Missouri = Poor ticket sales for bowls?
by Andy--01 on Dec 6, 2009 7:20 PM CST
Email
PrintEd.: Bumped from FanPosts
Clearly that's our reputation, since we've been passed over in the last 3 years in favor of teams that we beat, ostensibly due to our inability to travel well. So, let's look at the bowls we've been in since 1983 (Holiday, Insight, Independence, Sun, Cotton, Alamo) and see if there is truth behind this reputation. Are bowl ticket sales hurt by having Mizzou as a participant?
Insight(.com) Bowl - location, Tempe, Arizona.
Missouri has appeared in this bowl one time (1998), our second bowl in 2 years (and, our 2nd in 15 years). Attendance: 36,417. Mizzou played West Virginia, so neither team was a regional draw. This was the lowest attendance at this bowl since 1991 and 4th lowest in the bowl's 20-year history. Average draw for the Insight Bowl: 42,481.
Holiday Bowl - location, San Diego, California.
Missouri has appeared in this bowl two times (1997, 1983). Attendances were 50,761 (vs. Colorado State 1997) and 51,480 (vs. BYU 1983) These are 2 of the 5 worst attendances in this bowl's 31-year history. Average draw for the Holiday Bowl - 57,809.
Independence Bowl - location Shreveport, Louisiana
Missouri has appeared in this bowl two times (2003, 2005). Attendances were 49,625 (vs. Arkansas 2003) and 41,332 (South Carolina 2005). The huge discrepancy in the attendance certainly suggests that the closeness of Arkansas provided a big bump to the attendance numbers in 2003. Attendance numbers are sketchy for the Independence Bowl (I could only find numbers for 20 of the 33 years of the bowl's history), but from what I could find, Mizzou has the 3rd largest attendance and the 7th lowest. Average attendance (of the 20 years I could find) is 43,020.
Sun Bowl - location El Paso, Texas
Missouri has appeared in this bowl one time (2006). Attendance was 48,732, and location would suggest that neither Missouri or Oregon State was a large local draw. This bowl has been around since the 1930s, so I have only looked at the last 25 years (for relevancy's sake). This ranks 11th of 25 years in attendance, but is only 2500 less than the best year. Average draw for the Sun Bowl - 47,643.
Cotton Bowl - location Dallas, Texas
Missouri has appeared in this bowl one time (2008). Attendance was 73,114. I can only find attendance records for 12 of the last 25 years for the Cotton Bowl, but the Mizzou year was the 4th highest of those 12 years. Comparing the attendance to the year before is impressive. Nebraska - Auburn only drew 66,777 people.
Alamo Bowl - location San Antonio, Texas
Missouri has appeared in this bowl one time (2008). Attendance was 55,986, which was the 6th lowest in the bowl's 16-year history. Even taking out teams from Texas, Missouri's attendance is still in the lower third of the bowl's history (6 of 9). The Alamo Bowl averages a draw of 58,706.
Conclusion
While different factors obviously affect each year's ticket sales, it is certainly easy to see a correlation between Missouri and poor ticket sales. ESPECIALLY for games that are on the west coast. I certainly cannot blame a California-based bowl from avoiding Missouri whenever possible. It should be that ticket sales for the 2000 Insight Bowl (Iowa State vs. Pittsburgh) was about 5,400 higher than the 1998 Insight.com Bowl.
FanPosts may be posted by any RMN member and may not reflect the views of the management staff of Rock M Nation or SB Nation.
33 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
If we can continue to wins games
and get bowl invitations, I think our attendance numbers will go up. Being from Nebraska, I knew tons of people who would schedule vacations around bowl season and then go to the bowl game. I think if we can consistently visit bowl games, maybe more people would plan to go to whatever bowl game we get invited to.
Mizzou needs to travel better
That much is a given (but can be said of virtuall all schools outside of the SEC and Texas).
Mizzou did well for the Cotton because it was an impressive bowl for an impressive year. The other bowls were mid-tier to low-level when the TIgers finished in the middle to bottom of the barrel of the Big 12.
To echo the sentiments fo jrekf7, if we win, they will come. But if we earn January 1 bowl invitations, such as Cotton/Gator invitations, then I believe attendance will not be such an issue.
