Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

I could see the combination of the pre-labor day game and an uninspiring opponent lowering attendance.

That said, college football attendance has been on a low and steady decline for a few years.

Hopefully they turn it around, and some of the former charger fans join the crowds. I've never had ill will against the aztecs.

Basketball school.

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

Is this because UC Berkeley somehow blocked their doctoral programs?

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

ColoradoBear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

---

They are KILLING it on special events which are highly beneficial in a revenue split to the university. It fits into a nice sweet spot - smaller than Petco (and a better concert venue) and bigger than Sports Arena. It also is good for soccer - and will be the future home for San Diego's MLS team. I think snapdragon will be fine even if Aztec football isn't great/draws poorly.

socaltownie said:

---

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

---

Not from SoCal, but attended a soccer match there and it was miserable. My buddies I went with had nothing but complaints about the place (SD locals) and I mean really vocal about it. "You think Levi's is bad?". We got cooked.

glb78 said:

---

socaltownie said:

---

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

---

Not from SoCal, but attended a soccer match there and it was miserable. My buddies I went with had nothing but complaints about the place (SD locals) and I mean really vocal about it. "You think Levi's is bad?". We got cooked.

---

Yeah - I am wondering if they put in sunshades.

glb78 said:

---

socaltownie said:

---

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

---

Not from SoCal, but attended a soccer match there and it was miserable. My buddies I went with had nothing but complaints about the place (SD locals) and I mean really vocal about it. "You think Levi's is bad?". We got cooked.

---

This seems like a pretty big f up.

socaltownie said:

---

glb78 said:

---

socaltownie said:

---

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

---

Not from SoCal, but attended a soccer match there and it was miserable. My buddies I went with had nothing but complaints about the place (SD locals) and I mean really vocal about it. "You think Levi's is bad?". We got cooked.

---

Yeah - I am wondering if they put in sunshades.

---

How many seats will shades actually help? It would be basically zero on the east side which is half the stadium. There are just no good solutions for outdoor stadiums in summer, other than night games. The east sides are going to get rocked.

Sort of like Memorial on a warm day.

The new SDSU stadium is so freaking hot, it's absurd. I sat on the east side of old Jack Murphy for 20 seasons, through many 100+ degree games, there were only a few games where we ducked into the shade. I also spent many a fall day at Cal on east side, it was hot, but do-able. Game 1 of Snapdragon stadium was over 100 degrees, maybe 110 on the field. I opted not to go, good thing, many people passed out due to lack of shade and water. I went week 4 when it was at least 10 to 15 degrees cooler, I lasted about 3 quarters and left. I love hot weather, but there's something about the orientation and also extreme lack of shade that makes it hotter. There's just minimal areas of shade behind the east stands and everyone is standing there. And there's usually a breeze up Mission Valley but there was none. They absolutely should consider added some shade covers like the ones at UW (which are for rain).

I would say one data point (Ohio) is not enough at this point to make a conclusion, but it does seem as if they will average 20,000 to 25,000 at most with a successful season. Compare that to any soccer event here, which sells out instantly. Maybe it's a confluence of weather, opponents, basketball success, summer vacation, school just starting, etc etc. I do think if they were in a Pac conference with good opponents, they'd draw more fans. I guess we may never know.

glb78 said:

---

socaltownie said:

---

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

---

Not from SoCal, but attended a soccer match there and it was miserable. My buddies I went with had nothing but complaints about the place (SD locals) and I mean really vocal about it. "You think Levi's is bad?". We got cooked.

---

At the old Chargers/Padres stadium there, it was just as warm in the daytime if you were sitting in a spot that had no shade.

Maybe the difference is that the new SDSU stadium has a different design as well as a much lower overall height all the way around, and that's why there is little to no shade anywhere in the new stadium, kind of like Arizona State's stadium was before its recent renovation.

A retractable canopy might be a workable solution for afternoon games.

Old stadium (RIP):


New SDSU stadium:

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

I'm curious Calumnus - who would you have invited into the PAC when UCLA and SC left? Give me your top 2.

socaltownie said:

---

TomBear said:

---

matteye said:

---

I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

---

But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

---

Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

---

Should have been a night game for many, many reasons. The ability to play comfortable night games in the Pacific time zone is one of their most valuable assets.

philly1121 said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

I'm curious Calumnus - who would you have invited into the PAC when UCLA and SC left? Give me your top 2.

---

Once USC and UCLA left the conference and Oregon and UW began publicly lobbying to get into the B1G too, the writing was on the wall. Cal and Stanford needed to be lobbying just as hard to get into the B1G.

Everyone knew the B-12 contract had 4 expansion slots that could only be used for P5 (PAC-12) teams. They could not add G5 teams like SMU or SDSU and get full B-12 value from Fox and ESPN. If that is true, why would adding G5 teams to the Pac-10 increase our value to more than B-12 value? It wouldnt. The PAC-10 schools were more valuable on average than the two schools we were thinking of adding.

Kliavkoff spent his time first trying to force UCLA to stay, which Cal supported, but was never going to succeed and only alienated the people we needed to support a Cal move to the B1G. Failing that, Kliavkoff spent his time trying to patch up a leaky boat by adding G5 schools SMU and SDSU. I agree, there are not two other, better, candidates. No additions were going to increase our average value and save the PAC-12.

The Hail Mary for the PAC-10 wouid have been a negotiated merger with the B1G or the ACC to form a West Coast pod of a super conference. If with the B1G, it would keep the Pac-12 together.

Getting into the ACC would be a great outcome, after all of the above.

SDSU, like Cal, has great potential. If Snapdragon is too hot, they should play night games. TV wants West Coast night games. If the Pac-2, or heaven forbid the PAC-4, need to add teams, SDSU is top of the list.

Maybe season ticket holders did not renew due to the new cost of the tickets. Looks like poor planning and poor market evaluation

oskidunker said:

---

Maybe season ticket holders did not renew due to the new cost of the tickets. Looks like poor planning and poor market evaluation

---

Bingo! That's because the Cal athletic department handled the market evaluation, planning, and marketing for SDSU.

Golden One said:

---

oskidunker said:

---

Maybe season ticket holders did not renew due to the new cost of the tickets. Looks like poor planning and poor market evaluation

---

Bingo! That's because the Cal athletic department handled the market evaluation, planning, and marketing for SDSU.

---

Section F, bench backs ,were initially priced much higher but reduced to-a more affordable price before accepting renewals from the old stadium. Esp was priced way too high

So, it's just like Memorial.

calumnus said:

---

philly1121 said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

I'm curious Calumnus - who would you have invited into the PAC when UCLA and SC left? Give me your top 2.

---

Once USC and UCLA left the conference and Oregon and UW began publicly lobbying to get into the B1G too, the writing was on the wall. Cal and Stanford needed to be lobbying just as hard to get into the B1G.

Everyone knew the B-12 contract had 4 expansion slots that could only be used for P5 (PAC-12) teams. They could not add G5 teams like SMU or SDSU and get full B-12 value from Fox and ESPN. If that is true, why would adding G5 teams to the Pac-10 increase our value to more than B-12 value? It wouldnt. The PAC-10 schools were more valuable on average than the two schools we were thinking of adding.

Kliavkoff spent his time first trying to force UCLA to stay, which Cal supported, but was never going to succeed and only alienated the people we needed to support a Cal move to the B1G. Failing that, Kliavkoff spent his time trying to patch up a leaky boat by adding G5 schools SMU and SDSU. I agree, there are not two other, better, candidates. No additions were going to increase our average value and save the PAC-12.

The Hail Mary for the PAC-10 wouid have been a negotiated merger with the B1G or the ACC to form a West Coast pod of a super conference. If with the B1G, it would keep the Pac-12 together.

Getting into the ACC would be a great outcome, after all of the above.

SDSU, like Cal, has great potential. If Snapdragon is too hot, they should play night games. TV wants West Coast night games. If the Pac-2, or heaven forbid the PAC-4, need to add teams, SDSU is top of the list.

---

Not really what I was asking. I was asking who YOU would add.

Golden One said:

---

oskidunker said:

---

Maybe season ticket holders did not renew due to the new cost of the tickets. Looks like poor planning and poor market evaluation

---

Bingo! That's because the Cal athletic department handled the market evaluation, planning, and marketing for SDSU.

---

Lol!

philly1121 said:

---

calumnus said:

---

philly1121 said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

I'm curious Calumnus - who would you have invited into the PAC when UCLA and SC left? Give me your top 2.

---

Once USC and UCLA left the conference and Oregon and UW began publicly lobbying to get into the B1G too, the writing was on the wall. Cal and Stanford needed to be lobbying just as hard to get into the B1G.

Everyone knew the B-12 contract had 4 expansion slots that could only be used for P5 (PAC-12) teams. They could not add G5 teams like SMU or SDSU and get full B-12 value from Fox and ESPN. If that is true, why would adding G5 teams to the Pac-10 increase our value to more than B-12 value? It wouldnt. The PAC-10 schools were more valuable on average than the two schools we were thinking of adding.

Kliavkoff spent his time first trying to force UCLA to stay, which Cal supported, but was never going to succeed and only alienated the people we needed to support a Cal move to the B1G. Failing that, Kliavkoff spent his time trying to patch up a leaky boat by adding G5 schools SMU and SDSU. I agree, there are not two other, better, candidates. No additions were going to increase our average value and save the PAC-12.

The Hail Mary for the PAC-10 wouid have been a negotiated merger with the B1G or the ACC to form a West Coast pod of a super conference. If with the B1G, it would keep the Pac-12 together.

Getting into the ACC would be a great outcome, after all of the above.

SDSU, like Cal, has great potential. If Snapdragon is too hot, they should play night games. TV wants West Coast night games. If the Pac-2, or heaven forbid the PAC-4, need to add teams, SDSU is top of the list.

---

Not really what I was asking. I was asking who YOU would add.

---

I am saying incremental addition was not the solution and should not have been the focus. But sure, if I have to add someone, SDSU is top of the list. There are no better candidates.

Alabama or LSU and Texas?

socaltownie said:

---

ColoradoBear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

---

They are KILLING it on special events which are highly beneficial in a revenue split to the university. It fits into a nice sweet spot - smaller than Petco (and a better concert venue) and bigger than Sports Arena. It also is good for soccer - and will be the future home for San Diego's MLS team. I think snapdragon will be fine even if Aztec football isn't great/draws poorly.

---

Don't their Hill People put the kibosh on "special events"?

Big C said:

---

socaltownie said:

---

ColoradoBear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

---

Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

---

Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

---

They are KILLING it on special events which are highly beneficial in a revenue split to the university. It fits into a nice sweet spot - smaller than Petco (and a better concert venue) and bigger than Sports Arena. It also is good for soccer - and will be the future home for San Diego's MLS team. I think snapdragon will be fine even if Aztec football isn't great/draws poorly.

---

Don't their Hill People put the kibosh on "special events"?

---

Nope. It is not near residents except for lowly renters

socaltownie said:

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Big C said:

---

socaltownie said:

---

ColoradoBear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

oski003 said:

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Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

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Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

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Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

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They are KILLING it on special events which are highly beneficial in a revenue split to the university. It fits into a nice sweet spot - smaller than Petco (and a better concert venue) and bigger than Sports Arena. It also is good for soccer - and will be the future home for San Diego's MLS team. I think snapdragon will be fine even if Aztec football isn't great/draws poorly.

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Don't their Hill People put the kibosh on "special events"?

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Nope. It is not near residents except for lowly renters

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WHY ARE WE THE ONLY ONES WITH HILL PEOPLE?!?

Big C said:

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socaltownie said:

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Big C said:

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socaltownie said:

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ColoradoBear said:

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calumnus said:

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oski003 said:

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Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

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Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

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Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

---

They are KILLING it on special events which are highly beneficial in a revenue split to the university. It fits into a nice sweet spot - smaller than Petco (and a better concert venue) and bigger than Sports Arena. It also is good for soccer - and will be the future home for San Diego's MLS team. I think snapdragon will be fine even if Aztec football isn't great/draws poorly.

