Fan Experience Committee Suggestions

[fastdrivEER]

Cut to the last sentence if you want to get to the point. I know long posts annoy some.

Folks, although quite the newbie for posting on here, I have read this forum nearly daily for many years (around 10 or so) and have loved the discussions, arguments, sarcasm, rumors, recruiting, and general entertainment.
I think some of you all are hilarious, some serious, some old, some young, and some just downright crazy, but all passionate Mountaineer fans. So, I am looking for some help.

I was ecstatic to be chosen to be on the Mountaineer Fan Committee and am hoping that y'all can give me some good suggestions to relay to the group. I think this may be the year 2 or 3 that this committee has been organized. This is an opportunity to give real feedback and am hoping you all can help me out in getting the message back to WVU about what we can do to make things better. Our family makes it to Morgantown about 4 or 5 times a year for sporting events, as we have relatives in Morgantown. I love the Mountaineers and our direct family has graduated 7 from WVU.

As background, I have lived in the Raleigh area for nearly 20 years and have had opportunities to visit most of the major athletic venues in the area for football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and basketball (except Cameron, which I hate Duke, so not too disappointed). I have to say the facilities around here are great, but not so far beyond or sometimes not comparable to what we have. I was very jealous of the baseball parks before we got our own decent park (that was my sport growing up).

I may make a poll or two for some of the topics suggested so look for those in the next few weeks. Vernon, if you have any suggestions for how to create good ones on here please let me know.

Lastly, I drink beer so any suggestions to that end would be great. I hated the long lines at those stands.

Any serious suggestions for feedback to the committee I will note and bring forward. And maybe some not so serious, as sometimes it takes a little bit of crazy to have fun.

 

[WVmtnBikEER]

First one that comes to my mind, replace 7 Nation Army with Walk by Pantera.

 

[wvpack]

Look into ways for the stadium experience to exceed staying home and watching on TV. I would push these initiatives for all money making venues. The fact is the trend is that people are staying home to watch games on TV. The best way to combat this is to make the venue experience exceed the home experience.

1. Add High End Professional Seats (previous studies indicate they were roughly $100 a pop well worth the investment)
2. Raise the estimated $3 million for in Stadium WIFI
3. Develop or purchase mobile app to take advantage of WIFI in stadium. Live in game replays. Live Radio or Mountaineer TV for in stadium only (not sure how you do that one), Live Look-Ins to Big XII games.
4. Improved Food Selection. More upscale selections. Integrate onsite smoked BBQ, and other WV traditions like onsite made pepperoni roles. Take the food out of the package and make it there for a few of the booths. Perhaps you could work in a year round restaurant that is connected to the stadium in some way.
5. Access to Hall of Tradition via stadium throughout game. (Anything to improve the experience of being at the game for the first time)
6. Improved Former player recognition on stadium property outside stadium. Commission statues of Mountaineer and former Mountaineer Greats.
7. Increase Gold, Blue, flying WV, and other WVU trademarks in the concourse but keep it classy.
8. Improved Roads in and out of the stadium if we are staying at current location lets get more duel lanes back to highways in and out of the stadium venues. It can take several hours to get from the Green Lot to 68. Make it as easy as possible to get to your tailgate and get home after the game. That would likely bring those who want to avoid the hassle of getting in and out of Mountaineer field back to the stadium.
9. Improved esthetics of outside of Stadium. (It was built in the 80's and now looks like it was) Work in glass/Brick somehow.
10. Work in regional themes throughout concourse. (Maybe rename the sections in some manner). Focus on the history and development of the different regions of WV. Morgantown Region, Eastern Panhandle Region, Charleston Region, Coal Region, Wheeling Region, and even a Huntington region. This would make those in attendance realize this is about West Virginia. Something that kids and adults can learn about the different and interesting places around WV.

 

[torontoeers]

Look into ways for the stadium experience to exceed staying home and watching on TV. I would push these initiatives for all money making venues. The fact is the trend is that people are staying home to watch games on TV. The best way to combat this is to make the venue experience exceed the home experience.

