I grew up in Sioux City and have been going to ISU games since the mid-80s. I was one of two ISU fans in a sea of Iowa and Nebraska fans growing up. You couldn't buy ISU gear. ISU was NEVER on TV.
Fast forward to now. I don't know if you've noticed but the ISU fanbase is young. There are kids everywhere. I'm talking infants to middle school to high school age. Pollard and the athletic department have been fantastic getting the family involved. Now look at the Iowa fan base and Nebraska fan base. Old. So...old. When it comes to TV execs and conference commissioners, it goes noticed. Keep bringing your kids to tailgate tours and games. Bring your grandkids. Things are looking bright, I promise you.