Question on fan noise

[RoyalShock]

Maybe we should try a grassroots effort.

Develop an anonymous flyer to distribute to those around us. It should explain why standing, clapping, cheering, etc. is a lift for the team and helps recruiting. It should respectfully ask those who do not lke to do this to respect those who do by not asking them to sit down or shut up. Conclude the flyer with the suggestion to take it home, make copies, bring them to the next game and pass some out to those around you.

Maybe after a few games the word will propagate enough to eliminate the problem.

[Maggie]

Has it really been that bad?

When I went to games in college, the "regular" fans in attendance were apathetic. But then – the teams were not very good. But every once is while – the crowd really got into it and believe me it helped the team.

It saddens me to read all of this because I think you people that are able to attend games should be proud of not only your team but the arena in which they play. When I was a child – after many a game my ears didn't stop ringing until long after I had returned home. You could not hear yourself scream, let alone the person next to you. There are not that many arenas that can generate that type of noise – Koch is an excellent place to watch a basketball game.

I also have to say that the atmosphere at Koch is kind of a score of pride with me. I have been to many Knick games, including playoff games, and a few Ranger games. Believe me Madison Square Garden is very loud and the people in NYC take pride in making it loud (or lately expressing their displeasure with the current coach of the Knicks, etc.). And this doesn't just happen during the playoffs or when a "good" opposing team is at the Garden. When the Knicks actually hustle and play well – the fans let them know they appreciate it. When they think the Knicks need a boost – the crowd will cheer their team on. MSG is a wonderful place to watch a basketball game and fans are very knowledgeable. Notwithstanding, I have told countless people that the atmosphere at a WSU basketball game is superior and I mean it. They don't always believe me but when WSU has nationally televised home games – I always encourage people to tune in and see for themselves.

So far this year, I am proud of they way this team has played and you people attending these games, in my opinion, should be proud too. Let the players know how you feel. If they are not playing well – get on your feet and encourage them. There are going to be times where, believe it or not, you the fans can be the difference between a win or a loss. In short, take advantage of that arena. The arena is your tool – use it. That's all Marshall wants you to do.

[WuDrWu]

Love the idea.

Anyone want to work on the "verbage" that we could get a consenus on and then those of us that get to the games a little early could start the distribution of said flyers.

My daughter would love to walk around and pass out a couple of hundred of these things. :D

:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu:

[SB Shock]

If somebody made the flyer up and had it hosted somewhere (lot's a free places). Shockerneters could print a few copies of and start distributing them in their respective sections.

Or maybe WSU could print it off and post it on every seat (and get a sponsor for letterhead and cover the minimal printing cost).

Sometime we make an assumption that everybody knows the traditions, but maybe WSU is starting to draw some new fans that don't, but just need to be educated.

[WuDrWu]

Maggie,

I think those of us "complaining" do so with an air of expectation. The Chuck is still a great place for a game and the crowd is better than the vast majority of arenas.

However, our new coach brings a work ethic that is second to none and also has a dynamic personality that screams enthusiasm. What better combination could we ask for to increase our level of "bonkers" a couple of notches? Given that and add in the fact that we haven't lost at home yet, one might surmise that the crowd would be a little closer to fever pitch than they are.

I only ask that we as fans have the same expectations from ourselves that our coach has for himself and his team. At this point, I think we fall way short of that goal and I would like to see that change before someone gets a bad taste in his mouth.

[WuDrWu]

If somebody made the flyer up and had it hosted somewhere (lot's a free places). Shockerneters could print a few copies of and start distributing them in their respective sections.

Or maybe WSU could print it off and post it on every seat (and get a sponsor for letterhead and cover the minimal printing cost).

Sometime we make an assumption that everybody knows the traditions, but maybe WSU is starting to draw some new fans that don't, but just need to be educated.

More good points and ideas. I like where this is headed......gigidy!

[RoyalShock]

I'd by happy to host it here. We could include a link to it on the flyers, though I really don't want this to look like SN is getting free advertising. I guess there are "tiny URL" redirects we could use to hide the "shockernet.net" part.

Though I'm no marketing guru I could throw something together as a starting point and start a dedicated topic so everyone can offer their suggestions.

Once critical element, in my opinion, is that this needs to also be approved by the WSU AD. I don't like any appearance of impropriety.

[Maggie]

Maggie,

I think those of us "complaining" do so with an air of expectation. The Chuck is still a great place for a game and the crowd is better than the vast majority of arenas.

However, our new coach brings a work ethic that is second to none and also has a dynamic personality that screams enthusiasm. What better combination could we ask for to increase our level of "bonkers" a couple of notches? Given that and add in the fact that we haven't lost at home yet, one might surmise that the crowd would be a little closer to fever pitch than they are.

I only ask that we as fans have the same expectations from ourselves that our coach has for himself and his team. At this point, I think we fall way short of that goal and I would like to see that change before someone gets a bad taste in his mouth.

