SEZ

[alarson]

I don't disagree, but it seems like a revenue stream that has some very negative consequences.

How is that? Are a large number of our fans not currently intoxicated in the stadium? Do we not make a big deal about our tailgating environment (which involves alcohol). Do pro arenas\stadiums face pressure to get rid of alcohol sales?

I dont get why its not a big deal for almost all pro stadiums to have it, but someone mentions it at a college stadium and its made into such a huge deal by some.

 

[BirdOfWar]

Ok, not trying to block the SEZ enthusiasm, but I thought that the priorities in order were: offices, press box, and SEZ in order.
If they are swapping the last two, I think that's great, I just didn't think the SEZ was ahead of the press box.

I would also like to know exactly what the priorities are. Obviously those can change very quickly, but it would be nice to know.

I would want people to know what we are working towards.

 

[alarson]

Ok, not trying to block the SEZ enthusiasm, but I thought that the priorities in order were: offices, press box, and SEZ in order.
If they are swapping the last two, I think that's great, I just didn't think the SEZ was ahead of the press box.

1. Do we really need a bigger press box? I didnt think we needed more suite space (if we do, some could be added in the end zone build)
2. How do you expand the current press box? You have brand new buildings in the way of where you'd put supports for any expansion.

 

[CarolinaCy]

I was under the impression that opions were welcome here eve if not popular. It just seem like a terrific expense to add 3-5K seats that will prolly sell for less than $10 and may or may not be full.

I'm a firm believer in supply and demand. If your selling $10 tickets now and you build more seats they are worth >$10.

Cost of project divided by # of additional seats divided by >$10 = long time to pay for.

I would guess that between projected Tier 1 money, exit fees from MU/aTm, and private donations, a large chunk of this cost (if not all) will be accounted for before breaking ground - which the BOR would likely need to see before approving anyway. Also, some sort of premium seating (i.e. club section) would also provide a little extra revenue.

 

[EZpickins]

Any word on the specifics of the SEZ design? Bowled in, of course, is cool and everything but what about something more unique? Clemson, Indiana, and most of all UNC's end zones come to mind for me. Would love to see something more unique than just a simple bowl in, IMO. Things are looking up for ISU football! What a great time to be a Cyclone!!

 

[ribsnwhiskey]

I don't disagree, but it seems like a revenue stream that has some very negative consequences.

Like...?

 

[BirdOfWar]

Any word on the specifics of the SEZ design? Bowled in, of course, is cool and everything but what about something more unique? Clemson, Indiana, and most of all UNC's end zones come to mind for me. Would love to see something more unique than just a simple bowl in, IMO. Things are looking up for ISU football! What a great time to be a Cyclone!!

My only hope for the lower bowl is that it's completely connected to the existing lower deck on both sides, and it's very close to the back of the end zone. I want those fans as close to the field as possible.

If they were only doing a lower bowl for now, I would hope they would build it so the upper deck, or whatever might be there, could be added somewhat easily in the future.

 

[TOFB4ISU]

I've said before, put the students and band in the new SEZ. Add a few more bleachers in the NEZ and move them closer to the field. Those then become the true cheap seats.

 

[gocubs2118]

Like...?

Those crazy college kids are going to drink too much and start swearing and throwing up everywhere!

 

[EZpickins]

A lot of students sneak alcohol into the game anyway, why not make them pay for it and earn some extra cash.

 

[Al_4_State]

I don't disagree, but it seems like a revenue stream that has some very negative consequences.

You mean like people getting really drunk at ISU football games or people drinking in Jack Trice Stadium?

That certainly doesn't happen now.

 

[TOFB4ISU]

A lot of students sneak alcohol into the game anyway, why not make them pay for it and earn some extra cash.

They can't buy in the stadium because, eh, they forgot their IDoliceman:

 

[CyAg]

A lot of students sneak alcohol into the game anyway, why not make them pay for it and earn some extra cash.

Liability vs revenue, again, I am not opposed, just not happening unless some minds are changed.

 

[Al_4_State]

Liability vs revenue, again, I am not opposed, just not happening unless some minds are changed.

Why would this be a greater liability for Iowa State than West Virginia? Or pro teams? Or other ISU events that serve alcohol?

