For those who don't think the stadium upgrades matter

[aTotal360]

Go listen to the newest Thunder and Lightning.

Flashing lights, good audio, the entire gameday experience, etc matters when it comes to recruiting.

Go to an away game. Then come to a game at DWS. I shlt you not, it's like going to SEC game, then a MAC game.

We are rolling out a mascot on a golfcart with a doghouse facade with sparklers and muffled audio into a stadium at 60% capacity. It's 100% Busch League and recruits taking OVs know it's lame. If you have a JUCO level experience, expect to land JUCO level players.

You at home may be fine with it, but good recruits who are traveling the SEC get to witness gameday experiences that make ours look 2nd rate. We should all be embarrassed.

It has to change.

 

[HailStout]

I really can’t argue with this. The money we are going to have to use to fire Bitzer would have been nice to have here

ETA: he doesn’t deserve to have the spellcheck corrected

 

[Shmuley]

I completely get this and understand the issue. But I’m not sure the model is sustainable. Spending millions for upgrades ostensibly to justify attracting talent that will end up costing millions more? Where is the sustained, additional revenue coming from?

 

[aTotal360]

I completely get this and understand the issue. But I’m not sure the model is sustainable. Spending millions for upgrades ostensibly to justify attracting talent that will end up costing millions more? Where is the sustained, additional revenue coming from?

That's a different discussion, but I agree.

 

[Shmuley]

That's a different discussion, but I agree.

I think we agree that the current gameday experience is completely unacceptable. It’s half @$$ at best. Amateur hour.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

Everything matters, over the long term. Stadium, logos, winning, everything. Everything you do right, contributes to the long-term health of the program. Most State fans do not know how to think long term. That's why so many are focused on Hustler.

But sometimes you find yourself in an overwhelming situation where you can't afford to make the big changes needed. Like buying a house where you didn't realize it needed certain improvements. But you can sure make the little ones to help get you through. Figuring out the sound system, logo, etc., things like that, seem like cheap ways to move you forward. We may have to commit to Lenny (big changes) and even Hustler, but you can sure make sure other things are right, for now and later on.

 

[aTotal360]

Everything matters, over the long term. Stadium, logos, winning, everything. Everything you do right, contributes to the long-term health of the program. Most State fans do not know how to think long term. That's why so many are focused on Hustler.

But sometimes you find yourself in an overwhelming situation where you can't afford to make the big changes needed. Like buying a house where you didn't realize it needed certain improvements. But you can sure make the little ones to help get you through. Figuring out the sound system, logo, etc., things like that, seem like cheap ways to move you forward. We may have to commit to Lenny (big changes) and even Hustler, but you can sure make sure other things are right, for now and later on.

And delaying the repairs costs you more money in the long run.

 

[civildawg88]

I completely get this and understand the issue. But I’m not sure the model is sustainable. Spending millions for upgrades ostensibly to justify attracting talent that will end up costing millions more? Where is the sustained, additional revenue coming from?

I agree with what you're saying, but aren't we getting something like 60 million a year from the SEC? Where is that money going?

 

[Howiefeltersnstch]

Hookers and blow

 

[OG Goat Holder]

I agree with what you're saying, but aren't we getting something like 60 million a year from the SEC? Where is that money going?

Subsidizes the whole athletic department. And starting next year, a big chunk is going to players. And another big chunk is going to play back pay for 2016-2021 players due to the settlement.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

Subsidizes the whole athletic department. And starting next year, a big chunk is going to players. And another big chunk is going to play back pay for 2016-2021 players due to the settlement.

Big money go poof

 

[civildawg88]

Subsidizes the whole athletic department. And starting next year, a big chunk is going to players. And another big chunk is going to play back pay for 2016-2021 players due to the settlement.

Good thing we built that billion dollar baseball field then

 

[MStateU]

I have always thought one east step would be to quit doing audio ads. Sell more ads at a lower cost that are just 15-30 seconds of your business name on the tron. Let the band play or music and quit sucking the energy out of the stadium. And all the recognitions....my goodness. Huge 3rd down coming. So big the other team takes a time out. Stadium is roaring....everyone be quiet so we can watch this dork give this other dork a cowbell.

AND GET THE DAMN LED LIGHTS DONE!!!

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Flashing lights, good audio, the entire gameday experience, etc matters when it comes to recruiting.

Flashing lights are overrated and headache-inducing.

