otherwise.

[BGSUfanatUT]

It just applies to national coverage. Local/ohio broadcasts arent anything special, not everyone in the area can even get it.

[Schadenfreude]

But look at the number of games we had televised last year, and then look at our attendence. There is obviously a connection between them.

Yeah. The connection is people tend to come out for big games, and the same is true of television.

[BGSUfanatUT]

But look at the number of games we had televised last year, and then look at our attendence. There is obviously a connection between them.

Yeah. The connection is people tend to come out for big games, and the same is true of television.

Touche. BUT, at the same time, TV makes the game bigger in peoples minds, so more come out. Do you think we would have drawn so many fans last year if not for all the media hype? I dont.