Ferris vs Lackers part deux

[GVSU-2019]

The selection criteria for the D2 game is quite extensive. It's a lot that has to be covered by the host institution, which would also have to include two practice facilities as there is no practice allowed on the game facility. The host also has to have indoor facilities available in case of inclement weather, which can include a school gymnasium. With basketball and volleyball going on, that makes it much more difficult. Additionally, the all three facilities are for the exclusive use of the NCAA from 9:00am the Monday prior to the game through the Sunday following the game. The facility needs a minimum of 8,000 permanent seats, which many D2 schools can't accommodate. The host facility needs to provide all materials for the game, so if held in an MLS stadium, conversions for goal posts would have to be made and paid for by the host facility.

There is so much more to this than, "That's a nice facility so let's go there."

Ahhhh ok makes sense. Thanks for that.

[Redwing]

I'm not suggesting that it would happen again, but Wayne St did make an offer. Yeah, I get the Ford field size issue. But I've witnessed HS games there (smaller crowds) and the atmosphere was still enthusiastic and upbeat. Even the Quick Lane bowl isn't a bad experience. Just keep the crowd shots tight if one is worried about how things look. For me, I think unless it's a total sell out, the look of the crowd has minimal impact for me.

I do agree that putting it somewhere in the middle of the country should increase attendance. It just allows more fans (and students) to make that drive. I'd take marginal weather over having to fly every time. Air fare and car rental are costs that many don't want to bare. And GV's jets have only so many seats ;-)

[KleShreen]

I'm not suggesting that it would happen again, but Wayne St did make an offer. Yeah, I get the Ford field size issue. But I've witnessed HS games there (smaller crowds) and the atmosphere was still enthusiastic and upbeat. Even the Quick Lane bowl isn't a bad experience. Just keep the crowd shots tight if one is worried about how things look. For me, I think unless it's a total sell out, the look of the crowd has minimal impact for me.

I do agree that putting it somewhere in the middle of the country should increase attendance. It just allows more fans (and students) to make that drive. I'd take marginal weather over having to fly every time. Air fare and car rental are costs that many don't want to bare. And GV's jets have only so many seats ;-)

I dunno, I think you'd have smaller crowds for the D2 championship at Ford Field than you even get for the D8 high school title game lol

[Redwing]

I dunno, I think you'd have smaller crowds for the D2 championship at Ford Field than you even get for the D8 high school title game lol

I'd love the chance to take that bet. Detroit has it's issues, but promoting and putting on most any event has been their strength. I wouldn't expect over 20k, but I'd put the over/under near 10K, maybe even 15k. FWIW, the Quick Lane bowl has typically had over 20k in attendance. (true they do give out some freebie tix.) Honestly, if GR ever builds that soccer stadium, GR would be pretty cool. Though the game would be outdoors in winter. And that destroying grass issue they had elsewhere. FWIW, I don't think it'll hold enough (unless they can add some temp seating or the like. Put it this way, chances of all that are like 5%.

And yeah, it goes against my idea to keep it in the middle of the US to somehow to allow more "drivers." Indy works though.

Guess we've derailed this thread.

[KleShreen]

I'd love the chance to take that bet. Detroit has it's issues, but promoting and putting on most any event has been their strength. I wouldn't expect over 20k, but I'd put the over/under near 10K, maybe even 15k. FWIW, the Quick Lane bowl has typically had over 20k in attendance. (true they do give out some freebie tix.) Honestly, if GR ever builds that soccer stadium, GR would be pretty cool. Though the game would be outdoors in winter. And that destroying grass issue they had elsewhere. FWIW, I don't think it'll hold enough (unless they can add some temp seating or the like. Put it this way, chances of all that are like 5%.

And yeah, it goes against my idea to keep it in the middle of the US to somehow to allow more "drivers." Indy works though.

Guess we've derailed this thread.

Maybe. The MAC Championship hasn't been above 17k unless there has been a Michigan school participating in the game. The Quick Lane Bowl is generally, like you said, around that 23-25k mark, but that game always has either a MAC school or B1G school in it, which boosts regional attendance.

I think if you were to put the D2 title game there, unless there's a GLIAC school in it, it would struggle to get to 10k, as a result. But if it was there, and you have, for example, two of the MIAA, RMAC, LSC, GSC in it? I don't think that number would be any different than it is currently in McKinney.

[tip79]

What are the attendance numbers for McKinney?

[KleShreen]

What are the attendance numbers for McKinney?

6333 in 2022.
3933 in 2021.
3415 in 2019.
4306 in 2018.

[Predatory Primates]

I'm not sure I would go to Detroit for free money let alone a football game.

[KleShreen]

I'm not sure I would go to Detroit for free money let alone a football game.

Don't fall in to the media narrative.

[Redwing]

I'm not sure I would go to Detroit for free money let alone a football game.

It's a sports mecca downtown. And as I mentioned, they have put on multiple events... Final fours, Grand Prixs, Superbowls, Ryder Cup, PGA events, etc. Let alone having 3 major sports venues within walking distances. And that's not brining up other events held around town. Don't knock it till you try it.

Full disclosure, I'd love seeing it in Grand Rapids. No venue... yet, but possibly by 25/26. I admit it's a stretch though. But it's a smaller city with lots of options to have fun, though no casinos. But numerous brew pubs, etc makes up for it. https://www.crainsgrandrapids.com/ne...rom%20downtown.

[Brandon]

Too far north.

[BillyGV]

This. Two entirely different offensive philosophies. Even if GV can get past Pitt St., I'd much rather play Harding cause GV is really good against the run.

Me as well - CMU looks really good to me but so does Harding - watched them both play, solid teams

[Predatory Primates]

Me as well - CMU looks really good to me but so does Harding - watched them both play, solid teams

They both do the same thing. Wear a D the eff out.

[Redwing]

Too far north.

Yeah, I kinda get that.. but it's never too far south? Yes, Dallas gets cold in Dec. too. And I recall a snowstorm in KC. But I do admit that for better attendance I prefer something more in the middle... weather be damned. The Semi's are played wherever. Not sure how big a circle, but someplace that many can drive to in a day without too much trouble. Time to leave this discussion for the off season. (maybe, LOL)

[Brandon]

Yeah, I kinda get that.. but it's never too far south? Yes, Dallas gets cold in Dec. too. And I recall a snowstorm in KC. But I do admit that for better attendance I prefer something more in the middle... weather be damned. The Semi's are played wherever. Not sure how big a circle, but someplace that many can drive to in a day without too much trouble. Time to leave this discussion for the off season. (maybe, LOL)

Of course. There is nowhere perfect. KC with place with a retractable roof, maybe.