Just —go the Cheap Route — say that Mississippi State is committed to provide a good experience friendly to fans who are on the Spectrum.

I can say this since I’m on the Spectrum…

 

[Howiefeltersnstch]

Pretty sure you aren't the only person here that is on the spectrum. We got quite a few

 

[Shmuley]

Good thing we built that billion dollar baseball field then

Have you seen it?

 

[GloryDawg]

The only thing that will help audio is banning the cowbell. As long as we have cowbells you are not going to hear ****. You can't even hear the band playing when the bells are rocking. As far as recruiting goes it's not game day, it's about how much money can the recruits receive. They are going where they can make the most money. Flashing lights don't do **** when you don't even get on SEC night game. Those are the usual recruiting games. There is a reason why we did not get an SEC night game. Our AD sucks and has not balls.

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

I think we agree that the current gameday experience is completely unacceptable. It’s half @$$ at best. Amateur hour.

That sums up our athletics at least in football as a whole. Although I'm not so sure basketball is any different except the coaching snd recruiting. Basketball arena was lipstick on a pig. The great Bundt cake. But back to football it's amateur hour all around the program right now and we are reaping the results

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

Good thing we built that billion dollar baseball field then

They didn't think that one through either for the common fan but that's been discussed before

 

[Trojanbulldog19]

The only thing that will help audio is banning the cowbell. As long as we have cowbells you are not going to hear ****. You can't even hear the band playing when the bells are rocking. As far as recruiting goes it's not game day, it's about how much money can the recruits receive. They are going where they can make the most money. Flashing lights don't do **** when you don't even get on SEC night game. Those are the usual recruiting games. There is a reason why we did not get an SEC night game. Our AD sucks and has not balls.

Yes and no. All of it matters. Have to pay attention to all details. Big recruits don't want to come and go 2-10 they don't believe they will win, get paid, or get coached up enough and get the attention of the scouts to make the next level.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

That sums up our athletics at least in football as a whole. Although I'm not so sure basketball is any different except the coaching snd recruiting. Basketball arena was lipstick on a pig. The great Bundt cake. But back to football it's amateur hour all around the program right now and we are reaping the results

I honestly think the Hump is fine, for what we are. We have a few big basketball boosters, but not enough to have a bunch of corporate suites. Most of them are happy with the current set up. Plus, we can't get big enough crowds on the regular to have all that. So basically, students have to carry our atmosphere, and best just make it a loud, intimidating place, rather the 'city arena' route.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

I honestly think the Hump is fine, for what we are. We have a few big basketball boosters, but not enough to have a bunch of corporate suites. Most of them are happy with the current set up. Plus, we can't get big enough crowds on the regular to have all that. So basically, students have to carry our atmosphere, and best just make it a loud, intimidating place, rather the 'city arena' route.

The thing with the Hump is there’s not a bad seat in the place.

The top row of the Hump is about the same eye level and distance as the luxury boxes and club level in FedEx Forum.

 

[BulldogBlitz]

The only thing that will help audio is banning the cowbell. As long as we have cowbells you are not going to hear ****. You can't even hear the band playing when the bells are rocking. As far as recruiting goes it's not game day, it's about how much money can the recruits receive. They are going where they can make the most money. Flashing lights don't do **** when you don't even get on SEC night game. Those are the usual recruiting games. There is a reason why we did not get an SEC night game. Our AD sucks and has not balls.

Sounds like we need to ban the FMB.

 

[Darryl Steight]

Good thing we built that billion dollar baseball field then

We actually do get good publicity and national recognition in the baseball world because of DNF. MLB put out a story on it a year or two ago. Visiting fans are in awe of it, and tell people about it. It's one of the things State has done the most right in our history of athletics. More importantly, recruits love it. It no doubt helped produce our school's only NC because the coaches were selling it back when Tanner, Rowdey, et al were being recruited. So I'm glad we have it and will never have ill will towards our baseball facilities.

That being said, football is football so we just have to nut up and do both.

 

[Son_of_34]

Go listen to the newest Thunder and Lightning.

Flashing lights, good audio, the entire gameday experience, etc matters when it comes to recruiting.

Go to an away game. Then come to a game at DWS. I shlt you not, it's like going to SEC game, then a MAC game.

We are rolling out a mascot on a golfcart with a doghouse facade with sparklers and muffled audio into a stadium at 60% capacity. It's 100% Busch League and recruits taking OVs know it's lame. If you have a JUCO level experience, expect to land JUCO level players.

