Game Day - Fan Support

[WuDrWu]

With all due apologies to ShockCity, I have to get on the soapbox again this season to address "some of the best fans in the country".


Yes we are loyal and yes we are numerous to a degree.


Yes the Chuck can be deafening at times, earsplitting even.


BUT, not often enough.


It's not good enough to go crazy when we beat Creighton or when it's a postseason game or when we're in the midst of a 15 point run against Arkansas Technikovich. It simply isn't good enough.


We're better than that, or at least we can be better than that. Don't be a fan that's waiting to go all out when we get to the Sweet16 again. Be the fan that's giddy we start off 1-0. Don't be the first one ready to run on the floor when we clinch the Valley, be the first one in the gym ready to go nuts at pregame introductions.


When the game starts, we stand and clap until the other teams scores a field goal, not a free throw, not 2 free throws, not 3 free throws. 1 real life honest to goodness basket.

If 2 or 3 minutes is too much to ask to be upright and banging your palms together, perhaps it's time to pin the note to your windbreaker and go watch the doggies chase the funny bunny.

As God is my witness, if I have to endure another scowl ass chewing from our head coach directed at my section when everyone drops to their seat like they've been shot, I am going to lose it.


Thank you, that is all.

[WuDrWu]

By the way, this Sunday's game is on national TV on ESPNU. If you want people around the country to sit up and pay attention, if you want the chance to make a statement that is lasting and not just lip service, here's your opportunity to be heard, loud and clear.

[SubGod22]

Well said Doc. There's no reason not to show off our abilities on the U

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

me and my son will be at the game Sunday. He doesnt know it yet. But we're ready to go in!

[Shox21]

Doc - The problem seems to be that when most fans in the section sit, the small number that know you should still stand and clap are so outnumbered, they sit as well. Those that visit SN know what to do -- but the majority of the fans are clueless and just follow the lead of the "rest of the pack." If there is a way to get the word out to more fans? What aboaut putting something on the big board to encourage everyone to remain standing and clapping until told to sit, then maybe it will change.

[WstateU]

Doc - The problem seems to be that when most fans in the section sit, the small number that know you should still stand and clap are so outnumbered, they sit as well. Those that visit SN know what to do -- but the majority of the fans are clueless and just follow the lead of the "rest of the pack." If there is a way to get the word out to more fans? What aboaut putting something on the big board to encourage everyone to remain standing and clapping until told to sit, then maybe it will change.

I like the 'big board' idea. They could also pass out a simple ½ page instruction sheet prior to tip-off of the first home game. It's not rocket science.

[SubGod22]

Last year or the one before Don Hall announced before the game that we were to remain standing until the first field goal. I think he even made a comment after a made FT to keep people up. If that's what it takes he should do it again.

[ShockerFever]

Solid Doc, solid.

We need to prove we aren't a bandwagon fanbase.

[melcong4]

I just checked marketplace and their are 15 seats available along with GA tickets still available. :roll:

[Ashockalypse]

GoodpostDoc

[shockerfan]

Solid post as always Doc!

At the Newman game we were standing when Newman was shooting free-throws. I told everyone, very loudly, to remember to keep standing until the first FIELD GOAL. A few people nodded, but that was about it. When Newman made the free throw I repeatedly said, "Keep standing...keep standing". Alas, it didn't matter. Everyone sat down anyway, and a few gave some glares my way.

Truthfully, across the vast majority of the nation it is the students that make the atmosphere what it is. I've been to quite a few games where the regular season ticket holders don't yell or stand the whole time, but the students do. I know it won't happen, but we just need more students to show up at the games....I'm talking enough that causes them to expand the student section. Until then, we will have a very good atmosphere with a few GREAT atmospheres each season.

I do want to say that the student section was very good for an exhibition game. Of course some of that had to do with the strategic placement of the Newman fans I'm sure LOL. Props to the students who came and gave their best. The ones who show up generally do a great job...we just need more bodies.

[newshock1234]

Yup i agree about the students. It just pisses me off to no end, that not all student tickets get claimed by our student body. For goodness sakes people, they are free. There is absolutely no excuse for our student section not to be filled by students.

[SB Shock]

No. 1 Key - if you want everybody to stand you have to get it started in the lower bowl (the least engaged fans).

That is why the FLA St game was so awesome, the real fans got a chance to sit in the lower bowl and we stood the whole game - everybody else had no choice but to stand or not see.

MEMO to shockerfans at the Chuck - it is stand till they score (a FT does not count).

It does help, if the team can do some little things to help the excitement. There were numerous time the fans were just wanting to take the lid off the house - all they needed was a that one back breaking 3pter or a dunk or that awesome defensive stand...

[shox1989]

Wearing yellow and black would also look good on national TV.

[martymoose]

One major problem with this thread....it's preaching to the choir.

CKA seats over 10,000...shockernet has about 300 regular visitors. We're basically telling the people who show up to every game to show up.... We are telling the fans who yell the loudest every game to yell.... We are telling the fans who stand when the Shocks need them, to well...stand. It's a tough problem to solve. I can remember back to a few "bad" KU seasons when they couldn't fill their place and it showed on national TV. I guess my point is we can't control what the casual fans do, those of us who are the die hards just need to make sure we yell loud enough to make up for those sitting at home.