Fan Appreciation Day, at Ray Jay ?

[E.T.]

University of South Florida officials are considering moving the Bulls’ annual Fan Appreciation Day on Aug. 25 to Raymond James Stadium.

“We’re giving it strong consideration,†USF associate AD Bill McGillis said.

See Brett's blog.

I think it's a go!

[KB]

If held at RJS, the Bulls would not practice, but Fan Day would be conducted in more of a big-time BCS atmosphere. McGillis said there would be more fan friendly activities available at RJS and fans interested in purchasing tickets, would have the opportunity to see what seats are available.

Sounds like fun.

[Kyle]

Given the fact that it's hardly a spectical, I'd much rather leave it where it's at.

[KB]

I've never been.  What do other programs do?

[BullyPulpit]

I think it is more or less a marketing tool. They are going to use FAD to generate more season ticket sales. Something that would be hard, if not next to impossible, to do at the USF practice field. I think they should hold their last practice at Ray Jay and follow it up with FAD. That would be cool and would hopefully generate as mush interest as the Spring Game.

[Sunil]

My initial thought is that RayJAY may be too big of  a venue. But after thinking about it...could be brilliant marketing. As is, the die hards are all chomping at the bit to get the season started...students will be back in school as well. The timing may turn it into a real successful event. Not sure that it would draw better than the Spring Game though...anyone know what type of crowds FAD's in the past have drawn?

[Guest]

They usually draw a few hundred people... and I would say the vast majority of those present are students or season ticket holders already.

The hard part is that with FAD, fans are allowed to watch the last 30 minutes of practice, then get to talk with players and coaches...

Would we stand outside RayJay until the last 30 minutes?  (Sounds like a tailgating opportunity, but I don't know if there would be an attendance bump or not)

[USFbulls0208]

Maybe fans sit in the stands till practice is over and the come on the feild for autographs and such

[BigEastBeasts]

Article mentioned that if FAD is held at RayJay then a practice would not take place.

http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/fan-day-at-ray-jay/

[Guest]

^^^ That kinda stinks... one of the things I like about FAD is watching the team practice.  Maybe I'll just need to go to campus and peer over the fence...

At the same time, I can see the benefits to having the players in game uniforms... and not hot-sweaty-tired from practicing...

wherever they hold it... I'll be there!!