1. Add High End Professional Seats (previous studies indicate they were roughly $100 a pop well worth the investment)
2. Raise the estimated $3 million for in Stadium WIFI
3. Develop or purchase mobile app to take advantage of WIFI in stadium. Live in game replays. Live Radio or Mountaineer TV for in stadium only (not sure how you do that one), Live Look-Ins to Big XII games.
4. Improved Food Selection. More upscale selections. Integrate onsite smoked BBQ, and other WV traditions like onsite made pepperoni roles. Take the food out of the package and make it there for a few of the booths. Perhaps you could work in a year round restaurant that is connected to the stadium in some way.
5. Access to Hall of Tradition via stadium throughout game. (Anything to improve the experience of being at the game for the first time)
6. Improved Former player recognition on stadium property outside stadium. Commission statues of Mountaineer and former Mountaineer Greats.
7. Increase Gold, Blue, flying WV, and other WVU trademarks in the concourse but keep it classy.
8. Improved Roads in and out of the stadium if we are staying at current location lets get more duel lanes back to highways in and out of the stadium venues. It can take several hours to get from the Green Lot to 68. Make it as easy as possible to get to your tailgate and get home after the game. That would likely bring those who want to avoid the hassle of getting in and out of Mountaineer field back to the stadium.
9. Improved esthetics of outside of Stadium. (It was built in the 80's and now looks like it was) Work in glass/Brick somehow.
10. Work in regional themes throughout concourse. (Maybe rename the sections in some manner). Focus on the history and development of the different regions of WV. Morgantown Region, Eastern Panhandle Region, Charleston Region, Coal Region, Wheeling Region, and even a Huntington region. This would make those in attendance realize this is about West Virginia. Something that kids and adults can learn about the different and interesting places around WV.

wvpack I really like a good many of your suggestions! The traffic scenario is a headache and may not be doable imminent but the majority of the rest certainly could be started ....the craft beer section needs to be at each end of the concourse but I'm sure Bud/Miller would have something to say about that which is unfortunate. Congrats fastdrivEER on being selected to the committee!

 

[1st&goalWV]

Offer things that can't be done at home: Contests, prizes, kiss camera, fan of the day, throw t-shirts, picture booths with past players, blast music before during and after, pre-game festivities, post-game events (to wait out the traffic). Give away 4 prime seats, THINK EXCITEMENT. Borrow ideas from Game Day, change up activities for each game. Generic tailgate with live bands and Jello shots in gold and blue, special appearances by VIPs. Drive attendance and revenue. Bring the WOW factor.

 

[MountaineerLegion]

OP, you must be a fanboy........

 

[BobbyBoucheer]

Buy the damn Mobile home park next to the stadium and make it anything else!

Put a press box on the other side of the stadium with luxury suits and make it more user friendly for the press and TV.

Tear down the touch down terrace and fix that end of the stadium so it blends in nicer, kinda like ISU is doing.

Fix the WiFi

Put huge flat screens in the concourse and bathrooms.

Have a drawing every game for 2 free season passes bottom row 50 yard line. Must be present to win.

Great food makes people happy. Have great food. People will pay super inflated prices for great food and not be upset, but paying big money for a cold gut hotdog or warm beer? No.

 

[MountaineerLegion]

My serious suggestion.

1. Get rid of the 10 acre empty space of field in the south end zone.
2. Less video board cheers.
3. Bring back the Ole' Lets gooooo Mountaineers cheer with the arm pump. Here it is..

 

[Nova Mountaineer]

I suggest that the blue and gold theme presence be increase inside and outside our sports venues. For example, the new sign outside
the Coliseum is blue and silver - suggest the flying WV be gold - it is outside other buildings around campus. In addition, fans are urged to wear and gold and/or blue for special games - need to have the coaches show the same Mountaineer spirit.
Some how increase attendance by establish some relationships with civic, fraternal and veterans groups around the state to run special buses to Mountaineer games. Need to increase overall attendance. Nearly every game has several thousand empty seats - this could change revenue picture as well as make Mountaineer Field at Mylan Puskar Stadium a "pit."
Not sure how to do it, but some attention should be given to outreach to students to increase their attendance. Perhaps having coaching make appearances in front of various student organizations. Can't put the whole burden on the Maniacs.
I'll send some other suggestions later. I appreciate your asking for suggestions and believe this what we need more of from the athletic department.

 

[fastdrivEER]

Thanks for the suggestions. Some really good ones in there. Keep them coming. I promise to bring them forward and give you all updates after meetings.

 

[GetYaNumbersUp]

Replace that god awful soundsystem, music sounds like it's coming out of a tin can.

Update music selection, the playlist now is horrible.

