calumnus;842328894 said:
Agreed. I would like to see a gameday atmosphere that combines our traditions with corporate promotions.
For example, during a break, the announcer says "And now, the Cal Band will play Big C, sponsored by Bank of the West. Please look to the jumbotron for the words and sing along." On the screen would be a big logo for Bank of the West while the words to Big C scroll along. Oh, and the Cal band would be amplified playing over the loud speakers too.
When you go to a Giants game, they have a very specific identity. It is all about SF. They play off SF, the park and Giants history. In watching Giants games with my kids there have been things that prompted the kids to ask and for me to tell them about who players like Mays and Bonds were, or to tell them about the history of the Giants/Dodgers rivalry, etc.
The A's have great deals for families and play up the small market blue (actuallly green) collar identity. It's very Oakland, and they do a lot to keep the fan in touch with A's history. The promotions play off of that. As with the Giants, the things the A's do have prompted stories about Reggie Jackson and Rickey Henderson. Kids really connect with that stuff.
When you go to Cal games it is very Anytown, USA. The promotions get in the way of everything Cal about a Cal game.
They don't need to eliminate the promotions. They've always had promotions. They need to reduce them to bring them back in line, stop interfering with the traditions and make the promotions about Cal.
The A's need the money just as much as Cal does, and they don't do wall to wall promotions and their promotions connect with the team, the city and the history. I enjoy A's games. They are actually, dare I say, a FUN experience. (and yes, I know their attendance isn't great, but that isn't because of the experience they provide).
