A Response to Stokan

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Chick-fil-A Bowl President and N.C. State graduate Gary Stokan called out State fans on 99.9 today for to-date lackluster sales to the State-Tennessee game (WRAL):

The source of his frustration is the lackluster ticket sales for the season-opener, against a prime opponent, after he reached out to them specifically.

“I’ll be brutally honest, as an NC State guy I’m frankly disappointed in NC State’s support right now,” Stokan said while at the ACC Kickoff in Greensboro. “It shocks me, frankly, because every time NC State played at the old Peach Bowl, they would bring 25,000 people.

…

According to Stokan, Tennesse, NC State’s opponent for the season opener in Atlanta, has sold 26,000 of their 31,500 allotted seats. NC State has sold just 15,000.

…

In the second of the kickoff games at the Georgia Dome, Auburn has already sold out their 31,500 tickets, while Clemson has sold 26,000 tickets.

I don’t necessarily have a problem with him calling on us to sell 25,000 tickets (which he later did). I’m sure his presentation wasn’t as intended and this was nothing more than a rallying cry from a proud alum who wants to show what we’re capable of, but unfortunately his tone seemed reproaching.

I see this as a case where numbers never lie, but they never tell the entire truth, either. Consider this (figures per NCAA.com):

*Only five teams (in order: Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama, Penn State, Texas) averaged more fans per home game in 2011 than Tennessee (94,642). State ranked outside the Top 30 (56,287). This suggests a much higher demand for football tickets at Tennessee (40.5% more, in fact).

Joe Ovies added a thought (@joeovies)

@statefansnation justify reasons for not going, but you don’t see SEC fans justifying reasons not to go to something. They go.

*By this argument (“they go”), you’d expect Tennessee (from the SEC) to have easily sold out its 31,500 allotment, yet they haven’t — what is their excuse? Tennessee’s sales are right on par with State’s. Based on 2011 average attendance, State has sold 26.6% of its average home attendance (15,000/56,287) while Tennessee has sold only 27.5% (26,000/94,642). Clemson has sold 33.4% (26,000/77,959) and Auburn 36.7% (31,500/85,792). Shouldn’t Stokan be more disappointed in the much larger, nomadic Tennessee fan base?

*Auburn and Clemson — who play each other on Saturday — combined have sold 28.7% (16,500) more tickets than State and Tennessee. Isn’t it then plausible to suggest the Friday scheduling before a Holiday weekend impacted ticket sales? If you’re in Charlotte (where many State fans are), it’s less of an issue; but if you’re coming from points north or east of Raleigh (where many State fans are), then this becomes an issue.

*Two years ago we saw this as a marquee game, just like it had been for several years for Alabama, Virginia Tech, LSU, and Carolina. But then last winter it was moved out of its original premier Saturday primetime slot to accomodate Clemson-Auburn. Stokan and ESPN can share the blame for taking away a bowl atmosphere and making it seem like a JV game.

*It’s a lot to ask State fans to go to Atlanta in September and then Charlotte in December and Miami in January. That’s a lot of traveling.

Relax, I’m kidding.

Tickets are still available on GoPack.com. You can discuss a variety of topics on the SFN Forums.

About LRM

Charter member of the Lunatic Fringe and a fan, loyal to a fault.

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74 Responses to A Response to Stokan

  1. Alpha Wolf 07/24/2012 at 12:03 PM #

    JEOH2 – I agree with you about the importance of the game. It’s an early-season nationallly televised game in an important recruiting area. ‘Nuff said.

    Hopefully, more people will find the time and the funds to get down there. I know I would buy my tickets immediately were I not changing jobs and not sure whether I will be able to get the time off to go to the 404.

  2. LRM 07/24/2012 at 2:03 PM #

    I already pay for WPC dues, LTRs, season tickets, and parking pass so I don’t necessarily see the need to justify to anyone why I choose not to go to a road game (if I indeed choose not to go).

