When it comes to the end of spring football, Nebraska does it right and Iowa does it wrong. Nebraska promotes its product making it a fan experience more than a football experience. Iowa makes it as boring of experience as possible.
Let’s start with Iowa. I know Kirk Ferentz is worried about injuries and he’s seen them before in a spring game. But to hold a “practice” with a very “controlled” scrimmage is a waste of time for the 15 thousand or so that show up to Kinnick Stadium. Iowa is missing the boat when it comes to promoting its product. Instead of raising the bar and giving the fans a “glimpse” of what to expect in the fall, Ferentz takes the get in, get out and nobody gets hurt mentality.
The athletic department is missing a big opportunity to promote the brand a make a lot of money doing it. Spring games are now being televised which is a huge recruiting tool. The Iowa approach the final spring practice is also bad for the local economy.
Nebraska on the other hand takes the exact opposite approach. A regular game day atmosphere starting with tailgating in the parking lots. 70,000-plus (paid) in the stands, concession stands are open. The game clock running, stats being taken, press conference afterwards and full newspaper, TV, radio and Internet coverage to follow.
There’s always a spring game star. Quarterbacks are usually off limits and kickoffs and punts are controlled enough to prevent injury but let’s be honest not all injuries are preventable.
The fans love it. The university loves it. The athletic department counts the money at the end of a very profitable day. So do the bars, restaurants and hotels in the Lincoln area.
We all know the spring game means nothing, but if you are going to open the stadium gates you might as well do it right.
The thing I love most (been to about 10 NU spring games) is that some 3rd or 4th stringer always has an amazing game, come fall, he is still 3rd or 4th, but hey, had a little bit of glory for one day.
ReplyDelete