I don't buy the liability side of things. We sell alcohol on campus at the MU. We sell alcohol on campus at Johnny's in Hilton. Why not Jack Trice? What is the fundamental difference?

 

[cyhiphopp]

I think there would actually be more control over drinking in the stadium if it were done through the vendors rather than people sneaking in beers. Those that are going to get tanked will do so whether or not they can buy it in the stadium. Beer sales target people who just want a few beers during the game and are not willing to sneak them in. We would also probably see a decrease in people leaving for extra tailgate during halftime which many don't care for. A limited reentry rule could also be enforced.
I don't think controlled beer sales will negatively impact and increase drunkenness in the stands. People might even be less inclined to get hammered pregame because they know they can get a beer or two during the game. Also, some of the revenue from beer sales could go to increased security to help crack down on excessive drunkenness.

 

[CarolinaCy]

Liability vs revenue, again, I am not opposed, just not happening unless some minds are changed.

I don't think you'll have to worry about students being overserved by the beer vendors at JTS, because no students will pay for what they can smuggle in for free.

 

[DurangoCy]

I'm well aware of the BAC level of most of the fans, but serving alcohol won't decrease that level. I think if most college kids had the opportunity to purchase booze inside the stadium they would, which doesn't give them any time to sober up during the game. I don't think it's much of a reach to expect more fights, swearing, vomit, dui's, conduct un-becoming, ******-bagery etc.

Anyway, I realize this is a lot of money we're talking about, but I'm just not sure if it's actually worth it if we don't absolutely need the cash.

PS, This is coming from someone who on several occasions could have made a serious claim to being the drunkest person in Jack Trice.

 

[snowcraig2.0]

There will never, ever, be open beer sales at Jack Trice. I can guaruntee that 100%.
I am not opposed, I just know it will not happen. Direct from source.

Hmm. That seems to go against what Pollard has openly said in the media.

Frankly, I will be pretty disappointed if there is that strong of a stance against it. ISU doesn't have the luxury of being that old fashioned given the current market.

 

[cyhiphopp]

I don't think you'll have to worry about students being overserved by the beer vendors at JTS, because no students will pay for what they can smuggle in for free.

Exactly.

Beer prices will probably be pretty high so there will not be a lot of people getting **** faced off vendor beer. It will be more of a luxury item for peopel willing to spend some money to casually drink a few beers during the game.

One of the WVU fans that visited said that they made money off of it last year and were even able to incorporate some local microbrews which would help the local economy. Add in extra beer only vendor lines and you will add extra jobs there too. I can pretty much guarantee that the beer lines will always be busy.

 

[Cyclonestate78]

Hate to be a Debbie Downer but I'd rather not spend $ on SEZ until we can fill it with decent ticket sales. While attendance was great last year you could still get a $10 (or less) ticket to almost any home game.

Until tickets are a scarce commodity I would rather spend $ somewhere else.

To me it will be embassasing to build it and have it 2/3 empty OR have to offer $10 tickets plus food and drink to fill it.

Actually I think it is quite the opposite. I like the ticket deals that JP has offered in the past including last year. It is pure genius. If you want to fill JTS, get more donations, get more members in the Gridiron Club, etc... you need to build the fanbase. Winning helps that but there are plenty of fans that are happy to cheer from a distance or sports fans that aren't aligned with Iowa or Iowa State. This gives these folks an opportunity to snag some cheap tickets and come and see the product that is an Iowa State football game, tailgating, etc....

Imagine being a distant ISU fan (one that never attends games or chooses to not buy season tickets) or a fan with no allegiance to ISU or Iowa. Those are the people who potentially got cheap tickets for the Okie State game last year. How many of those people walked away after that epic game and said.... "I am getting tickets next season." There is nothing that JP and the marketing group can say to draw these people in but if you can offer them a cheap ticket and get them into the stadium it becomes a much easier sell. They get to see the product first hand, experience the environment, the crowd, the facilities, the caliber of competition, the quality of team that CPR is putting on the field, etc.... and you have a much better shot of turning them into fans that will start attending more games and eventually become season ticket holders, donors, etc....

Getting their butts in the seats is the best marketing you can get and also the hardest to pull off. Cheap tickets can make that a lot easier. :yes: