Jackson game thread to answer questions that have been raised

[CadaverDawg]

I don't see how it helps the program to slap Coast fans in the face just for the sake of convienience to Jackson fans. I do think it is a benefit to the program to play a game in Jackson, but there are better options. When's the last time a game was anywhere near here, Tulane? I don't think ya'll are weighing the cost to the program of taking that away.

You just don't get it apparently. So you think it's a slap in the face to move a game CLOSER than Starkville to you? I live near Jackson, but I do not want this to happen because it's more convenient for me....I want it to happen because it looks better for our program to be playing in front of 50,000 people in a major city in OUR state, and OUR key recruiting area. If you are already driving to Starkville 7 times a year, why are you even bitching? Would it still be a slap in your face if it was Middle Tennessee State in Jackson? So basically, you're saying that it is more important for "coasties" to have a 30 minute shorter drive and play at some ****** *** campus, than to drive 30 minutes to an hour further and it benefit the program and recruiting more? That sounds really selfish in my opinion.

To say it is better for MSU to play a road game at South Alabama than in Jackson, is nothing more than selfish or stupid...or both.

 

[Dawgzilla]

You're talking about having them move it 150 miles and giving up their home field advantage.

Hey, I hope it works and that somebody makes a couple of bucks off their efforts. I'm all for it. I'm just skeptical.

Considering that Larry Templeton was willing to sell MSU home games and play them in Florida, I do think there are other ADs out there who would see a financial benefit to this type of move. I don't know if they are the ADs at the schools in question, but surely there is someone else out there who would do it.

 

[Shmuley]

Are y'all making sure to recruit an investor who ... um ... meets the criteria to properly connect with the peeps who control access to the stadium?

And #4 on your list is a non sequitur. Nobody is worried about stadium security. You no doubt understand this since you phrased #4 that way to begin with.

 

[Coach34]

Would/can MSU contract with a private game promoter? I know nothing...but it seems that there will be a lot of regulatory and legal issues to work out. I like the concept though.

Same thing we are doing to play Oklahoma State in Houston

 

[Spanky.sixpack]

BoomBoom, look this a different way......

Take the Mobile game out of the equation. Me personally, I don't mind playing at UAB, USA, Memphis or Tulane (until they build their on campus stadium). We're basically playing those game at bigger stadiums and neutral sites. We should be recruiting all four of those cities (especially Mobile). So, while I agree with Coach34's proposal, I do NOT think we should move the USA game.

I think we should only consider this for teams such as Troy, ULM, La. Tech, MTSU, etc. USM is another bag of worms altogether.

 

[Spanky.sixpack]

Not necessarily......

You all need to start focusing on the right games....it's the small town teams that might beat us, that are the enemy. Not South Alabama. We'll beat the hell out of them and they'll be plenty of MSU folks at that game (there are lots in LA and the Coast obviously). We recruit Mobile too.

This game was booked for budget AND for people on the Coast. That's a fact, ask Stricklin.

The game that should be in consideration for Jackson is Louisiana Tech at Ruston.

 

[BoomBoom.sixpack]

How does it benefit the program? Jackson is twice as close to S'ville as Mobile. Can't fans just go to Starkville? And why can't we do both? I understand moving the LaTech game, but Mobile is bigger than Jackson, not even counting the rest of the coast. We get recruits and fans from there too. You want a game in Jackson, then sign JSU. Why does it have to be USA? Impatience?

I do think Jackson > Mobile for the program, if you're not looking at the big picture. I think we need games in both at regular intervals. If there's no other way to get a game in Jackson, then i see the benefit. But i don't think that's true. And i don't see a better way for a Coast game (besides Tulane). We're already booked thru 2016 right, so the suggestion is no game on the Coast until at least 2017?

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

I am on board with moving away games, just not to Jackson

It makes the Liberty Bowl look like Jerry World. I also think it would be easier to convince Troy to play in Birmingham, or Memphis, than Jackson. I don't know if it's as profitable as people think, I'd think the "home" team would still get a large percentage of revenue. If not, it shouldn't count as a home game. But I have no idea how it works in reality. Also, playing in Jackson is like "preaching to the choir". You already get tons of exposure there, it may be more beneficial to play in Memphis, or New Orleans, or even Birmingham or Mobile.

Again, I went to a couple OM games in Jackson, and it sucked. With the exception of being able to buy beer.

 

[CadaverDawg]

How does it benefit the program? Jackson is twice as close to S'ville as Mobile. Can't fans just go to Starkville? And why can't we do both? I understand moving the LaTech game, but Mobile is bigger than Jackson, not even counting the rest of the coast. We get recruits and fans from there too. You want a game in Jackson, then sign JSU. Why does it have to be USA? Impatience?