    I also don’t see these as excuses, but reasons. There is a difference.

    I’m curious if Gary Stokan is at all the State home games? If not, then I expect better.

  3. 61Packer 07/24/2012 at 2:37 PM #

    I’m like LRM when it comes to dues, etc. I’m also upset that this game, which was supposed to be part of a home-and-home series with the Vols, has ended up on neutral ground, that is if you consider Atlanta neutral territory (I don’t).

    It reminds me somewhat of the UNC and ECU games in Charlotte. Attended 3 of ’em, but drew the line on the Thursday night contest there. I’ll go support the Pack on “neutral ground” if it’s in a bowl, but I’m tired of seeing Big Money take games off campuses and move them to large cities where prices are inflated through the roof and big corporates gobble up all the good seats.

    If Mr. Chick-fil-A is so desperate for “mo money”, then open the restaurants on Sunday.

  4. EdMar 07/24/2012 at 2:48 PM #

    It is not a Bowl Game, it is just another away game and I do not go to many of those.

  5. tjfoose1 07/24/2012 at 3:29 PM #

    “As far as my NFL comment, I was trying to say: (to the best of my knowledge) …”

    You’re knowledge ain’t all that impressive. Maybe you shouldn’t bring too much attention to it.

  6. Dan Allen 07/24/2012 at 3:48 PM #

    I’m going to the game with a couple of my fellow alum. We didn’t buy tix from the school because I don’t want to sit in the endzone.

  7. 1990alum 07/24/2012 at 4:20 PM #

    I do sometimes suspect that if our game switched places with the Clemson-Auburn game, some would be complaining that they got the first game and stole our thunder. State fans can be a tough crowd.

    I am going and I honestly thought we would have sold more by now- thinking that the holiday weekend would have made it MORE feasible for many. I don’t think JV. I think it is a chance to shine.

  8. Ben 07/24/2012 at 4:32 PM #

    I reckon Gair’s vagina is still sore towards his alma mater since Woodson brilliantly chose to go around a search committee and hire ole Deb. Well get the f over it Gair!

    I have my largest sales call of the year happening on 8/31. Been after this account for over a year. His stupid ass Friday night switcheroo game is the last thing on my mind.

    And to that point, since your brilliant ass moved us to Friday night, I wouldn’t go if I get away from work. Friday night I will be in the stands/on the sidelines of my local high school. You see, it’s important to some of us to be positive mentors to the young men in our communities. I will be there for them when I’m not traveling for work.

    To me, it’s also important my 5 and 7 year old see it’s important to me to support our community when we can. It really is rewarding. Sorry that doesn’t support your money hungry ass!

    Doing all I can to be a Champion in my Family, Champion in my Career, and a Champion in my Community. I sure hope ol’ TOB is proud of me…rolleyes

    Get over yourself Gair…you were never going to be the AD here! Maybe next time, douchebag…NOT!

    Go Pack!

  9. NCSU84 07/24/2012 at 6:04 PM #

    I have never been to a domed football stadium. I was extremely excited about being able to take my family to ATL for the game. Then, I look at the date and realize it is on a Friday. My kid is in school on Friday. I may be able to miss work, but I am not going to pull my child out of school for a football game – what kind of message would that send to my child? Sorry, but the Friday date did it for me.

  10. wpakgirl 07/24/2012 at 6:42 PM #

    Ben, you sound like a responsible family man with your priorities in the correct order. Your adolescent ranting and language take away from a good argument.

    Had looked forward for years going to UT and was disappointed with the Atlanta site. Not going but have many reasons. Haven’t missed many games over the years, home or away, but this one I will.

    Really don’t care what Stokan thinks but wish the comments about Chick-Fil-A, the company, would stay out of this.

    Go Wolfpack!