"Wherever you go, there you are" - Buckaroo Bonzai
True, but
if we require a January 1 bowl game to have good ticket sales, why wouldn’t a December bowl pass us up? And, no, I don’t think anyone here is under the delusion that we can’t help our situation by buying more tickets.
However, we’re not unique in that we had a long stretch without a bowl game.
What Worries Me...
What worries me is that Mizzou fans will feel snubbed combined with the idea that this was a disappointing season….and not travel to Houston for this game. The result will be the strengthening of the idea that Mizzou doesnt travel well.
I hate to say it – but i feel like there is a sense of entitlement Mizzou fans feel they have or deserve with any of our sports programs. The players play the game – but in this case, we have no one to blame but our fan base for not getting up and going to the games.
If anything, the Houston location may help us get alums from Dallas and maybe Missouri down to the game. If we would have been in El Paso, San Diego or even Tuscon, I think we would have had a bad draw from fans.
You can say you hate being snubbed – but look at it this way – if we start drawing better at these games…the Orange Bowl and other bowls wont pass us up.
Bowl games are about the economics of making them work – and attendance is a big driving factor.
We had a good season – next year can be great. But, dont think a big time bowl next year wont be looking at home we drew in the Texas Bowl.
I hope Mizzou fans wont feel so snubbed they dont show up.
PS – I hate our conference.
Drink Budweiser!
I want to start this off by saying, I am an MU fan in all sports,
but I don’t see the point of traveling for a bowl game when nothing is on the line and they play an inferior team. There is a much better view of the game from your couch. Why spend the money?
to stimulate the economy duh :-)
" If I had a gun on a boat I would shoot you right here, right now"
It isn't all bad for you guys
Your game will be on ESPN or ESPN2, and is against a pretty good opponent. The ONLY thing that Cyclone fans did not like about the Texas bowl when they were there, was the fact that Houston is so big that no one really cares about the bowl game there. There’s no kind of atmosphere or anything like that.. Other than that, I hear Houston is a fun city to visit, for those that are going,and should be a good time. Plenty of New Years Parties in Houston and Galveston.
I agree
This I believe was fortuitous for Mizzou. We’ll be playing a better team, but also a team whose strengths match ours. While I doubt Mizzou shuts down the option attack, I think we’d handle it better than Minnesota’s passing attack. Giving up points to a Big Ten team is far more embarrassing, in my opinion. Add in the fact that it’s on an ESPN Network instead of NFL and in Texas as well. The recruiting implications of playing this game as opposed to the Insight Bowl are important as I think past New’s Day Bowl’s, the prestige factor doesn’t apply to any others.
I think the traveling is not only Mizzou’s problem. For example, the Alamo Bowl match-up last year sucked, compared with past Alamo Bowls. I think the bowls need to inspire the casual fans nearby to come as well. This match-up intrigues me, perhaps because I played a veer offense my whole life and then the spread in my final year, but I think casual fans could find merits in both teams, whereas a 8th placed Big Ten team vs. the 9th-best Big XII team does not (even if we were chose, at best, Mizzou is the fourth best team). Win for the Texas Bowl in my eyes.
"It’s not about the guacamole itself," Greinke said. "I just don’t want to let them win."
by Joseph Landis on Dec 6, 2009 11:03 PM CST up reply actions
Since that seemed harsher than I wanted
No offense to Iowa State was intended, and congratulations on the bowl
I just hate the Big Ten, and would prefer not to play their scrubs as an exhibition of our talent. Minnesota lost to Illinois, a team Mizzou demolished on a neutral field.
If we would have beat Baylor and Nebraska, as ISU did, this wouldn’t be an issue either. Like Texas learned last year, it’s much easier to control your bowl placement by winning.
"It’s not about the guacamole itself," Greinke said. "I just don’t want to let them win."
by Joseph Landis on Dec 6, 2009 11:24 PM CST up reply actions
its not that we don't travel well
its that Alden won’t guarantee tickets and any other AD worth his salt has no reservations at all about doing it
The only measure of true success in the NFL is the Vince Lombardi trophy. Anything less is a rationalization.
It's my understanding...
… that doing so is illegal under Big 12 bylaws. I could very well be misinformed on that though.
you are correct
I believe Gabe has confirmed this many time. But it has been strongly suggested that ADs do continue to do this in the Big 12 and that Kansas basically guaranteed ticket sales to the Orange Bowl
Wasn't the Insight played in Tucson when we went?