You at home may be fine with it, but good recruits who are traveling the SEC get to witness gameday experiences that make ours look 2nd rate. We should all be embarrassed.

It has to change.

Coming from the little beat boy means absolutely nothing he's had his panties in a wad since last year about the damn logo and this year attached to the LED light argument when, guess what, we had no night games in which the lights would have been relevant.

Fix the team first and then fix everything else but that would require heads to roll but I guess people are wanting a bone being throw to them with logos and lights

Nobody gave a **** about lights and logos when we were going to bowl games but all of a sudden now it's an issue...winning cures everything

 

[Walkthedawg]

I think we agree that the current gameday experience is completely unacceptable. It’s half @$$ at best. Amateur hour.

And it’s one indicator of how the university doesn’t take football seriously. The pregame is the same pregame from every year back into the 90’s.

The former fight song? “Gimme another T!!” Mascot out on the Doghouse.. same thing since Sherrill and Croom was here. Just added fire and smoke. All leaves the fans on their hands and so quiet you can hear the first whistle in an office in Lloyd-Ricks.

 

[Perd Hapley]

Go listen to the newest Thunder and Lightning.

Flashing lights, good audio, the entire gameday experience, etc matters when it comes to recruiting.

Go to an away game. Then come to a game at DWS. I shlt you not, it's like going to SEC game, then a MAC game.

We are rolling out a mascot on a golfcart with a doghouse facade with sparklers and muffled audio into a stadium at 60% capacity. It's 100% Busch League and recruits taking OVs know it's lame. If you have a JUCO level experience, expect to land JUCO level players.

You at home may be fine with it, but good recruits who are traveling the SEC get to witness gameday experiences that make ours look 2nd rate. We should all be embarrassed.

It has to change.

Ultimately, some hard decisions have to be made.

Everything you’re saying above makes sense. However, if we do new LED lighting, bowl in the SEZ, upgrade to the nicest sound system, and put chairbacks between the 20’s on the lower level on both sides…..it’s STILL going to be the 2nd or 3rd worst stadium - by far - in a 16-team SEC.

It’s just more lipstick on the pig. The hard truth is that the stadium as a whole sucks….from a design perspective. Which shouldn’t be surprising to anyone - it was originally built around the same time as the Titanic sailed, and it was built to support both football and track. It underwent not one but two major expansions / renovations under one of the cheapest and most shortsighted AD’s in SEC history. You’re not ever going to make it impress recruits in the current configuration.

A question I’d pose is why not just do something that you know no other SEC team is going to do to their field….wrecking ball the whole damn place and start over? Other have-not programs like Minnesota, Northwestern, Louisville, Baylor, and even San Diego State have all been able to do this in the past 15-18 years. Northwestern even built a temporary stadium with just about all end zone seating until the new one is ready. If you’re not going to do the little things like the sound and the lights, it needs to be to save that money to go big. I’d look specifically to the newer MLS stadiums in the 30,000-50,000 seat range that have been built in the past several years as a design starting point. Minnesota’s set-up is also phenomenal….the perfect mix of modern and traditional in my opinion.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

The thing with the Hump is there’s not a bad seat in the place.

The top row of the Hump is about the same eye level and distance as the luxury boxes and club level in FedEx Forum.

Speaking of the Forum, that's just another way of mitigating our rather, uh, 'small' crowds that happen pre-SEC play. Of our 13 OOC games, only 6 are in Starkville. That's good strategy. I might even drop it down to 4. Go play in tournaments, and make sure to make a stop at the Forum or the BJCC/Legacy in B'ham every year, and Tupelo and Landers if at all possible. Maybe even State Farm in Atlanta. Get our players in front of fans, even if it's not in Starkville.

I wish this was an option in Jackson, but sadly, at this point I wish we'd quit playing that game in the cow pasture that is the MS Coliseum. Maybe go to the Coast instead.

 

[vhdawg]

I like how Ole Miss recognized their military person without rolling out a red carpet and playing sappy Lee Greenwood music. They just put him on the board, made the announcement, and went straight back to blaring loud music.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

I think we agree that the current gameday experience is completely unacceptable. It’s half @$$ at best. Amateur hour.

Hey now, don’t disparage Amateurs.

They aren’t paid.

 

[Podgy]

Have you seen it?

That's why the best recruits are dying to come here, right? Why didn't we show it to Skenes?