I agree with you and my expectations regarding the atmosphere at Koch, is probably not that different from yours. Marshall's expectations are based upon the reputation the fans and the arena – which was justified. If the fans are disappointing him – I think he should say so publicly.
I know that Koch is a great place to watch a game; however, it is should not be merely "great". I like to be able to tell native New Yorkers that Koch is superior to MSG – it is amusing and not that MSG is bad. My own expectations have nothing to do with Marshall's arrival, his enthusiasm or work ethic – I expect Koch to be loud regardless. It is depressing that this should even be an issue.

I think the flyer thing is not a bad idea.

[Maggie]

Once critical element, in my opinion, is that this needs to also be approved by the WSU AD. I don't like any appearance of impropriety.

What exactly worries you?

[WuDrWu]

I think the reason GM hasn't said anything about it yet is because it's early and he is biting his tongue for the time being. He is the new guy and doesn't feel right upsetting the apple cart, at least not just yet.

I look forward to the dedicated topic Royal.


:wsu_posters: :goshocks: :posterwu: :posterwsu:

[HockeyShock]

Okay, here's a first cut. I couldn't find the actual quotations, so I went with my memory, so if any of these need tweaking, please do so.


“It was louder here tonight than Cameron Indoor Arena.” – Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton, following the Seminoles double-OT win over WSU in the 2004 NIT.

“…Shocker fans would take that improvement and raise their usual level of bonkers a notch.” – USAToday, 2007-2008 season preview.

Reputations aren’t built in a day, but they can be lost almost as fast. The Roundhouse has earned a reputation for being the loudest place to play in the Missouri Valley, and one of the loudest places in the country. Part of what sold Wichita State to Head Coach Gregg Marshall were the stories of how incredibly loud the home crowd is.

Meeting those expectations is OUR responsibility as fans and season ticket holders.

While we all agree that there’s no place for rude or vulgar behavior at any sporting event, there is a responsibility to be loud, and not just at the beginning of each half. At the very least, respect those that are trying to uphold the hard-earned reputation of Charles Koch Arena. Better yet, if you can, please stand and cheer too! All we want is for the Shockers to win; and believe it or not, being a noisy crowd helps!

“The guys keep telling me, ‘Coach, you haven’t seen anything yet…” Coach Marshall, 12/4 Coach’s show.

GO SHOX!!

Courtesy, your fellow Shocker maniacs at Shockernet.
www.shockernet.net


:clap: :wsu_posters: :yahoo: :clap:

[derbycpa]

I don't purchase my tickets for the purpose of working at the game. My intent is to be entertained by the basketball game. I am not responsible if the team plays well or if it plays poorly that is the players. While you may feel it is your duty to stand the entire game and yell I do not. That is not to say that I don't stand and yell because of the excitement generated by the team or if trying to encourage them. Personnally I believe there is more of an impact when the crowd erupts spontaneously than manufacured excitement. I also believe that a crowd eruption on an apparent poor call has more of an impact than when you complain and holler at each call against your team.

[DPruett2333]

I've been saying this since the first or second game. The crowd is weak this year. Too those of us who help make Koch as loud as it is, kudos. There are not very many of us now days, unfortunately...

[WuDrWu]

I don't purchase my tickets for the purpose of working at the game. My intent is to be entertained by the basketball game. I am not responsible if the team plays well or if it plays poorly that is the players. While you may feel it is your duty to stand the entire game and yell I do not. That is not to say that I don't stand and yell because of the excitement generated by the team or if trying to encourage them. Personnally I believe there is more of an impact when the crowd erupts spontaneously than manufacured excitement. I also believe that a crowd eruption on an apparent poor call has more of an impact than when you complain and holler at each call against your team.

1)Nothing was manufactured at the FSU, SIU, CU, BU, KSU, Purdue etc etc...all we are asking at this point is to be at the top of "our" game.

2)Screaming at the officials does little to sway them at any time. I promise you.

3)God help us if we have a lot of fans with your attitude.

[WuDrWu]

Okay, here's a first cut. I couldn't find the actual quotations, so I went with my memory, so if any of these need tweaking, please do so.


“It was louder here tonight than Cameron Indoor Arena.” – Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton, following the Seminoles double-OT win over WSU in the 2004 NIT.

“…Shocker fans would take that improvement and raise their usual level of bonkers a notch.” – USAToday, 2007-2008 season preview.

Reputations aren’t built in a day, but they can be lost almost as fast. The Roundhouse has earned a reputation for being the loudest place to play in the Missouri Valley, and one of the loudest places in the country. Part of what sold Wichita State to Head Coach Gregg Marshall were the stories of how incredibly loud the home crowd is.

Meeting those expectations is OUR responsibility as fans and season ticket holders.

While we all agree that there’s no place for rude or vulgar behavior at any sporting event, there is a responsibility to be loud, and not just at the beginning of each half. At the very least, respect those that are trying to uphold the hard-earned reputation of Charles Koch Arena. Better yet, if you can, please stand and cheer too! All we want is for the Shockers to win; and believe it or not, being a noisy crowd helps!

“The guys keep telling me, ‘Coach, you haven’t seen anything yet…” Coach Marshall, 12/4 Coach’s show.

GO SHOX!!

Courtesy, your fellow Shocker maniacs at Shockernet.
www.shockernet.net


:clap: :wsu_posters: :yahoo: :clap:

Pretty damned good start HS......... :good: