My fan experience from Kinnick on Saturday

[Hawkfan_in_GoopherLand]

Had an opportunity to sit in the new North End zone on Saturday, overall some quick takes:

We sat in the 300 section, seats were awesome, tremendous view of the field, really close to the field, etc, seat width and overall comfort, just top notch. Will be great once all the concessions and bathrooms are completed, huge upgrade. To me, if feels very un-Kinnick like, not bad, just different. Again, i think once the stands are finalized, it will feel more like it fits. Time will tell.

From the perspective of the group and myself (we went with a few Wisconsin fans as well), the entire Kinnick in game fan experience leaves a lot to be desired. How many freakin' times can the PA play "Crazy Train" on 3rd down? 14 times they played this. 14 f'n times. Also, I understand the media timeouts were long, and somewhat drawn out, but man, can we hire a firm to get just a little creative to keep fans engaged. I've been to a lot of other college venues, and can honestly say, our in-game experience is one of the worst out there, which is too bad, because I think our fans are great. "Fans, please turn your attention to Hawk vision, for a message from our partners at Farm Bureau. Hawkeye fans, can you guess which farm chemical is used most for crops" or how about this one, "Hawkeye fans, Iowa leads the nation in which of the following: corn production, pigs or chickens. The answer - all the above". Now listen, I get we are a farming state, but dear God, is this the best we got? The loudest pop of the night, non-game, in fan experience related, was when the volleyball coach got the mic and riled everyone up. We need more of this! Some variety on 3rd down music. Also, while on that topic, we spend hundreds of millions on stadium upgrades, but our damn PA sounds like a retro Bud Light speaker box. Ok, rant over. .

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Vball coach was great

 

[fivecardstud14]

The music selection has been terrible for years. It rarely changes, and when it does, it's not for the better. Just shut off all PA music & let the band play, it'd be much better than hearing the same crap that's been playing since the new press box was built.

 

[hwk23]

Had an opportunity to sit in the new North End zone on Saturday, overall some quick takes:

We sat in the 300 section, seats were awesome, tremendous view of the field, really close to the field, etc, seat width and overall comfort, just top notch. Will be great once all the concessions and bathrooms are completed, huge upgrade. To me, if feels very un-Kinnick like, not bad, just different. Again, i think once the stands are finalized, it will feel more like it fits. Time will tell.

From the perspective of the group and myself (we went with a few Wisconsin fans as well), the entire Kinnick in game fan experience leaves a lot to be desired. How many freakin' times can the PA play "Crazy Train" on 3rd down? 14 times they played this. 14 f'n times. Also, I understand the media timeouts were long, and somewhat drawn out, but man, can we hire a firm to get just a little creative to keep fans engaged. I've been to a lot of other college venues, and can honestly say, our in-game experience is one of the worst out there, which is too bad, because I think our fans are great. "Fans, please turn your attention to Hawk vision, for a message from our partners at Farm Bureau. Hawkeye fans, can you guess which farm chemical is used most for crops" or how about this one, "Hawkeye fans, Iowa leads the nation in which of the following: corn production, pigs or chickens. The answer - all the above". Now listen, I get we are a farming state, but dear God, is this the best we got? The loudest pop of the night, non-game, in fan experience related, was when the volleyball coach got the mic and riled everyone up. We need more of this! Some variety on 3rd down music. Also, while on that topic, we spend hundreds of millions on stadium upgrades, but our damn PA sounds like a retro Bud Light speaker box. Ok, rant over. .

More band and less PA would be good. Also, if we even need the PA, change up the selection. Imagine listening to the same song over and over. It just drains everyone's energy.

 

[hawkfeever]

Had an opportunity to sit in the new North End zone on Saturday, overall some quick takes:

We sat in the 300 section, seats were awesome, tremendous view of the field, really close to the field, etc, seat width and overall comfort, just top notch. Will be great once all the concessions and bathrooms are completed, huge upgrade. To me, if feels very un-Kinnick like, not bad, just different. Again, i think once the stands are finalized, it will feel more like it fits. Time will tell.

From the perspective of the group and myself (we went with a few Wisconsin fans as well), the entire Kinnick in game fan experience leaves a lot to be desired. How many freakin' times can the PA play "Crazy Train" on 3rd down? 14 times they played this. 14 f'n times. Also, I understand the media timeouts were long, and somewhat drawn out, but man, can we hire a firm to get just a little creative to keep fans engaged. I've been to a lot of other college venues, and can honestly say, our in-game experience is one of the worst out there, which is too bad, because I think our fans are great. "Fans, please turn your attention to Hawk vision, for a message from our partners at Farm Bureau. Hawkeye fans, can you guess which farm chemical is used most for crops" or how about this one, "Hawkeye fans, Iowa leads the nation in which of the following: corn production, pigs or chickens. The answer - all the above". Now listen, I get we are a farming state, but dear God, is this the best we got? The loudest pop of the night, non-game, in fan experience related, was when the volleyball coach got the mic and riled everyone up. We need more of this! Some variety on 3rd down music. Also, while on that topic, we spend hundreds of millions on stadium upgrades, but our damn PA sounds like a retro Bud Light speaker box. Ok, rant over. .

let us not speak in generality. Which places you have been to are better so we know.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Attempting to play music on a crappy speaker system while the crowd is doing the I-O-W-A chant was a bad choice as well. That department needs new blood to maintain energy.

 

[ichawk24]

I really liked when we were coming out for our final possession and they played the stereo to 11 as Stanley was trying to set up our first play.

 

[thewop]

Given it was the annual ANF game, it's not surprising they had all the farm-related stuff. I wasn't there, but it seems to make sense.

 

[rchawk]

The music selection has been terrible for years. It rarely changes, and when it does, it's not for the better. Just shut off all PA music & let the band play, it'd be much better than hearing the same crap that's been playing since the new press box was built.

Iowa has a perfectly good band, we really should have them play more during the game. Much better than the piped-in music.

 

[cidhawkeye]

They are pushing the envelope on commercializing the wave as well. Throwing that last advertising blurb in before the 2nd quarter started shows they really can't leave a good thing alone.

 

[DavenportHawk228]

It’s just not fun w/all the media time outs. There is no flow to the game at all. I mean they would take them when momentum would swing.

They should limit it to 1 per quarter. Then use the halftime break to show all your commercials.

 

[fivecardstud14]

Iowa has a perfectly good band, we really should have them play more during the game. Much better than the piped-in music.

College football in general sounds better with the band playing in between plays. I went to a Notre Dame game a few years back and there was very little PA music, it was mostly the band and I liked how that worked.

 

[cidhawkeye]

Can the Iowa band deliver if they are expected to play more consistently? Where I sat this Saturday the band didn't have a very loud presence.

 

[justinjdry]

I must admit the crowd did sound somewhat quieter on my TV compared to other nighttime Kinnick games. Maybe it was just the way Fox broadcasts but for me it was definitely noticeable.

 

[jknife]

I went to the ISU game for my wife’s reunion. There band plays the same 2 songs all the time and it is more annoying than anything at iowa games ISU is just as bad about media timeouts. I found myself wishing ISU would not score because they play the most ungodly noise every time they score. I think my couch is the best place to watch college football

 

[Wasnt-drunk-didnt-troll]

I had the opportunity to sit in what I would consider some of the best seats in kinnick (sect 106 row 21) and I can honestly tell why the attendance is dying. It was AWESOME when there was football being played and horrible when there wasnt. I now have seen both sides of the " I would rather watch it from my couch". Whoever selected those media timeouts did a hell of a job pausing play right when we had started to get momentum.

 

[ih8iast8]

Not to mention the Panchero’s pump it up is as dumb as it gets. (There are other inflammatory superlatives I’d rather use in place of dumb).

 

[Fan In Black]

It’s just not fun w/all the media time outs. There is no flow to the game at all. I mean they would take them when momentum would swing.

They should limit it to 1 per quarter. Then use the halftime break to show all your commercials.

I have thought this for a few years. Its a big reason why I am no longer a season ticket holder and would rather watch from home.

 

[katman15]

The media time outs really take away the flow of the game.....We actually had people booing the time outs.
I understand, TV feeds the budget...but They are ruining the fan experience....... I still enjoy going after 40 plus years but you guys are right we can do much better for a fan experience.....

 

[GunnerHawk]

I would second many comments made about the game. Fricking Fox's TV timeouts were ridiculous. The game never had a flow which I think impacted the crowd. In addition a 7:30 start was also an issue, looking over the crowd at half time, everybody was worn out. Combination of a long day and too much tailgating.

