This is now a doubly fascinating discussion. I just happened to finally click on this link and read the article. I'd seen a bit of video of Kiffin getting grouchy about "fan support" in response to a post-game question. I didn't watch the whole thing or bother to even see what it was about. I just now clicked and read this article.
Lane Kiffin's fan gripes bring up fair point: Is college football about the game or the party? (yahoo.com)
Didn't realize that attendance was dropping on the whole, but localized. I didn't realize that stuff like "Jump Around" are calculated moves. Well, even if they're organic, they're definitely being capitalized on. (Makes The Wave even more genuine and special). Being that "In Heaven There Is No Beer" predates the mechanical money machine era, I'm gonna call it genuine. I didn't realize that the "party decks" and such were coming to college football. I guess hot tubs and weird food concoctions like Krispy Kreme hamburgers are next? Dizzy bat races at halftime? No thank you.
I assume for Iowa, the alcohol sales were more about extra revenue than keeping butts in seats. Same would be true for any team no facing attendance issues. I know the Hawks wax and wane in attendance to a degree, depending on success. But it's within a margin explained by success, not changing attitudes.
My experience (albeit limited to two games in the last 4 years) is that Iowa does not have the problem. They might be worried about it? But they do not have the problem. A solid balance between game and party. The stuff they've added (stuff on the plaza, beer sales, etc) feel more like low-key additions. They haven't had to pull stunts. I imagine, as the article states, it's isolated to the smaller schools. I hope Iowa never has to worry about it. I just don't see it in the short term.
I firmly believe that my experiences as a non-student attending the event was probably far better than it would have been 30 years ago as a non-student. Only because there's more portapotties. More places to get a bite or a shirt or a drink of water. All without feeling like it's been commercialized. So far, I'd have to say those in charge at Iowa are threading the needle fairly well. A few low key moves. Don't break anything. And they have directions to go if they find themselves needing to.