That would certainly have to factor into the equation. Tempe is much more desirable and easier to get to.
Someone on my facebook pointed that out
that is correct. The game was in Tuscon from 89-99, take out the years Arizona played in their home stadium, and you still get the 7th worst attendance in 9 years, rather than the 9th worst in 11 years.
That's barely a 90 minute drive
like switching from Faurot to Arrowhead. Hardly a big deal at all.
"Those who fear disorder more than injustice inevitably produce more of both." -- Rev. William Coffin
Tucson sucks hard
That’s the difference. And UofA’s home stadium is not impressive in the slightest. The move up to Phoenix was huge for the Insight Bowl. Larger population, better stadiums, etc
by mizzousundevil on Dec 7, 2009 7:10 AM CST up reply actions
It is simple, we need to put up or shut up
I just looked at the website and they have three ranges of ticket prices, all among the lowest I can remember for tickets to bowl games. I cannot go this year, but tomorrow I am calling TSF and ordering 4 tickets, which I will then donate back to the University for them to do whatever they need to. I challenge anyone and everyone to do the same. Get the tickets purchased and this will stop happening.
"Write a wise saying and your name will live forever." - Anonymous
Rock M Nation
Given your experience, how would they use them?
if the game was local, they’d no doubt turn the tickets into seats for Boys & Girls Club. What would they do in this case? Give them to students? Turn them into slightly cheaper tickets for students? Give them to the Houston Area Alumni Assn?
Not that it would always happen that way
but, I’ve received tickets from the local Alumni chapter. My wife did a presentation to the president of the Alumni Association and he asked her afterward if she was going to the game the next day… She said, nope, but if you know anyone with tickets, let her know.
He told her to drop by the Alumni Center and pick up 2 tickets that were donated by other Alumni.
If you give tickets, they’ll get to people who support our team and will show up.
That was the game that Chase Daniel sub’d in for Brad Smith and brought our team back for a win.
Sad when our own fans spread false propaganda to rationalize these snubs
You seem so desperate to justify your desire to keep Mu in ghettoized in Texas for each bowl. For starters, what about the bowls in the 70s and 80s? Talk about the 78 Liberty Bowl in Memphis where MU sold 15000 tickets and LSU 4000. Good crowd for later tangerine and Liberty bowls, too. How convenient not to include them. Ok now with your list: I went to the Holiday bowl in 97. We had more fans there than CSU, and getting there was a bitch. CSU’s lack of draw was the reason for poor attendance. Not Mizzou. Only games vs. Pac10 teams have good attn. at holiday bowls, not surprisingly. For the insight bowl, which was on it’s last legs in Tucson, MU had more fans than Wva., as well. Sorry no Tucsoners wanted to see Wva or Mo. For the I-bowl, Mu sold it;s allotment, Ark. was closer had more people, but no shame in that. For the next I-bowl, which was disappointing in every way, save for the outcome, MU had a good following, all things considered. SC was just lucky to go bowling as they so often miss out vs. their SEC brothers. Tucson, and then Shreveport twice. Wow. We’re blessed.
Next up, Sun. MU had more fans than Oregon St. Next, Cotton. MU sold allotment in hours. Ark is closer and that’s their biggest non-Ark fan base, yet half the stadium was there celebrating with MU after the game. Alamo. A disappointment but also had to face the chatter that Alamo didn’t want us. Happens too often. Still, MU fans traveled, even after traveling en mass to KC to see the gut-rentching KU loss and the horrific OU loss. I still say if MU gets the Fiesta Bowl or any BCS bowl, we’d have 50000+ want tickets just like KSU did for Fiesta, NWern for Rose, etc. Than level of hysteria can;t be measured — but it would happen IF we ever got that far. Also, MU never gives tickets away to students like so many teams. Real issues: 1: Big 12 bowls are too Texas-focused, in non-travel destinations and geographically far from Missouri. Adding Liberty, Music City or a Florida bowl would help this…esp. for MU. 2. MU simply hasn’t gone to very nice spots….that are destination cities. LA, Phoenix, New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, Miami and other Fla. would all be huge draws for MU fans. Unlike Shreveport (2), Tucson, El Paso? Sad. Also, the KU game in Arrowhead and Illinois game in St Louis might be a double-whammy for Tigers fans who simply can;t afford (time, money) to travel to those, PLUS a conf. championship and a bowl in the same year. And still there were about 3000 MU fans in Reno this year? I was there. I would have flown to Arizona, too, ans were a lot of MU fans that don;t that think a giant Texas titty bar is the ultimate vacation or simply have crappy cable w/o the NFL Network. Fact is, where getting snubbed because we haven;t marketed our history and strengths enough, haven’t leveraged our two big media market clout with the conference AND too many people want us to play all of our games in Texas.
by sfprman on Dec 6, 2009 10:39 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Interesting
and untapped points regarding the amount of travel to games leading up to bowl games in recent years.