  11. mak4dpak 07/24/2012 at 7:45 PM #

    I look forward to the game, and can’t change the scheduled time. So Friday it is. Sorry this has caused such division among the fans. For those of us who are going, lets cheer the team on. and hopefully we will have a good following and for those not, then watch it on television and cheer the team on. The team needs our support regardless of game classification, or opposition. Go Pack!

  12. Wufpacker 07/24/2012 at 9:39 PM #

    “I have never been to a domed football stadium.”

    My only domed stadium football experience was the ’95 Peach Bowl. Miss. St. fans and their &@%*ing cowbells made certain to make it unforgettable, but not in a good way (the game itself rocked, however).
    –
    “Your adolescent ranting and language take away from a good argument.”

    Agree or disagree, that is a beautifully constructed backhanded compliment. Color me impressed.

  13. wolfwarrior 07/24/2012 at 10:41 PM #

    Hey tjf1, why don’t you stick it where the sun don’t shine.

  14. Wufpacker 07/24/2012 at 11:01 PM #

    Chapel Hill?

  15. graywolf 07/25/2012 at 6:53 AM #

    This game is on Friday night…..if we played on saturday afternoon or saturday night the ticket sales would be higher.

  16. Packfan28 07/25/2012 at 10:23 AM #

    1990 alum, I agree with you. A lot of rationalizing and excuses. I’m looking forward to a great game and supporting the team as much as possible, but I’m not looking forward to drowning in a sea of obnoxious orange. I’m sure the color orange is going to show up quite well on national TV.

  17. h2othf 07/25/2012 at 12:23 PM #

    I’m having a hard time understanding the “B-grade game” and “sub par experience” comments from earlier. OUR team has been invited to play an SEC team with a rich football heritage…what makes this a B-grade game and since when has traveling to see OUR football play a “decent” opponent been considered a “sub par experience”?

  19. quacko 07/25/2012 at 8:13 PM #

    Pride, is that you? if so, your site still blows

  20. tlk1969 07/25/2012 at 10:35 PM #

    Most of the responses on this board tonight are making me physically ill. . . I agree with Joe Ovies %100 on this one.

    Bring on the recrimination.

  21. Wufpacker 07/26/2012 at 12:20 AM #

    “I agree with Joe Ovies %100 on this one.”

    You realize he’s just trying to bump ratings, yes?

  22. waxhaw 07/26/2012 at 7:51 AM #

    I don’t have a problem with the Friday night time slot. I am actually thrilled to be playing in this game in any capacity.

    I do have a problem with the fan attendance comparisons. The Friday slot is absolutely a factor, especially when you also consider the distance. I think 15k plus alternative outlet sales is good but not great given those factors.

    Thankfully I can be there and can not wait.

  23. Packfan28 07/26/2012 at 8:42 AM #

    From following this site for the past few years, I get the impression many posters would fall into the “advanced age” status – north of 65 in a lot of cases. I think the real unspoken reason for these guys not going is too many pee breaks between Raleigh and Atlanta.

  24. McCallum 07/28/2012 at 10:14 PM #

    You guys can cite “stats” all you wish. Here is the deal:

    1) Knoxville is about 3 1/2 hours from Atlanta. Chattanooga is roughly 2 hours from Atlanta. Raleigh is 6 hours plus from Atlanta. Charlotte is 4 hours plus from Atlanta.

    You see my point here? State people will need to take a FULL DAY off work to make that trip. Tennessee folks, and they are band wagon if there has ever been any, can largely be in Atlanta from two large population centers in a few hours.

    2) Clemson is 2 hours from Atlanta and Auburn is 2 hours from Atlanta. They had better show up cause it aint much of a ride PLUS it is Saturday night.

    3) While State has “some” alumni in the Atlanta area we have nothing compared to Tennessee, Clemson and Auburn.

    Sorry guys but picking State for a Friday game was a bad move. Hell I live 1 1/2 hours north of Atlanta and I aint going for two reasons:

    1) the place is just dangerous.

    2) the Bowersville Optimist Club is having elections that night and I’m running for social chair.

    McCallum

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