A lot has changed over the years. Have had season tickets for 17 years. Too much advertising at the game. couldn't believe $14 for a hot dog and coke. Too much on the field activity during breaks plus large screen advertising.

Bummed about the outcome.

 

[evashevsky58]

The music selection has been terrible for years. It rarely changes, and when it does, it's not for the better. Just shut off all PA music & let the band play, it'd be much better than hearing the same crap that's been playing since the new press box was built.

This. I like some of the pop/rap music they play during commercial breaks but it's so loud and intense and non-stop it's like they think the fans need constant stimuli. More band would be fantastic! And some periods of nothing would be ok too!

 

[Hawkfan_08]

They had so many TV timeouts because the game never stopped the first quarter. It was less than a half hour.

 

[SotaHawk87]

Am I the only that loves the music selection? Third downs are amazing at Kinnick..

 

[Obviously Oblivious]

I thought the crowd sounded muted as well compared to other games I’ve watched this year, but that may have been Fox’s sound mix responsible for that.

And like the OP, I’m so over the Crazy Train on every single third down. Our PA people have been mailing it in for years.

 

[DavenportHawk228]

They had so many TV timeouts because the game never stopped the first quarter. It was less than a half hour.

Again they need to keep the game moving. I know they used to tell officials and game administrators the game should not take more than 3hrs. Well now with all the media time outs it’s getting to long.

I’m season ticket holder and I am debating on renewing or not. I love the stadium and tailgates. But the damn games seem to drag on and last forever w/media time outs. I hope they make a change to that, I know that is one of the top complaints from 99% of the schools. That’s why attendance is down at majority of the schools.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Lots of good stuff in here. Want to comment on a lot of people's ideas.

Had an opportunity to sit in the new North End zone on Saturday, overall some quick takes:

We sat in the 300 section, seats were awesome, tremendous view of the field, really close to the field, etc, seat width and overall comfort, just top notch. Will be great once all the concessions and bathrooms are completed, huge upgrade. To me, if feels very un-Kinnick like, not bad, just different. Again, i think once the stands are finalized, it will feel more like it fits. Time will tell.

From the perspective of the group and myself (we went with a few Wisconsin fans as well), the entire Kinnick in game fan experience leaves a lot to be desired. How many freakin' times can the PA play "Crazy Train" on 3rd down? 14 times they played this. 14 f'n times. Also, I understand the media timeouts were long, and somewhat drawn out, but man, can we hire a firm to get just a little creative to keep fans engaged. I've been to a lot of other college venues, and can honestly say, our in-game experience is one of the worst out there, which is too bad, because I think our fans are great. "Fans, please turn your attention to Hawk vision, for a message from our partners at Farm Bureau. Hawkeye fans, can you guess which farm chemical is used most for crops" or how about this one, "Hawkeye fans, Iowa leads the nation in which of the following: corn production, pigs or chickens. The answer - all the above". Now listen, I get we are a farming state, but dear God, is this the best we got? The loudest pop of the night, non-game, in fan experience related, was when the volleyball coach got the mic and riled everyone up. We need more of this! Some variety on 3rd down music. Also, while on that topic, we spend hundreds of millions on stadium upgrades, but our damn PA sounds like a retro Bud Light speaker box. Ok, rant over. .

Lots to chew on with your post alone. The Crazy Train only thing happened just this year. It is unbelievably annoying. They used to switch it up between 4 or 5 songs and it was much better. The speakers are actually loud this year. I have not been able to hear jack for 3 years. I can't believe I am going to say this as someone who loves loud stadiums...but it's almost too loud now. As you pointed out, it sounds bad too. I'll get to farming stuff later.

Vball coach was great

This was easily the best thing of the night during TV timeouts. Makes me want to go to an Iowa volleyball game. Seriously.

Given it was the annual ANF game, it's not surprising they had all the farm-related stuff. I wasn't there, but it seems to make sense.

This was not just due to the ANF game. We have had 3 or 4 heavy farming related ad breaks. Not saying anything wrong with farmers but the ads are way too gimmicky and dumb.

They are pushing the envelope on commercializing the wave as well. Throwing that last advertising blurb in before the 2nd quarter started shows they really can't leave a good thing alone.

Im starting to get there with this as well. At least it's the U of I hospital I guess.

