FAN FEST WAS AWESOME!!

[Matt]

i hope to make it out next year.  this event should be later in the day so the heat isnt as bad and the players can get more work done during the day.

[E.T.]

If anyone knows who was Rocky today, tell him that he/she's a gamer. Was HOT out there !

When I was getting my helmet signed by Gachette, was telling hiim how awesome his hits were-especially at the Bowl. He remarked about Carlton Williams' hit in the bowl and said that opposing WR's better look out when they're back there.

Plancher signing and Buie enjoying himself. All the guys were great !

[GreenBull93]

This is my first post, today was my first Fan Fest, and this year is my first year having season tickets.  Sorry to be negative, but other than the players and coaches being available for autographs, etc., I thought that the whole event was not well planned and not well run.

Here are some of my issues:

- I heard on radio advertising that there was face painting and other fun events for kids (didn't see any?)

- Although it was nice to be on the field, if you wanted to use the bathroom or get a drink, you had to hike it all the way back upstairs

- The autograph line took FOREVER because people were allowed to cut the main line to get Grothe and Leavitt autographs which slowed the whole line. It took so long we barely made it to the end before all the players were leaving.

- No Band?

- Not nearly enough schedule posters to go around!

- The stadium ATM ran out of money and the concession didn't take credit cards....thank goodness for the warm water fountains!

- Not nearly enough scedule magnets to go around!

- Bulls Heaven sold out of their autograph footballs in 3 minutes

Like I said, this was my first fan fest. 2005 Vs. LOUSVILLE was my first game, maybe my expectations are too high.  I know that Leavitt and the players are getting the job done, not so sure about USF Athletics or whoever else was responsible for putting on the event.

My ideas for future fan fests:

- Games for kids with small prizes donated by a corporate sponsor

- Cold Water Available on the field for fans

- The Herd of Thunder Band

- Live Player Interviews on the Jumbotron (WUSFTV or Catch 47?)

- Enough magnets and posters for 10,00 people (Give the excess to schools or something)

- Put Grothe and Leavitt at the begining of the line, not the end.  Then you can have more time to spend with the other players and security stationed at the front of the line could keep it moving much much faster!

- Bulls radio network?

I'm not a marketing guy, I'm just sure it could be much better next year!   

Go Bulls

     

     

[Economics_Nerd82]

Green Bull... I have to agree with you on some of those... but, overall it was a great success. When I was leaving (around 6pm) I stopped by the season ticket booth and asked how many more seats were available... they couldnt' give me an answer (I guess it's complicated). They did say they sold 13 more today though (don't know if that's accounts or actual seats.

Having player (live) interviews on the jumbo tron would have been sweet!

Water sold (or for free) would have been great on the field.

An organized line would have been great.

[AndytheBull]

The line could have been more organized, dont have a problem so much with Grothe, Leavitt lines, my problem was for a few minutes people were moving the line in both directions, that only lasted about 5 minutes.

The band had "band camp" from something crazy like Noon-11PM Monday-Friday last week to prepare for the season. And remember this was officially changed just over a week ago.

Water will never be given away by the stadium for free, its RayJay, not going to happen. If they could do it on the field that would be good though.

But overall I think it was ran pretty well, didnt realize they had ran out of posters.

[E.T.]

Great points and be sure to email USF ... they need to know our thoughts.

Also think having the Bowl Game or Highlights on the JumboTron would be nisch.

[Griggsy]

This is my first post, today was my first Fan Fest, and this year is my first year having season tickets.  Sorry to be negative, but other than the players and coaches being available for autographs, etc., I thought that the whole event was not well planned and not well run.

Here are some of my issues:

- I heard on radio advertising that there was face painting and other fun events for kids (didn't see any?)

- Although it was nice to be on the field, if you wanted to use the bathroom or get a drink, you had to hike it all the way back upstairs

- The autograph line took FOREVER because people were allowed to cut the main line to get Grothe and Leavitt autographs which slowed the whole line. It took so long we barely made it to the end before all the players were leaving.

- No Band?

- Not nearly enough schedule posters to go around!

- The stadium ATM ran out of money and the concession didn't take credit cards....thank goodness for the warm water fountains!

- Not nearly enough scedule magnets to go around!

- Bulls Heaven sold out of their autograph footballs in 3 minutes

Like I said, this was my first fan fest. 2005 Vs. LOUSVILLE was my first game, maybe my expectations are too high.  I know that Leavitt and the players are getting the job done, not so sure about USF Athletics or whoever else was responsible for putting on the event.

My ideas for future fan fests:

- Games for kids with small prizes donated by a corporate sponsor

- Cold Water Available on the field for fans

- The Herd of Thunder Band

- Live Player Interviews on the Jumbotron (WUSFTV or Catch 47?)

- Enough magnets and posters for 10,00 people (Give the excess to schools or something)

- Put Grothe and Leavitt at the begining of the line, not the end.  Then you can have more time to spend with the other players and security stationed at the front of the line could keep it moving much much faster!

- Bulls radio network?

I'm not a marketing guy, I'm just sure it could be much better next year!   

Go Bulls

     

     

I think everyone's most optimistic expectations were blown away, and most of the issues you cited were the result.  I look at this as a positive thing...and I betcha that they wont underestimate next year!

[Matt]

but, overall it was a great success. When I was leaving (around 6pm) I stopped by the season ticket booth and asked how many more seats were available... they couldnt' give me an answer (I guess it's complicated). They did say they sold 13 more today though (don't know if that's accounts or actual seats.

according to greg's blog they sold 75 new season tickets

[Wolfman]

Had a great time.  All the players and coaches I talked to thanked us for coming out and supporting the team.  A. Jackson is so gracious and thankful.  I think he made it a point to shake everyones hand and thank them for coming.  One week to go, can't wait.

[USFbulls0208]

Really fun day (minus the heat)

Only bad thing was I didn't get to Grothe till the end when people were like swamping him

Managed to get autograph/picutre though.

Didn't get the chance to meet Moffit or Selvie though...

But whatever.

That's OK

Go Bulls!!