Midweek Mierda: Where's The Band?
March 05 2008 08:21 PM -- Filed in: Football
When I read that the Alabama spring game was going
to include a concert I was surprised for a
couple of reasons. First, I continue to be
amazed at the crowds that schools are able to
draw for scrimmages. I understand many fans do
have access to tickets during the season and
that spring games give them an opportunity to
watch their favorite team in a stadium
atmosphere. I am wowed, however, that 54,000
showed up in the cold to watch Nebraska
scrimmage in 2006 and that the Crimson Tide sold
out their spring game last season (92,000). And
the crowds are growing as well as evidenced by
this (out-of-date) graph;
Ohio State packed in an
additional 12,000 in 2007. It goes to show
that the level of passion for college football
is at an all-time high, and increasing.
My second surprise was that Ohio State was not on the list of 20 schools hosting a Gridiron Bash event. Many of the schools hosting an event are in warmer climates, but Kansas State, Colorado, Penn State, and West Virginia are all participating and the weather in those locales can leave a lot to be desired. Besides, Ohio State's spring game is on April 19, when the average temperature is 54. Ohio State had to be high on the promoter's list with a huge student body in a large urban area.
I contacted Steve Snapp, assistant Ohio State AD, to see if I could get any information. He told me that Ohio State was approached but decieded against it "for a number of reasons." I can only assume those reasons included, among others, a combination of scheduling, facilities use, and money.
Buckeyes Spring Calendar:
Spring Practice Starts: March 24
Scarlet & Gray Draft: April 16
Spring Game: April 19
NFL Draft: April 26 and 27
My second surprise was that Ohio State was not on the list of 20 schools hosting a Gridiron Bash event. Many of the schools hosting an event are in warmer climates, but Kansas State, Colorado, Penn State, and West Virginia are all participating and the weather in those locales can leave a lot to be desired. Besides, Ohio State's spring game is on April 19, when the average temperature is 54. Ohio State had to be high on the promoter's list with a huge student body in a large urban area.
I contacted Steve Snapp, assistant Ohio State AD, to see if I could get any information. He told me that Ohio State was approached but decieded against it "for a number of reasons." I can only assume those reasons included, among others, a combination of scheduling, facilities use, and money.
Buckeyes Spring Calendar:
Spring Practice Starts: March 24
Scarlet & Gray Draft: April 16
Spring Game: April 19
NFL Draft: April 26 and 27
