If you're talking about the dark clouds on the horizon...yes.
I don't know what's changed around here, but there seems to be apathy around all of UT's sports. Empty seats in Neyland last year. Continued poor attendance at men's basketball games. Lot's of empty seats in Lindsay-Nelson.
Producing winning teams that play with excitement would go a long way toward fixing that.
As far as baseball goes, how do you build a fan culture like they enjoy at LSU or Miss St.?
Wouldn't it be great if parking lots were full of tailgaters cooking up all kinds of goodies before a baseball game?
It would be nice if folks could sit beyond the fence and see the game if they want to instead of having the stadium walled off like a prison. If the product is good enough people will pay their $5 to come in and get closer to the action.
There's a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar these days. AD Hamilton started his tenure by addressing some PR issues that the UTAD had with the populace. He needs to continue doing that.
A lot of fans are about to be priced-out of attending football and basketball games. I'm concerned that the renovations at Lindsay-Nelson will give UT an opportunity to ask for more $ to enjoy the new seats, etc.
Personally, it's embarassing to attend a game at Lindsay-Nelson, or Thompson-Bolling Arena and see all of the empty seats in the lower sections. Many of those seats are sold, but people don't care enough to attend.
What can UT do to make Lindsay-Nelson a "happening place"? Is it just dependent on the performance of the team? I don't think so. While winning baseball is essential, something has to happen to make the local fans want to be at the ballpark.
I still have fond memories of a jam-packed stadium watching UT defeat Oklahoma State for the trip to the CWS.
Maybe we'll see that again.