Once my pants are on, I make gold records.
by Other Side of the Pillow on Dec 6, 2009 11:05 PM CST up reply actions
It doesn't help that we're in the midwest, where few bowls take place.
And out of these bowls listed, the closest one was roughly 700 miles away from Columbia.
"No regrets, that's my motto. That, and everybody wang chung tonight."
I'LL TAKE THE TEXAS BOWL
I’m a Houston Tiger and i’ll definitely be at the game, even got my roommate from Louisiana up for it..I’m trying to decide if i should use my reliant stadium connections to get free tickets or just pay 30 bucks for one…hmm, decisions
Holy Schnikeys
My wife just walked through the living room and said… AND I QUOTE:
“We didn’t really do anything for our anniversary this year, do you want to go to the bowl game to celebrate?”
I love this woman.
I have yet to be to a bowl game, help, what the F do I do?
by comotiger on Dec 6, 2009 10:56 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Holy Schnikeys Indeed, you are one lucky SOB
dang, hurry, take her to the bowl game for your anniversary!!!!
Will Ebners Hit Parade, Pain TV; Channel 32; All the time! (PDT)
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Dec 7, 2009 12:00 AM CST up reply actions
Go to the Bowl game
but have a great gift to give to her at halftime or before the game.
Missouri offensive coordinator David Yost said. "Throwing to 81 is normally good." -- via Joe Walljasper
by tigers and chiefs fan on Dec 7, 2009 8:38 AM CST up reply actions
say HELL YES
and book your hotel rooms immediately.
" If I had a gun on a boat I would shoot you right here, right now"
We have no excuse....
Dallas is one of the largest alumni chapters we have and not too far from Houston.
We need to get fans to the game. If we sell tickets – we wont have this problem moving forward. The reality is – our fans dont travel well unless it is for something they cnsider a big deal. The Cotton Bowl was a big deal. The Texas Bowl and an 8-4 record is being perceived as a disappointing year. I worry we wont have fan support and look bad.
The bigger problem is just bowl locations for the Big 12. I mean el paso and san diego suck for us….san antonio isnt great either. I kind of wish we had the Liberty Bowl as an option.
Beef – how do you buy tickets and donate them back? You just call 800-cat paws?
Drink Budweiser!
8-4 isn't being percieved as a dissapointment
but the texas bowl sure is.
" If I had a gun on a boat I would shoot you right here, right now"
I bought as many as I could afford
At 25 dollars
"Write a wise saying and your name will live forever." - Anonymous
Rock M Nation
Is it really about ticket sales?
Or is this the Big 10 throwing its weight around trying to get a matchup they THINK they can win. After last year’s 1-6 bowl record, the Big and Slow 10 needs some favorable matchups, and a punchless Minnesota against high-scoring Missouri didn’t figure to be one. So I’m sure they lobbied hard to get Iowa State instead. But I think it will blow up in their faces. I’m a Mizzou fan, but I’m all about the Cyclones in this game. Go out there and beat ‘em like a rented mule! Meanwhile, the Tigers will make some noise in Houston, right in the heart of recruiting country, and on ESPN instead of the NFL Network. And Navy is a better matchup than most realize. Anybody who beat Notre Dame can’t be all bad, and they almost won in Columbus, too. The Tigers better be ready to play.
by oldstudent on Dec 7, 2009 5:00 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I second this motion
Kick some ass for us, Cyclones. You’re the only team in the North that I don’t hate.
by Soria's Unibrow on Dec 7, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions
Is he playing, Smoke on the Water?
than no, I do not hate him. That could be the coolest thing mine eyes have observed…
ever
Will Ebners Hit Parade, Pain TV; Channel 32; All the time! (PDT)
by MarioVanPeebles Republic of China on Dec 9, 2009 2:54 PM CST up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