I do think Jackson > Mobile for the program, if you're not looking at the big picture. I think we need games in both at regular intervals. If there's no other way to get a game in Jackson, then i see the benefit. But i don't think that's true. And i don't see a better way for a Coast game (besides Tulane). We're already booked thru 2016 right, so the suggestion is no game on the Coast until at least 2017?

So big picture, it makes more sense to play at South Alabama than in Jackson? I guarantee you their would be more "coasties" attend a MSU game in Jackson than a MSU game at South Alabama. Do you disagree with that?

 

[shsdawg]

I've been as nice as I can be. You are a 17'ing moron. The game cannot be in Starkville- these schools wont agree to that. It's not a 17'ing option. Only stupid people bring it up at this point.

Why not? It seems they do it all the time if the money is right. You seem convinced that they would take the money to go to Jackson. Why not Starkville? Its going to take more money to put on with less of a payout for Podunk in Jackson. It makes no sense at all.

 

[BoomBoom.sixpack]

Jackson is 3hrs+ away from the coast, not an hour further than Mobile.

Anyway, i think you are vastly overestimating to get to 50,000. And again i think we should play a game in Jackson, i just think there are better options. Mobile and the Coast are absolutely necessary recruiting areas for MSU, we can't write them off this way. And don't think a move like that wouldn't be exploited against us in recruiting ("they think so little of the Coast up there at MSU that they'd pay Big $ to avoid playing there"). To ignore that is either selfish or stupid, or both.

 

[Spanky.sixpack]

These are pre-scheduled games under contract.....

You can't just replace them.

 

[BoomBoom.sixpack]

That's not the situation. It makes more sense to not pay to change our current commitment rather than pursue other options for a Jackson game.

And hell yes i disagree with that. The diehard fans would go to either. The ones that go to no home games won't go to Jackson, but may to Mobile. Those that can only make some home games would no way in hell go to Jackson over a trip to Starkville, but would very likely go to Mobile without cutting a Starkville trip. How is that so hard to understand?

 

[AndyMSU]

I've been as nice as I can be. You are a 17'ing moron. The game cannot be in Starkville- these schools wont agree to that. It's not a 17'ing option. Only stupid people bring it up at this point.

Over 18,000 posts and Coach needs a reply tutorial? You are being either a jackass or a dumbass if you are calling any of the posters in this area out for thinking the game could be in Starkville... learn to read before you reply.

 

[thatsbaseball]

Crickets chirpimg............. yes it`s a major concern. Who the hell wants to get into major traffic jams getting to and leaving the game with God knows what kind of ordeal getting in and out of the stadium sandwiched in between to see State play an opponent like USA ?

 

[rem101]

I also live on the coast and couldn't disagree with you more. Whether the USA game is mobile or Jackson, I will be there. I'd rather Jackson.

I would go to Jackson as well from the coast. No matter who we play. I have many more friends from school/family I could see there than Mobile. I'll also go to Mobile though. Doubt I'd ever venture to Ruston or Troy. I'd go to UAB just because I like b'ham. Tulane is an obvious yes.

 

[shsdawg]

Have they improved any since the 2006 preseason game between the Saints and the Colts?

I wasn't at that game but I have been to the HS State Championships twuce in the last three years. That side of those games was awful, and I was working press for them and had it way better than the fans.

 

[BoomBoom.sixpack]

I do agree that IF the USA game is the only way to get a game in Jackson for several years, then it's better for the program. But i think for the money it will cost, there's a dozen other ways to get a game in Jackson without moving the USA game. And that is far better for the program. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe USA will jump at the chance to play in Jackson. But i doubt it. They'd have us by the balls, and extract every penny.

 

[CadaverDawg]

Jackson is 3hrs+ away from the coast, not an hour further than Mobile.

Anyway, i think you are vastly overestimating to get to 50,000. And again i think we should play a game in Jackson, i just think there are better options. Mobile and the Coast are absolutely necessary recruiting areas for MSU, we can't write them off this way. And don't think a move like that wouldn't be exploited against us in recruiting ("they think so little of the Coast up there at MSU that they'd pay Big $ to avoid playing there"). To ignore that is either selfish or stupid, or both.