Buy the mobile homes across the street and demolish them. It's not a good look when your football stadium is sitting right next to a trailer park. (unlikely to happen)

Bring back the pit (will never happen)

 

[mtneerinraleigh]

Cut to the last sentence if you want to get to the point. I know long posts annoy some.

Folks, although quite the newbie for posting on here, I have read this forum nearly daily for many years (around 10 or so) and have loved the discussions, arguments, sarcasm, rumors, recruiting, and general entertainment.
I think some of you all are hilarious, some serious, some old, some young, and some just downright crazy, but all passionate Mountaineer fans. So, I am looking for some help.

I was ecstatic to be chosen to be on the Mountaineer Fan Committee and am hoping that y'all can give me some good suggestions to relay to the group. I think this may be the year 2 or 3 that this committee has been organized. This is an opportunity to give real feedback and am hoping you all can help me out in getting the message back to WVU about what we can do to make things better. Our family makes it to Morgantown about 4 or 5 times a year for sporting events, as we have relatives in Morgantown. I love the Mountaineers and our direct family has graduated 7 from WVU.

As background, I have lived in the Raleigh area for nearly 20 years and have had opportunities to visit most of the major athletic venues in the area for football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and basketball (except Cameron, which I hate Duke, so not too disappointed). I have to say the facilities around here are great, but not so far beyond or sometimes not comparable to what we have. I was very jealous of the baseball parks before we got our own decent park (that was my sport growing up).

I may make a poll or two for some of the topics suggested so look for those in the next few weeks. Vernon, if you have any suggestions for how to create good ones on here please let me know.

Lastly, I drink beer so any suggestions to that end would be great. I hated the long lines at those stands.

Any serious suggestions for feedback to the committee I will note and bring forward. And maybe some not so serious, as sometimes it takes a little bit of crazy to have fun.

I've been in Raleigh for 15 years now! Do you go to any of the alumni events? I went to 3 football games and 1 basketball game this year. I have been to at least one game every year since 94...

As for suggestions, I think adding WIFI and/or improving cell service more would be tops for football so that communication with others is easy (to find tailgates/friends and check scores/etc. during the game). I'm hoping that the wider concourses and more concession stands will help with the lines. Giving people a bracelet to show they are over 21 after checking their license the first time may help with the beer lines? Something else that would help with the lines would be to have more people walking through the stands selling things (beer, peanuts, candy, soda, etc.). I remember back in the 80s and 90s that this was common. Now, everyone has to go out and stand in line. If you have 50 or so people walking around the stadium selling stuff, that will make a huge difference in the size of the lines. Especially for beer if there are beer guys walking around selling it.

I personally don't have any complaints for basketball, except maybe some additional parking, which will always be an issue with the location unless we build a parking garage. Maybe we could build a couple of docks on the river and let people park over by the baseball stadium and take a boat over to the coliseum. I'm joking, but this would be cool, if the weather was better during basketball season.

 

[fastdrivEER]

OP, you must be a fanboy........

Well, I am not too obsessive, as I have no WVU Tats, but since most of my family still lives in WV with some in Motown, I do get to go to some games. Glad to have all the internet coverage of the games though and happy that I do not have to rely on the nonexistent terrestrial radio coverage that people are suffering through in Morgantown (sarcasm).

This committee will be interesting to see as they are supposed to have a combination of regular fans, sponsors, students, staff and such. I would consider myself a fairly regular, bordering on slightly obsessed fan. I kinda do a few WVU alumni events in the area each each year, but am not overly involved.

As a fanboy may relate to video gaming, ask my sons - I don't do video games. I actually googled "fanboy" while I was writing this, so not sure if that was your angle. I have been on some boards off and on over the years, so this stuff is not really my gig either, but like to read some of these posts as they can be pretty funny and entertaining.

 

[mtneerinraleigh]

I suggest that the blue and gold theme presence be increase inside and outside our sports venues. For example, the new sign outside
the Coliseum is blue and silver - suggest the flying WV be gold - it is outside other buildings around campus. In addition, fans are urged to wear and gold and/or blue for special games - need to have the coaches show the same Mountaineer spirit.
Some how increase attendance by establish some relationships with civic, fraternal and veterans groups around the state to run special buses to Mountaineer games. Need to increase overall attendance. Nearly every game has several thousand empty seats - this could change revenue picture as well as make Mountaineer Field at Mylan Puskar Stadium a "pit."
Not sure how to do it, but some attention should be given to outreach to students to increase their attendance. Perhaps having coaching make appearances in front of various student organizations. Can't put the whole burden on the Maniacs.
I'll send some other suggestions later. I appreciate your asking for suggestions and believe this what we need more of from the athletic department.

Most of those empty seats every game are sold, but just not used. Some of these suggestions to make the gameday experience better should get people to use all of their tickets that they've paid for (at least you would think).

 

[fastdrivEER]

I've been in Raleigh for 15 years now! Do you go to any of the alumni events? I went to 3 football games and 1 basketball game this year. I have been to at least one game every year since 94...

As for suggestions, I think adding WIFI and/or improving cell service more would be tops for football so that communication with others is easy (to find tailgates/friends and check scores/etc. during the game). I'm hoping that the wider concourses and more concession stands will help with the lines. Giving people a bracelet to show they are over 21 after checking their license the first time may help with the beer lines? Something else that would help with the lines would be to have more people walking through the stands selling things (beer, peanuts, candy, soda, etc.). I remember back in the 80s and 90s that this was common. Now, everyone has to go out and stand in line. If you have 50 or so people walking around the stadium selling stuff, that will make a huge difference in the size of the lines. Especially for beer if there are beer guys walking around selling it.

I personally don't have any complaints for basketball, except maybe some additional parking, which will always be an issue with the location unless we build a parking garage. Maybe we could build a couple of docks on the river and let people park over by the baseball stadium and take a boat over to the coliseum. I'm joking, but this would be cool, if the weather was better during basketball season.

This RTP chapter is a pretty good one from what I have heard from some of the other groups. I do some of the events every year, usually bringing the wife and kids to some of the game watches and they are pretty fun. I will say that it seems that the same people have been running the group and they do a really good job and I salute their dedication, but I wish they would promote a bit more inclusion into the management to spread the interest better. I bet their are a few of those folks who have been in their positions or one of the committee positions for at least 10 years. Again, great people and great fans, so I guess they have been doing a pretty good job.

 

[fastdrivEER]

Replace that god awful soundsystem, music sounds like it's coming out of a tin can.

Update music selection, the playlist now is horrible.

Buy the mobile homes across the street and demolish them. It's not a good look when your football stadium is sitting right next to a trailer park. (unlikely to happen)

Bring back the pit (will never happen)

The pit. Man that was fun!!! (triple exclamation points for heightened exclamation)

 

[mtneerinraleigh]

This RTP chapter is a pretty good one from what I have heard from some of the other groups. I do some of the events every year, usually bringing the wife and kids to some of the game watches and they are pretty fun. I will say that it seems that the same people have been running the group and they do a really good job and I salute their dedication, but I wish they would promote a bit more inclusion into the management to spread the interest better. I bet their are a few of those folks who have been in their positions or one of the committee positions for at least 10 years. Again, great people and great fans, so I guess they have been doing a pretty good job.

I know all of the people who are/have been running it and know for a fact they would welcome some additional help or would welcome someone else taking a turn for a few years. I don't know if you are signed up for the email group, but they send a periodic email out telling what's going on and when the meetings are and welcome everyone to come be a part at the meetings. They recently started holding them at Brio at Crabtree Valley mall. Send me an email @ [email protected] and we can discuss more/I can put you in touch with whoever you want to talk to. [cheers]

 

[TheEERS]

Cut to the last sentence if you want to get to the point. I know long posts annoy some.

Folks, although quite the newbie for posting on here, I have read this forum nearly daily for many years (around 10 or so) and have loved the discussions, arguments, sarcasm, rumors, recruiting, and general entertainment.
I think some of you all are hilarious, some serious, some old, some young, and some just downright crazy, but all passionate Mountaineer fans. So, I am looking for some help.

I was ecstatic to be chosen to be on the Mountaineer Fan Committee and am hoping that y'all can give me some good suggestions to relay to the group. I think this may be the year 2 or 3 that this committee has been organized. This is an opportunity to give real feedback and am hoping you all can help me out in getting the message back to WVU about what we can do to make things better. Our family makes it to Morgantown about 4 or 5 times a year for sporting events, as we have relatives in Morgantown. I love the Mountaineers and our direct family has graduated 7 from WVU.

As background, I have lived in the Raleigh area for nearly 20 years and have had opportunities to visit most of the major athletic venues in the area for football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and basketball (except Cameron, which I hate Duke, so not too disappointed). I have to say the facilities around here are great, but not so far beyond or sometimes not comparable to what we have. I was very jealous of the baseball parks before we got our own decent park (that was my sport growing up).

