I am very surprised to see this number of unsold tickets. The economy? Lack of excitement even after last years rebound?
If the home slate had OSU, Mich, Mich St or some better games along with wisky and nebby I think there would be more season ticket sales (not sells) and much less unsold tickets.
I cant comment on the tailgating crackdown comment as I usually drive up to the game with about 45 minutes to spare to walk to the stadium and get into my seat.
Sometimes I tailgate after a game but not much. I am there mostly for the game as a lot of my friends from years ago no longer go to games.
1. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but the student section was significantly reduced in size this year. The figure I read is there will be an additional 4500+ tickets available to the public that were designated student section last year. So there is a void to fill - we'll see how quickly that void will be filled.
2. It's an expensive proposition to go to a game. Economy is still not rosy, everything is expensive, seemingly. Gas, food, etc. Not to mention tickets. And if you get saison tackets, seat fees involved, etc.
3. So easy to watch a game at home. Plenty of benefits. For me, one of the big ones is you don't have to sit by a bunch of dumbarse arm chair qbs.
4. For the people who go to the game not necessarily for the game, but for the before and after fun, it is clear that the university is creating an atmosphere to keep these people home. for many it's a big trip and an expensive trip just to get to iowa city. if the day is more of a headache than it used to be, it's just as easy to stay home.
5. These preseason games. Look at 1-4 above and ask yourself if you want all that to see UNI. Or etc.
I'm sure there are more. My prediction is the big 10 slate will be sold out, especially if the team starts out with some positive wins.
