Even the most rabid league in the country saw a dip. In 2017, the SEC experienced its sharpest per-game decline -- down an average 2,433 fans -- since 1992. That figure led the Power Five in fans lost per game in 2017.
2. Concession prices are insanely stupid. Sorry, you greedy bastard, but a damn hot dog and bun does not cost you freaking $5 to produce and sell. Much easier (and far cheaper) to eat at home with friends and enjoy the game that way.
Define "fan friendly" prices, please.
$4 for a souvenir cup, and then you refill it yourself from soda fountains placed liberally throughout the concourse.
$2 hot dog.
$5 beer.
$10 gets you a really good french dip sandwich, fries, and a drink from one of the bars.
Thanks for the replies, guys, but still doesn't change the fact we are talking about contracted groups at the collegiate level that will charge their pound of flesh. NFL venues that just happen to host a CFB game are different.
Until a university or universities put their foot down (good luck) and make concessions groups drop their prices, it won't change.
I don't want to get too distracted from the OP, but my thoughts are people are dropping from the games because of rising prices across the board.
Thanks for the replies, guys, but still doesn't change the fact we are talking about contracted groups at the collegiate level that will charge their pound of flesh. NFL venues that just happen to host a CFB game are different.
While this certainly isn't a trend at the college level, it is only a recent thing within the NFL. Now that it's been done at the highest level, and has been shown to drive revenue, it could certainly become more prevalent everywhere.
I'd say it's one of the few things that can help stem the down flow of attendance figures in CFB. As one of my clients said "people come here for the experience and atmosphere they can't get in their living room. We compete against the 70 inch flatscreen."
To which I agree wholeheartedly, but if concessions contractors and ticket offices continue to price things out of people's limits, they will lose in the long run.
Option A:
Load up tailgate gear Friday night
Wake up @ 6:30 Saturday morning
Get on the road by 7am, arrive in Gainesville by 8:45
Park, unload tailgate tent/gear and set up TVs
Tailgate until an hour before kickoff
Break down tailgate and walk to stadium
Sit in 90 degree temperatures on metal bleachers for 4 hours
Drive home
Option B:
Wake up @ 8:30 Saturday morning
Walk outside to patio, plop down in front of TV by 10:00
Watch Gameday, early kickoff, 3:30, 7:00 and 10:30 games
Jump in pool as needed throughout the day
Fall asleep in front of patio TV watching late 10:30 PAC-12 game