Originally Posted by
Big Bird
DGF organizes a coach bus(es) every year to a Gophers match and it fills up in a hurry. Hosting them in Fargo gives local Gopher fans a chance to see them without traveling 3+ hours. I would do whatever I can to ensure that MN is on the schedule every year. Getting John Smith and OK State on the schedule would be a huge draw and with them being a conference foe, they SHOULD be on the schedule every year.
Outside of just a better schedule, I think it's just a culture thing. I can remember going to NDSU matches regularly since the early 90's and it's never been a consistent huge draw. SDSU has changed their culture around in the last few years and now their duals are spectacles and the place to be in Brookings. I'm not sure how best NDSU wrestling can do that, but there are options.
#1 culture change has to be getting the general student body engaged in the duals. Getting the general student body excited about a wrestling match is hard to do, but it would really help with a better atmosphere. I have no clue how to get the student body more involved, but I think it needs to happen if we're to take the next step.
I'd like to see cheap season tickets for elementary kids who are in local programs. Charge $2 a ticket and try to get these kids hooked early on. Plus if you have an elementary kid there, you'll have parents there too.