I realize that we can't do something about this, and it partially stems from Notre Dame, not us, getting this, but I thought I would give some input too. While this may just be a bandage on a bigger problem, I think it could help at least a little. I noticed ND is going to have the World Series trophy at their basketball game on Jan. 21. I think if Loyola could get it for a game, attendance would be up for at least one game.

A first step in making the atmosphere better is to get as many people in as possible. If someone comes in, enjoys the fun game that this team can put on, they're more likely to return, and the wheels can slowly start moving forward. I'm sure student attendance would be up, and you'd probably have more younger people in the gym who are interested in sports, and take an interest in the game. I've gotten some friends to become more regulars at the games simply by bringing them to a good game, such as last year against Creighton. We could have the same effect here.

I reached out to both the Cubs and Steve Watson in hopes of maybe getting it there on Sunday for the game on ESPNU since the trophy will be in Chicago already for the Cubs Convention. I doubt it will be there Sunday, but Watson told me they will continue to try and get it to a game this year. Like I said, I don't think this will fix everything, but it may help get something started, especially if we can get the crowd and students into it when people are there.

Tank ,,way to pitch in. I think AD Watson listens when people with good intentions pitch things his way. Even though,,,,,Im gonna say it, Im a a Cardinal fan, I think bringing the world Series Trophy to a game is a great idea. Give people a chance to get a picture with it,,,,,and then have the 63 trophy also where you could get a picture.......Keep the ideas coming.

Some perspective

1. The AD and Coach Moser have the same concern about lack of student participation or really the lack of attendance at the games. It does affect recruiting for sure especially when a recruit comes to a game.
2. The previous AD was an engineer. She was a builder but not real strong on the PR side. But her regime did get us into a better conference, got us into several pre season tourneys (Florida, Vegas), hired some good coaches. They tried to upgrade the Varsity Club but then things fell apart.
3. We were without an AD or had an interim AD and nothing could happen. In part I know this cost of several key recruits.
4. When we did hire an AD, it was announced that Father G was moving on and the search would be initiated for a new President.
My point is that there was a leadership vacuum that prohibited moving forward on creativity and implementing ideas to put more people in the stands.
Then this year there were the budget cuts.
All that said, I know the Steve Watson and his staff have begun a major initiative to increase attendance. They had a reach out meeting to season ticket holders about thirty days ago. Twice as many people showed up as they anticipated but the forum allowed the sharing of ideas etc.
On Sunday the 15th there were be another meeting about some of the plans that they will be implementing plus solicitation of feedback and ideas.
So, this is now a high priority and I believe that with Dr. Rooney now in place the athletic department will be aggressively moving forward to increase attendance and to increase fund raising.
This is just an FYI. But if you do have ideas I would contact the AD or Tom Sorboro his assistant AD. They do care and do want this to be a successful initiative.
It will take a lot of work as there has been a lot of inertia. Loyola missed the boat after the 85 Sweet Sixteen team but we all know that story.

We have the right people in place but what a tough job they have. I can't even give away Loyola tickets to my friends that are huge sports fans.

25 ..always interesting info....When climbing up hill it is nice to know the wind is in your direction. So minimally people should let AD Watson know we are behind him and he is climbing the correct hill. In other words Steve,,"go for it" and also to let the players know we are behind them...that is always my biggest concern. Also while there might be a major plan to increase attendance that might involve marketing and business stuff...I think results of that will be next year. My point is to make the known quantity better..In other words saying attendance will not be better this year ..lets make it more dynamic .....You are in a good spot....If I brought you a big block L would you stand up and show it to the crowd?????? and I would sit at the top of the section or across from you with a giant block U and at the appropriate times we would get an L U call and response going??????? Or like when the team deserves a standing ovation...I am talking about little stuff to make the game fun....how bout doing the wave when the other team is shooting free throws.......again ,,,,get everyone closer together and louder......We are all passionate about the Ramblers yet as fans we are practicing Quakers. Who was the walk-on last year that was always waving and jumping around on the bench,,,,,,,,, Plus give us a fun way to donate money....Used to love the putting contest. How bout a portable basket where we could shoot free throws for cash ? All of us who attend lets find a way to make our Rambler Passion louder......

I came up with a few suggestions:

1. Flood the West Quad and let it freeze over. Have a doubleheader with the Ramblers taking on Drake followed by the Blackhawks and Red Wings. Call it the "Cold Sneakers on Ice Classic".

2. Invite Pope Francis to the annual halftime "Jesuit Jam" and have him run suicides against Sister Jean. Allow betting on the outcome.

3.Have a "Skinny Saturday" promotion giving away free Skinny Nachos to anybody who Skinny Dips in Lake Michigan at halftime. Post photos on Instagram.

4. Move the Pipe Organ from Madonna della Strada to Gentile and hire Nancy Faust to play Na Na Hey Hey over and over again until the opposing team forfeits.

5. Let the players use their smart phones during the game to text the fans about random stupid stuff. This would give the students a sense of personal participation in the game. Millennials dig that.

6. Designate all empty sections of Gentile as official campus "Safe Places". This will encourage oppressed, marginalized students to attend. Protect them against politically-incorrect cheers.

7. Have a really good team for a change.

#3 actually has potential....a polar plunge in Lake Michigan....thats all I got.

#6 would probably work at any government school. I am not so certain about LU.

_________________
Let's go Braden!

I don't know if something was done or it's coincidence, but 2 solid promos for Sunday's game.
I bought my women's tickets for Saturday and will be bringing my family of 4 to Sunday's men's game.

SHYHYME.......Good on ya mate.....after some very informal communication I have no doubt they are trying.