I may make a poll or two for some of the topics suggested so look for those in the next few weeks. Vernon, if you have any suggestions for how to create good ones on here please let me know.

Lastly, I drink beer so any suggestions to that end would be great. I hated the long lines at those stands.

Any serious suggestions for feedback to the committee I will note and bring forward. And maybe some not so serious, as sometimes it takes a little bit of crazy to have fun.

I really don't like that we've reached the point that we have do add cheesy things to get fans to come out but that's the way of the world and we have to play that game.

 

[lfuell]

My top three:

1. Improve the roads and traffic flow
2. Improve the roads and traffic flow
3. Improve the roads and traffic flow

Oh, and I'd also like them to improve the roads and traffic flow into and out of the stadium area, in case I forgot to mention it...

 

[GoWVU]

The Pit is no more? What happened?

 

[Mountaineer Steve]

1. Better food options
2. Better Beer options
3. Improved WIFI access
4. Improved security
5. Sell unclaimed Student tickets

 

[mtneerinraleigh]

The Pit is no more? What happened?

The pit as we fondly remember it has been gone since the 90s when I was in school. I think it was the Miami game in either 96 or 98... anyway, the University shut it down, filled in with gravel, put a fence up and highly regulated it (sold passes, etc.) after that and it was pretty boring the one time we bought a pass and went.

 

[fastdrivEER]

I know all of the people who are/have been running it and know for a fact they would welcome some additional help or would welcome someone else taking a turn for a few years. I don't know if you are signed up for the email group, but they send a periodic email out telling what's going on and when the meetings are and welcome everyone to come be a part at the meetings. They recently started holding them at Brio at Crabtree Valley mall. Send me an email @ [email protected] and we can discuss more/I can put you in touch with whoever you want to talk to. [cheers]

I'll drop you a line mtneerinraliegh

 

[MotownMcFly]

Pedestrian Bridge over Elmer Prince Drive at the West End of the Blue Lot (A1) – Seriously, you’ve got a significant portion of the gameday crowd coming from northwest of the stadium. This would be a win-win for everyone involved – pedestrians and folks in vehicles (and the shuttle buses).

Rethink the Coliseum Shuttle Buses – I’ve used them three times, and it was a nightmare each time. Apparently, the buses can only embark/disembark at a single location. So, you might have four or five buses stacked up waiting to either load or unload passengers. That’s terribly inefficient. You should be able to load or unload three or four buses at a time (especially at the stadium). After games, you should have (ideally) four or more separate, clearly marked locations on the edge of the Blue lot to simultaneously load the buses.

Better WIFI and Cell coverage – Has been said many times before, but it’s worth repeating. Here in Ohio, high schools allow phone companies to use the tops of their field lights as cell phone towers. Another win-win… the companies get better coverage, the customers get better reception.

Better Use of the Jumbotron (or whatever the technical term is) – Show actual replays. (They seemed to do a slightly better job of this last season, but it’s still wholly inadequate.) Instead of showing a generic message about a timeout on the field or an officials timeout, actually show replays – from multiple angles, over and over. I mean, why not get better use out of that million dollar screen? Show more than one or two (bad quality) clips from other Big 12 games. Also, enough with the cheesy video clips. The “Loud Noises” clip is horrible, and the Varsity Blues Slow Clap is just embarrassing.

Corner Exits on the Stadium – Add NORTHWEST and NORTHEAST entrance gates at the corners of the stadium. It would likely take some grading of the hill and the construction of some wide stairs or ramps (and relocation of a few things), but the added throughput would help, even if only used once the game was over. Also, what’s the point of having stadium staff standing in the middle of the exits after the games? All they ever seem to do is get in the way.

Well, since this is all wishful thinking, I’ll continue…

Rethink the Entire Concourse – Expand it and relocate the concessions and bathrooms. I’m sure it’s the result of unplanned growth, but the current layout is an absolute mess. It’s as if the designers just randomly picked locations for everything. As a result, you’ve got one huge cluster**** as people fight to get through concession lines to find bathrooms or vice-versa. There should be four or five sections of the concourse designated for concessions – with multiple concession booths and loitering areas with tables and such. The entranceways for the bathrooms should be expanded a bit, too.