 

[Maroon13]

I don't get the whole **** on baseball by some State fans. You guys do know that program has brought a lot of publicity to MSU. Also our baseball success has been to beneficial to football in some ways. For example, a few baseball players have football suites, premium seating and others give to the BC as well.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

That's why the best recruits are dying to come here, right? Why didn't we show it to Skenes?

The stadium and our tradition were the only reason we were in the game with Skenes. It's basically our advantage. And what you don't realize is that it's EVERY SPORTS PROGRAM IN AMERICA'S advantage. That's literally why recruits go most places, because of fan commitment. And you can say NIL all you want, well, that usually comes bigger at programs with big fan commitment.

I swear some of you are 17ing dense as shlt.

 

[Maroon13]

First of all, I listened to about half of it. When they start going off on Turner tweeting .... I mean come on.

I get it. Recruiting isn't looking to good. However they have complained about the DC since the guy was hired. They have basically called from the guy to be fired since the AzSt game. So what 4-5 star do they think is going to sign with State when all the vibe coming out of the fan base is fire the coach, the atmosphere sucks, that sucks, this sucks blah blah blah.

Also the led lights and speakers. I don't know why @RobbieFaulk goes off on fans about it. How much does he give? Hey Robbie, start a grass roots effort to raise money to fund all this stuff. You have the platform to do it.

But I assume there lays the disagreement. Some people think there are not lights and speakers because MSU is cheap and hoarding money. I'm giving the athletic department the benefit of the doubt in that I really believe there isn't much of any money to spare without private donations.

Which if you go back and look at OMs new basketball arena and our renovation of the Hump, I'm sure they received a larger donation to build a new arena and than we did towards the Hump.

I know football sucks. I didn't like the HC hire to begin with. However if State people really want things to get better.... recruits, lights, speakers, and atmosphere.... you have to give more and show up more.

 

[DesotoCountyDawg]

Speaking of the Forum, that's just another way of mitigating our rather, uh, 'small' crowds that happen pre-SEC play. Of our 13 OOC games, only 6 are in Starkville. That's good strategy. I might even drop it down to 4. Go play in tournaments, and make sure to make a stop at the Forum or the BJCC/Legacy in B'ham every year, and Tupelo and Landers if at all possible. Maybe even State Farm in Atlanta. Get our players in front of fans, even if it's not in Starkville.

I wish this was an option in Jackson, but sadly, at this point I wish we'd quit playing that game in the cow pasture that is the MS Coliseum. Maybe go to the Coast instead.

Well that and also until they change how the NET rankings are compiled, it’s kind of a cheat code to not play a lot of home games early and get those neutral site games in.

 

[ckDOG]

Hindsight is 20/20 but we should have bulldozed DWS before sinking money into it and built a modern bowl of 45k loaded with premium seating, tech, chair backs, proximity to field, overhangs for sound, etc.

 

[Dawgbite]

For those of you with the “ build it and they will come” attitude, what about baseball? We have arguably the best stadium and best atmosphere in college baseball but I don’t see recruits lining up to play ball here other than when LSU comes to town every other year. I hate paying players with every fiber of my being, it cheapens the game to the point of the apathy that I currently have but whoever funnels the most money to players is going to win the recruiting battles and the games. Alabama could play games in the median of I59 and they’d still out recruit and out perform us.

 

[bulldognation]

I think we agree that the current gameday experience is completely unacceptable. It’s half @$$ at best. Amateur hour.

Back when we were getting post game surveys on the gameday experience, I let them know exactly this. We have an outdated hype program that falls flat mainly because we know Lebby and co are putting a crap product on the field. All that hype would be different if the team had been doing great and whooping azz on the field.

Fix that first. I’ll happily stand up and bring back the “Hold on wait a minute gotta put some dawg in it” cheer so long as we are winning.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

Hindsight is 20/20 but we should have bulldozed DWS before sinking money into it and built a modern bowl of 45k loaded with premium seating, tech, chair backs, proximity to field, overhangs for sound, etc.

I've often wondered why we decided to go with upper decks first, before bowling in the bottom. In 1986 AND 2002. They may have had reasoning but I do wonder what it was.

 

[ckDOG]

I've often wondered why we decided to go with upper decks first, before bowling in the bottom. In 1986 AND 2002. They may have had reasoning but I do wonder what it was.

Probably to get space for the suite seating in there with good viewing angles.