SID Question

[SoCal_Pony]

First off, let me thank you for your timely responses to our questions.

Here is another.

Earlier this week I enjoyed watching SMU destroy URI online; however, there had to be easily 4k empty seats at the Culwell Center.

Many SMU posters complained about the driving conditions given the heavy traffic between 6pm-7pm. That will not change and will turn-off many fans from making the trip to Garland.

ALL of us would agree we need to expand our fan base.

Ten days from now, SMU will begin a home schedule that includes Texas St, Arkansas PB and Sam Houston St.

Why not have a massive ticket give-away focused almost exclusively in the Garland area to attract potential new fans. Only downside I can see is for those who have already purchased their tickets. However, these are our most die-hard fans and I don't think it would bother them that much, it simply amounts to another contribution to our dear old alma mater.

Would appreciate your thoughts.

[WorldStang]

I was at the game and was kinda thinking the same thing as I was driving in.. what an opportunity to reach out to Garland. I'm just not sure how you would do it?

Perhaps get the word out through GISD? School announcements? School Papers?

Why not recognize the various coaches or teams in GISD.. to draw their fans?
Why not have a GISD spirit competition that brings in their bands to play along with SMU?
A Halftime dunking contest or 3pt shot contest with a few contestants from the local schools?
Various HS Cheer teams compete at halftime?

[gostangs]

Richardson is also pretty close and might respond. We have football inroads to make in mesquite also - which is not that far.

[2ndandlong]

I know this sounds silly, but giving away tickets is an incredibly costly and arduous task. NCAA places tight restrictions on who (age is primary limiting factor) you give tickets to and when you give them tickets. Dutch and I have done ticket donations in the past where we bought blocks of seats and distributed them to an area school. Some of the restrictions include no tickets to anyone between grades 8 and 12 or their parents (don't quote me on this - I believe it could be broader than this - but it gives you an idea of the difficulty). The school must document who the tickets were given to all to ensure that we are not giving tickets to potential recruits or students.

If you are looking to give tickets away or donate tickets, I would highly encourage you to first contact Kyle Conder, Associate Athletic Director - Compliance.

For these reasons, the school will likely not repeat this program again in the future. I know they have done it before, and I know it was incredibly difficult and costly. The bus brigades were a massive failure despite being a great idea in discussion.

[LA_Mustang]

It's a good idea and this has been talked about before but if I remember correctly there is a limit to how many tickets you can give away mandated by the NCAA.

I was just listening to the LB post game interview and he mentioned the lack of attendance. He said he overheard one of the R.I. players saying no one cares about SMU basketball while pointed to the empty stands. That's the first time I've sensed he was a little disgusted by the lack of attendance.

[Bergermeister]

I do not want people from Garland sitting next to me.

[Pony ^]

It's a good idea and this has been talked about before but if I remember correctly there is a limit to how many tickets you can give away mandated by the NCAA.

I was just listening to the LB post game interview and he mentioned the lack of attendance. He said he overheard one of the R.I. players saying no one cares about SMU basketball while pointed to the empty stands. That's the first time I've sensed he was a little disgusted by the lack of attendance.

That worries me too, but Moody will be a different story. Garland produces so many excuses and I wish people would show up for quality entertainment. It will all be ok once Moody is opened. As for the RI player, I'm sure he didn't care about the crowd after he took his 31 pt [deleted] kicking back to the Northeast

[S....M....U]

doooo itttt

[LA_Mustang]

Pony ^, LB was specific about it being in Garland. He made a comment right after saying he knows it will be different at Moody. Also, my guess is the R.I. Player's comment was just LB's way of getting a subtle message across. I kinda doubt a R.I. Player actually said that.

[SMU 86]

I am sure they are doing something in the Garland area.

[blackoutpony]

I am sure they are doing something in the Garland area.

Why do you say this?