Losing a Generation of Fans

[Duke Blue Blood]

I am a post DP fan. I graduated after the DP and did not come to SMU for the athletics.

Our own "reverse" Baby Boom is upon us at SMU. There are literally no fans from about 22-42 years of age that come to the games with any regularity. Before you say that I am wrong, count amongst your friends the REAL number of people from your graduating class that you see at more than one game.

If we DO NOT turn this program around, we are literally going to lose all major booster contributions. The 50+ crowd can only carry this torch so long. We can not have a 20-Year void and expect funds and fans to just "appear".

No doubt a few winning seasons would help, but the real dollars come from those that feel a connection to the program, not just a few good football games.

DBB

[Charleston Pony]

I've got news for you; a lot of the 50+ crowd has bailed out on this program, too.

This is SMU. Most of our students and alumni have lived a pretty spoiled life. They will not support a loser. That is reserved for really hard core fans and SMU has NEVER had many of those.

Long live the 1500!

[smupony94]

I am a post DP fan. I graduated after the DP and did not come to SMU for the athletics.

Our own "reverse" Baby Boom is upon us at SMU. There are literally no fans from about 22-42 years of age that come to the games with any regularity. Before you say that I am wrong, count amongst your friends the REAL number of people from your graduating class that you see at more than one game.

If we DO NOT turn this program around, we are literally going to lose all major booster contributions. The 50+ crowd can only carry this torch so long. We can not have a 20-Year void and expect funds and fans to just "apper".

No doubt a few winning seasons would help, but the real dollars come from those that feel a connection to the program, not just a few good football games.

DBB

DBB, thank you for being at the game. The coach lost it but we and the players are glad you were there.

[SMU Football Blog]

I am a post DP fan. I graduated after the DP and did not come to SMU for the athletics.

Our own "reverse" Baby Boom is upon us at SMU. There are literally no fans from about 22-42 years of age that come to the games with any regularity. Before you say that I am wrong, count amongst your friends the REAL number of people from your graduating class that you see at more than one game.

If we DO NOT turn this program around, we are literally going to lose all major booster contributions. The 50+ crowd can only carry this torch so long. We can not have a 20-Year void and expect funds and fans to just "apper".

No doubt a few winning seasons would help, but the real dollars come from those that feel a connection to the program, not just a few good football games.

DBB

'95 grad. Couldn't have said it better myself. I can count grads from my class I see at games on a regular basis on one hand.

[JesuitPony]

I'm also a '95 grad and of all of my SMU friends that still live in Dallas, I would be surprised if any have season tickets or even attend more than one to two games a year.

[RGV Pony]

We already did lose a generation of fans. For those of you who were in undergrad the early to mid nineties, I'm sure it's not lost on you what SMU averaged for home games. 19-23000 was the norm. We'd be tickled pink with that kind of attendance now.

[Pony94]

94 Grad and I think there is only one or two people that I recognize from my class at the games. Amazingly, for basketball its the same people. It's really sad, because we could have an amazing product. I bring a friend to the home games with his kids (OSU grad) and he loves the stadium and the fact that he can bring his kids. I think Orsini is capable and look forward to next year.

[mrydel]

94 Grad and I think there is only one or two people that I recognize from my class at the games. Amazingly, for basketball its the same people. It's really sad, because we could have an amazing product. I bring a friend to the home games with his kids (OSU grad) and he loves the stadium and the fact that he can bring his kids. I think Orsini is capable and look forward to next year.

Wait till you get to be my age. I can go to my reunion and only recognize one or two faces.

[Insane_Pony_Posse]

i am sure rutgers had lost several generations of fans too
it just takes the right people to turn it around
hopefully if orsini fires coach phil he will make the right choice

[mrydel]

I've got news for you; a lot of the 50+ crowd has bailed out on this program, too.

That is because we can not find our car keys.

[smupony94]

I've got news for you; a lot of the 50+ crowd has bailed out on this program, too.

That is because we can not find our car keys.

Put down the moonshine

[PonyLove]

Actually, the Young Alumni group of the Mustang Club have done an excellent job of recruiting new members this year. They have a great group and are very enthusiastic. Its the 35-45 year olds, as others have noted, that we are missing.

[smupony94]

Actually, the Young Alumni group of the Mustang Club have done an excellent job of recruiting new members this year. They have a great group and are very enthusiastic. Its the 35-45 year olds, as others have noted, that we are missing.

Where are they? Do they travel? Where were they at the Austin happy hour?>

[PonyLove]

I don't know---I don't get invited to their events---I'm too old. But I do know they have had a good group on the Blvd at the last two home games.

[smupony94]

I don't know---I don't get invited to their events---I'm too old. But I do know they have had a good group on the Blvd at the last two home games.

I get the emails and no one shows up