Originally Posted by
Big Bird
Scheduling better teams goes a long way to boosting attendance in Fargo. It isn't the only answer, but it is a start. Casual fans come out to see big name top 10 teams, even in wrestling. Remember the national duals matchup vs MN a few years back? That was the best NDSU dual crowd I've seen in quite some time and the atmosphere was great. It helped that there were a bunch of MN fans in attendance, but so what. Even though not all of the fans would be cheering for NDSU, it would still be a big draw. 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 a new announcer brought in, as I think Joel does a poor job. I appreciate all that he does in the FM community and all that he has done for NDSU, but he is not a good announcer IMO. I have friends who are wrestling fans (but not NDSU fans) who would come to duals, but their distaste for his announcing honestly keeps them away. He is constantly talking over the action, mispronouncing names, and just getting basic information wrong. I'm sure it isn't an easy job, but there are better options (which I have no idea if it is a paying gig or not). I'd love to see Pike from Big 98.7 take over. I'm biased because I've known him since he was in Kindergarten, but that isn't the only reason. He is a former wrestler and is great at speaking/announcing. He was in the running for the in-stadium Redhawks gig the last time it was open, and he was great at it. Plus he's a local celebrity with a very large following, which would give a lot of free press to the team and events. I have no clue if he'd be interested or if his schedule would allow it, but he'd be a big step up.
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.
This is a very social media heavy generation and I guess more could always be done in that realm. I love Coach Garnett's online presence, but do non wrestling folks follow him? Not a knock on him, but I just assume that the casual NDSU sports fan isn't paying attention to his accounts. I think the NDSU Athletics and general NDSU social media accounts (the ones with massive followings) do a good job of showcasing the wrestling accomplishments. Maybe ask if they could promote upcoming events more. That's free and reaches a ton of eyeballs.