Better TV Coverage within the Concourse – No matter where I go in the stadium, whether it’s to the concessions, or to the bathroom, etc, I should have a clear view of the game. That means more TVs, and bigger TVs. It’s not like they have to leave these things up all the time. Just put TV mounts everywhere and only hang the TVs on gamedays, or during the season.

 

[fastdrivEER]

First one that comes to my mind, replace 7 Nation Army with Walk by Pantera.

Bump for more input.

Thanks for the feedback folks. Tomorrow is the first meeting for this year, so will be looking for ideas all the way up to time.

Would like more feedback into the Basketball and Baseball venues if you could. Keatonscorner you got anything?

 

[HurdyGurdyEer]

I think we should have a "Show Us Your Chain Saw Day." And then every fan who brings a chain saw to the game gets free beer. That would be an interesting experience.

I remember, not that long ago, that people actually went to the games to watch the game.

But I understand .... you've got to provide an experience these days and hope that a good game breaks out.

On a serious note .... have a WWE style cage match at halftime between Oliver Luck and John Raese.

 

[3xWVUenginEER]

1. Get rid of the stupid videos played during the game. They're not funny or inspiring, just distracting and annoying.
2. Show replays. If someone can watch them on a 55" HDTV at the house for free, they better be shown when people are paying $100+ for 16" of real estate.
3. Let the band play to motivate the crowd instead of the heavy metal 3rd down music and announcement letting people know "It's 3rd Down!"
Yeah like ya think fans don't know what down it is?
4. Get better food and quit gouging on the prices.
5. Bring back pass outs at halftime. My food is better than yours.

That's my top 5.

 

[Cuyahoga Falls Eers_rivals]

There MUST be an easier way to leave the WVU parking lots and Morgantown after the game for those of us who don't stay to tailgate because we're traveling 3 to 6 hours to home. The lower end of the Blue Lot, where shuttle bus passengers form a line that blocks the cars from getting out for up to an hour (I speak from experience), is maddening. We switched to the Light Blue Lot, which is better.

There are at least 3 ways to get out of town: I-79, I-64 and 19. Surely a traffic expert and work it out. And isn't there another I-79 exit near the new baseball stadium?

I agree with those who suggest that the game scores in the Big 12, by future WVU opponents and by Top 25 teams should run continuously. This could be done in the fashion that the words to "Country Roads" are flashed between the top and bottom decks on the East and West stands.

I also would like to see statistics, such as yardage, be a running total as the game moves along, not just popped in there sporadically. I understand you need advertising in between to pay for it, but pop the sponsor's name on for 10 seconds, then the statistics, or the scores from around the Big 12 and the Top 25.

The "loud noises" thing can be annoying. The words without the audio would work at well, I think. Those who want to ignore it can. I think it's a sad day when you have to tell WVU fans to make loud noises for their team, particularly on third down for the opposing team.

Otherwise, I think the Mountaineer Field experiences is marvelous. I can't wait for a new season to begin! Bring the Georgia State Eagles!

 

[fastdrivEER]

http://www.wvusports.com/page.cfm?story=28126&cat=exclusives

As the article points out, there was quite a bit of praise for some of the things accomplished last year. I think that the the dynamic of this group this year was quite a bit different from last year (from what I could tell). This particular meeting had 8 new members and 9 from last year, along with various Athletic Department members, including the AD, ticketing, marketing, Sodexho, and others. It seemed to be that there was more time spent on a recap of the successes of last year, along with an update of facilities work being done/accomplished by AD Shane Lyons. This article really did not do justice to the amount of work done from the suggestions that were made last year. There was a list handed out that had no less than 20 items that were worked on last year by the committee that were actually implemented (I can't imagine what the original list had). A few of those follow:

1) DAS phone system for improved connectivity at football stadium. From my understanding this is phone data network connectivity and not wi-fi, which will be discussed later I am sure, as it is high on my list of items).

2) Implemented different songs and videos at football games.

3) Blue lot parking adjustments

4) Top 25 scores shown more frequently. (Still not enough per feedback from this years group. Esp Marshall and Pitt when they are losing )

5) Increase use of "Mountaineer Field" at Milan Puskar Stadium. I guess this was to keep with tradition of the longstanding "Mountaineer Field".

6) Feedback given to the Wall wraps & New LED boards

7) Added Promotions aimed towards Veterans

8) Basketball Parking adjustment from $20 to $10

9) Basketball atmosphere - Added Pregame DJ, Incorporated more Press Virginia, had dance team go to upper levels, more in game videos with players planned.