Maybe you're right, but I just don't see it. Hell, if I was a recruit it would turn me away...why would I want to go play for the only team in the SEC that would travel to South Alabama. I would think it benefits South Alabama's recruiting way more than it would ours. Also, I don't think many fans think of scheduling a game at USA as a tip of the cap to the coasties, but maybe I'm wrong. I definitely don't look at it that way. We're already going to be playing at Southern Miss in a few years, do we have to play at Gulfport High School to make it close enough for our coast fans to attend and not feel slapped in the face? It's not like we will be playing USA every season down there, so the recruiting argument and using it against us argument is a moot point as long as our coaches are recruiting the way they're supposed too. If a ****** team says "MSU doesn't care enough about you to play down here", then I would think in a recruit's eyes they are just a ****** team grasping for straws to get me to pick their school.

 

[CadaverDawg]

That's not the situation. It makes more sense to not pay to change our current commitment rather than pursue other options for a Jackson game.

And hell yes i disagree with that. The diehard fans would go to either. The ones that go to no home games won't go to Jackson, but may to Mobile. Those that can only make some home games would no way in hell go to Jackson over a trip to Starkville, but would very likely go to Mobile without cutting a Starkville trip. How is that so hard to understand?

So once again, we're going to travel to a 20,000 seat stadium so that 1,000 of our least interested fans can attend a game closer to home? I just disagree with that logic. I see how it would allow some of our non die hard coast fans to attend a game, but to me that is not a good incentive to play at USA. But I'll just leave it at that and agree to disagree. I hope to hell you and our coast fans help fill that mother17er up though after all the bitching about traveling distance. We better sell that ***** out at USA.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

that's what "buy them out" means

 

[KurtRambis4]

It's

gotten to the point where it's pretty funny. It's like a real-life, actual "who's on first" situation. 17ing Rainman we're dealing with.

 

[DerHntr]

I am definely not claiming the venue in Jackson is good. It's just funny that people can't understand the idea is to instead of having a game that will no matter what be an "away" game in a place like Ruston, LA, we would have it in Jackson, MS.

I am with you on the financial side of this issue. C34 has thrown out basic numbers that are extremely general. This is OK in the overall idea phase and makes for good discussion on a message board. This is in no way even close to the reality of putting on the event. It is still a risky business venture. Otherwise, someone other than C34 would have already been taking the initiative to start doing this again. This is definitely not "easy money" to be made.

 

[DerHntr]

I have enjoyed it thoroughly. Much better than arguing the finer points of ....

the Motion offense.

 

[rem101]

How does it benefit the program? Jackson is twice as close to S'ville as Mobile. Can't fans just go to Starkville? And why can't we do both? I understand moving the LaTech game, but Mobile is bigger than Jackson, not even counting the rest of the coast. We get recruits and fans from there too. You want a game in Jackson, then sign JSU. Why does it have to be USA? Impatience?

I do think Jackson > Mobile for the program, if you're not looking at the big picture. I think we need games in both at regular intervals. If there's no other way to get a game in Jackson, then i see the benefit. But i don't think that's true. And i don't see a better way for a Coast game (besides Tulane). We're already booked thru 2016 right, so the suggestion is no game on the Coast until at least 2017?

Dude, he didn't say that South Alabama was the only option for this game. My God. I'm from the coast as well, and while Mobile would be convenient, I have no problem going to Jackson. Playing in the state capital will give many more people a chance to come to a game than Mobile/Troy/Ruston will. I understand it's expensive and long drives, but benefits to program > benefits to me.

We will be playing in H'burg in 2015, that's at the most 30 minutes further than Mobile depending on where you are on the coast. Some places closer.

On a side note, I would much rather us schedule at Tulane than at USA.

 

[DerHntr]

Well let's see, there could possibly be more individuals in the Jackson area that would have the financial clout to pull this off and it could help the businesses that they already own in the area as well (if they own restaurants, hotels, shopping, etc.). The business people in Starkville get this already 7 times a year and don't have to foot the bill. On that note, MSU likely wouldn't want to buy it out because of budgetary issues.

Oh and there is the part where the other school wants to claim this as a home game for NCAA purposes. Don't forget about that part.

 

[BoomBoom.sixpack]

1000 Coast fans, but 50000 Jackson fans? Ok, you're just on crack. Noted.

 

[Coach34]

gotten to the point where it's pretty funny. It's like a real-life, actual "who's on first" situation. 17ing Rainman we're dealing with.