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Don't their Hill People put the kibosh on "special events"?

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Nope. It is not near residents except for lowly renters

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WHY ARE WE THE ONLY ONES WITH HILL PEOPLE?!?

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UCLA doesn't have an on campus stadium.

Bobodeluxe said:

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Sort of like Memorial on a warm day.

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Only for September games.
Games later in the season, sitting on the East Side of CMS is quite pleasant as cool winds blow in over the Bay.
I have sat on the East Side for over 40 years. I wouldn't give them up except on days when we had heavy rains. (Haven't been to many of them over the past 10 years s)

calumnus said:

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Big C said:

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socaltownie said:

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Big C said:

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socaltownie said:

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ColoradoBear said:

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calumnus said:

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oski003 said:

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Staying in the MWC and not joining the Pac 12.

https://www.heartlandcollegesports.com/2023/08/28/crowd-at-san-diego-state-home-opener-a-bad-sign-for-things-to-come/

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Good chance they still end up in the PAC, but only with OSU and WSU as original members.

However, this shows why they were never a great replacement for USC and UCLA.

---

Agreed, and it's also stretch to say attendance was due to conference disappointment. aAll the positive talk and spin, but not a deep fan base. Just 10k season tickets sold this year, down from 16k last year in the first year of the new stadium. Classes started Aug 21, so no excuses there too.

Dropping $320 million on that stadium could be a monumental disaster.

Looking at the ticket price map, seats are quite expensive - which is unlike their baskeball prices which encourage sellouts.

---

They are KILLING it on special events which are highly beneficial in a revenue split to the university. It fits into a nice sweet spot - smaller than Petco (and a better concert venue) and bigger than Sports Arena. It also is good for soccer - and will be the future home for San Diego's MLS team. I think snapdragon will be fine even if Aztec football isn't great/draws poorly.

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Don't their Hill People put the kibosh on "special events"?

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Nope. It is not near residents except for lowly renters

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WHY ARE WE THE ONLY ONES WITH HILL PEOPLE?!?

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UCLA doesn't have an on campus stadium.

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The Rose Bowl does have NIMBY neighbors.

socaltownie said:

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glb78 said:

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socaltownie said:

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TomBear said:

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matteye said:

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I'd say it was more so the heat and lack of shade at Snap Dragon stadium. Saturday was a hot one. I live in SD and rode through Mission Valley (cyclist) shortly before kick off. It was not pleasant.

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But here's the thing, (and this is an indictment of Cal too), the SEC (with a very few exceptions) has really good crowds despite heat and humidity. Why? Because (As the SEC is proud to say), "It just means more".

If the PAC, and SDSU (as an example) took the attitude that it "means" something, then SDSU, Cal, stanford etc. would fill their stadiums with good crowds too.

I think Cal is waking up "It means something". That's not as good as "It just means more", but it's a decent start.

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Nope. I don't think you can underestimate how uncomfortable snapdragon is during the day in August (or a santa anna event).

1) No shade. It literally bakes in.
2) They positioned the stadium "south facing" so that the sun is RIGHT in your face
3) For whatever reason (not sure why) it doesn't catch any breeze coming down Mission valley. Microclimate, positioning, being closer to the "hill" where SerraMesa is? Not sure why but it doesn't get much (any?) breeze in the afternoon.

Now if it WAS the Pac12 MAYBE they draw a bit better. But honestly it is a venue problem. Evenings are GREAT at SnapDragon and come october it is pleasant (except during santa annas) but it isn'[t being in the MWC. I bet less than 5% of San Diegans followed the conference musical chairs.

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Not from SoCal, but attended a soccer match there and it was miserable. My buddies I went with had nothing but complaints about the place (SD locals) and I mean really vocal about it. "You think Levi's is bad?". We got cooked.

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Yeah - I am wondering if they put in sunshades.

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If the Romans figured it out the Velarium, modern football can figure it out. All stadiums need to go research how the ancient Roman Coliseum had these shades that they would pull out. It was cheap, doesn't require tens of millions, and it is a simple easy solution.