10) Fireworks added for home game vs Towson

11) Added various signage for basketball student sections and football "No Re-Entry".

12) Better Promotion of Football Mantriip

13) Country Roads played only after wins

14) WVUGAME.com launched with FAQ's for pregame ticketing, maps, parking, seating

15) WVU Gameday App launched.

etc,

Those were some of the items that the Fan Experience Committee worked on last year. The last few I think could have been more feedback into the site and app, as I think they could have been in the works already.

I hope that we can accomplish as much as the previous year, but I believe with most things that first push has a lot more ideas to start momentum and then the the following years are more about sustaining and adding freshness for new ideas. We did discuss a few things and I personally e-mailed a synopsis of the feed back from this and other websites and included the links for the Athletic Dept to review. We certainly appreciated the feedback and many of your ides were discussed. A few of them were (this is just from memory so don't hold me to it all and I do expect that we get to more in the next meeting):

1) Better use of players and former players for "pump-Up" videos. The Loud Noises deal is a bit irrelevant and corny, but also were some of the other videos.

2) Sound system is bad and too loud. Bad + Too Loud = Really annoying.

3) More entertainment for the younger family members. The kid zone in the practice field got nixed a couple years ago.

4) More in-game replays. The whole Big-12 rule about excessive controversial replays was a bit overblown. 1 or 2 replays "should" not get anybody in trouble, but it was apparently abused elsewhere.

5) Continual score updates or dedicated score update board. Of course all LED"S are used to sell advertising, so that needs to be weighed.

6) More TV's needed in the concourse. They said with the Redesign there will be tons.

7) Better signage of past players.

8) Communication to the greater public about progress made. They just did that yesterday afternoon and that's why I delayed sending this out.

9) Better food selection.

That's about all I remember, but like I said, I believe that we will get more into the ideation/creation portion in the next go around. Will let you guys know any further progress.

 

[WESTBGVA]

Cut to the last sentence if you want to get to the point. I know long posts annoy some.

Folks, although quite the newbie for posting on here, I have read this forum nearly daily for many years (around 10 or so) and have loved the discussions, arguments, sarcasm, rumors, recruiting, and general entertainment.
I think some of you all are hilarious, some serious, some old, some young, and some just downright crazy, but all passionate Mountaineer fans. So, I am looking for some help.

I was ecstatic to be chosen to be on the Mountaineer Fan Committee and am hoping that y'all can give me some good suggestions to relay to the group. I think this may be the year 2 or 3 that this committee has been organized. This is an opportunity to give real feedback and am hoping you all can help me out in getting the message back to WVU about what we can do to make things better. Our family makes it to Morgantown about 4 or 5 times a year for sporting events, as we have relatives in Morgantown. I love the Mountaineers and our direct family has graduated 7 from WVU.

As background, I have lived in the Raleigh area for nearly 20 years and have had opportunities to visit most of the major athletic venues in the area for football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer and basketball (except Cameron, which I hate Duke, so not too disappointed). I have to say the facilities around here are great, but not so far beyond or sometimes not comparable to what we have. I was very jealous of the baseball parks before we got our own decent park (that was my sport growing up).

I may make a poll or two for some of the topics suggested so look for those in the next few weeks. Vernon, if you have any suggestions for how to create good ones on here please let me know.

Lastly, I drink beer so any suggestions to that end would be great. I hated the long lines at those stands.

Any serious suggestions for feedback to the committee I will note and bring forward. And maybe some not so serious, as sometimes it takes a little bit of crazy to have fun.

put in a Hooters,or a Tilted Kilt..we already sell beer.....I was in the gold zone at the Skins stadium..they had three sports bars inside the bowels of the stadium..just kidding..but not about the sports bars in the Skins stadium.... you have to be a gold zone member to access them .I'm not..I was with one..Go Mountaineers and Steelers..ha

 

[WVex-pat in GA]

Aluminum bleachers gotta go! It is as embarrassing as the trailer park across the street.

 

[KeatonsCorner]

WE MUST CATCH THOSE ROVING BANDS OF PICKPOCKETS!!!!!! PREYING ON THE YOUNG AND ELDERLY!!!!

 

[doneagain]

Like how Wisconsin plays jump around at the end of the third quarter, WVU should play LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem. We have a rep as a party school, so why not play off of that. It will get the crowd rejuvenated going into the 4th qtr, it would be a fun thing to throw in to the game day atmosphere/experience.

I just think it is a good idea.