It really is

 

[shsdawg]

I understand what he is saying, as you would should know if you are reading and capable of understanding my posts. I understand that he is talkung about moving away games and not home ones. I also understand that he SAYS that moving them to Starkville isn't possible. THAT I question. Pony up enough money and they will be moved. I understand that as is we can't do that. We can't do what he wants as is either. He is talking about raising money through private sources to move it to Jackson with his assurance that said private sources will realize a nice return in their money. That return I also question because of the reasons I have listed. I just remember what it used to be like at games down there. I lived on Lakeland across from UMC for two years in the mid 80s. Superimpose that over the decrease in available parking area since then and my recent game visits diwn there and I think its an all around bad idea. It may actually shrink the fan base rather than grow it.

 

[Coach34]

Crickets chirpimg............. yes it`s a major concern. Who the hell wants to get into major traffic jams getting to and leaving the game with God knows what kind of ordeal getting in and out of the stadium sandwiched in between to see State play an opponent like USA ?

We got 2 years to solve those problems. After we meet with the USA AD and get the game, then we can start working on solving problems associated with playing in Jackson

 

[Maroon Eagle]

1. Maybe we can just get contracts with Idaho and New Mexico State - the last two WAC teams standing for road games at Memorial Stadium. Or failing that, Oxford. You know they desperately need home games in order to justify their future existence in 1-A.

 

[fishwater99]

A game in jackson would sellout, not so much in Memphis or Bham...

It makes the Liberty Bowl look like Jerry World. I also think it would be easier to convince Troy to play in Birmingham, or Memphis, than Jackson. I don't know if it's as profitable as people think, I'd think the "home" team would still get a large percentage of revenue. If not, it shouldn't count as a home game. But I have no idea how it works in reality. Also, playing in Jackson is like "preaching to the choir". You already get tons of exposure there, it may be more beneficial to play in Memphis, or New Orleans, or even Birmingham or Mobile.

To make money, you have to have a large crowd(which is guaranteed in Jackson).
It would also be nice for STATE fans to see their team play in their backyard. No 2.5 hr drive is a big bonus..

 

[KurtRambis4]

Well Hell, why stop

there, with moving one ooc away game to Starkville? WHy not move them all? Let's just play all of our ooc away games at home. I'm sure if we pay the teams enough, they'll do it.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

After a little research, La Tech got to keep the $$ from the Shreveport game. So this may not be a moneymaker. It may still be better than a road game, but it appears like the home team gets the money. I'm sure it can be negotiated somehow though.

 

[Dog.sixpack]

If the only way we can get out of playing the already scheduled away non-SEC games is to play them in Jackson, I will support it 100%. We should all embrace this kind of out of the box thinking.

However, we shouldn't even be having this conversation. We should never have scheduled any games at Troy, USA, La Tech, Tulane, etc. in the first place. We shouldn't schedule ANY away games against anyone other than our required SEC opponents. We should find the 4 worst teams that are willing to come to Starkville and pay them what they want for the win. The JSU, USA and MTSU home games brought in right under $2,000,000 per game in ticket sales alone. Pay Akron, UMass, Idaho and USA $1,000,000 per game to come to Starkville to guarantee we are 4-0 non-conference. Then we can play the SEC schedule to see what bowl we go to. If they want more than a million/game, pay them.

The only reason we wouldn't want to play cupcakes is because we need a higher strength of schedule for the BCS Computers (wishful thinking). Wins matter more.

Again, if we are already under contract for an away non-SEC game, and they will play their home game against us in Jackson, (but refuse to sell us their home game to play in Starkville) then I think Coach34's idea is a great one.

 

[DerHntr]

just read my other direct response to you. no need in repeating here

and I understand and agree with your concern that an investor will make money doing this.

 

[muddy]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the reason we do these 2 for 1 deals with these smaller schools because we cannot afford to buy all home games? Could someone explain why South Alabama would give up the biggest home game in their history to come to Jackson for a "home" game?

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

La Tech got all the money when they moved their game

So you may convince a school to do it so they can make more. You won't, but you'll get to have more fans there. I read that La Tech makes 30k a game for home games on ticket sales. They made over $1million for the Shreveport game. That's why they moved it.

 

[QuaoarsKing]

That's an idea. We could probably get a one-off game in Jackson with Idaho (I realize that's not the same thing that Coach34 is advocating) for way less than it would cost to have a single game against anyone in Starkville.

 

[BogeyGolfer.sixpack]

In response to Jackson "away" games...

It's real simple..... If an away game has something to offer and it's in a town that everyone can enjoy, the opponent really doesn't matter. All of us enjoy playing in New Orleans when we play Tulane. I feel the same about South Alabama. I will travel to Mobile if we play them in September because it's an opportunity for great golf, beach and MSU football. It's not the same as Ruston or Troy. And it's a lot better than Jackson.