I must admit the crowd did sound somewhat quieter on my TV compared to other nighttime Kinnick games. Maybe it was just the way Fox broadcasts but for me it was definitely noticeable.

This is disappointing. I thought it was crazy loud and my seats sometimes hide the noise.

 

[iavagabond]

Iowa has a perfectly good band, we really should have them play more during the game. Much better than the piped-in music.

Our band leaves A LOT to be desired as far as college bands go. I thought, maybe, with new leadership this year they would step up. They haven't, imo.

 

[coasterhawk75]

Iowa has a perfectly good band, we really should have them play more during the game. Much better than the piped-in music.

Our band leaves A LOT to be desired as far as college bands go. I thought, maybe, with new leadership this year they would step up. They haven't, imo.

They've made some changes. Playing current music and having a theme each week that incorporates the video board is a good start.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Again they need to keep the game moving. I know they used to tell officials and game administrators the game should not take more than 3hrs. Well now with all the media time outs it’s getting to long.

I’m season ticket holder and I am debating on renewing or not. I love the stadium and tailgates. But the damn games seem to drag on and last forever w/media time outs. I hope they make a change to that, I know that is one of the top complaints from 99% of the schools. That’s why attendance is down at majority of the schools.

I agree 100%. I was pointing out how quickly the game moved in the first quarter with only a few timeouts compared to the rest of the game. It had great flow I thought.

I wonder what can be done about tv timeouts. There is so much money to be made but I wonder if they shortened the game to 2.5 hours if they could sneak in another game at night? It also sucks for fans during blazing heat, rain or freezing cold. Im sure it sucks for the players too.

 

[Clifford C. Clavin]

I don't really get the complaining about the TV timeouts. I mean, yes they are annoying, but this has been a staple of going to games for multiple decades now; this isn't anything new. Iowa's last non-televised game was in 2000. Saturday night was awesome, outside of the results of the final minute.

 

[cidhawkeye]

The clock timing them doesn't help. Have they always been 3:50? Extra point, commercial, kick off commercial doesn't help.

 

[2bagger22]

Am I the only that loves the music selection? Third downs are amazing at Kinnick..

I sat in the student section because I couldn’t find a comparable ticket for a friend. It was awesome, particularly third down. The student section goes wild for Crazy Train.

I’m six years removed from being a student and WI was the most fun I’ve had since college. The atmosphere was electric.

 

[SotaHawk87]

I thought the impression of Brands was hilarious! I’ve been to two games where Brands gets the crowd going and it’s pretty much spot on to that! That was hilarious..

 

[DavenportHawk228]

I don't really get the complaining about the TV timeouts. I mean, yes they are annoying, but this has been a staple of going to games for multiple decades now; this isn't anything new. Iowa's last non-televised game was in 2000. Saturday night was awesome, outside of the results of the final minute.

They used to be only a couple a quarter and they were usually around 1-2min long. The other night they were timing them behind us and they were 3-4min. Also had a TD/commercial break/kickoff/commercial break at one point! Just takes all momentum and fun out of the place.

Maybe the college game needs to run the clock like the pros. Just never stop it and maybe that will help w/games speeding up.

 

[SWIowahawks]

We sat in the north endzone and thought the view was all I was hoping it would be. Unfortunately all the action was in the SEZ.

Even my wife comments about how Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is so much better at keeping the fans in it. Granted, Fox was BS and we had a run of four media TO’s in 37 seconds of game time.

I was shaking my head because Vandeburg made the announcement that the student section was in the running for best on the nation or something of that nature. All in well but we were on offense when they went crazy. Terribly timed and I was saying that at the time. Then when Wisconsin had the ball near the students....nothing.

 

[Cydkar]

The media time outs really take away the flow of the game.....We actually had people booing the time outs.
I understand, TV feeds the budget...but They are ruining the fan experience....... I still enjoy going after 40 plus years but you guys are right we can do much better for a fan experience.....

I can vouch for this at ISU. Man, the media timeouts last Saturday made me want to jump off the top row. At least at home you can grab a beer, throw in a load of laundry, or something to pass the time. Not sure what the fix is. That cow is out of the barn.

 

[Big Hawk D-Port]

Part of the problem with Crazy Train or any song on 3rd down is that when its 3rd and 2 every time you are just reminded of how many times we failed to get off the field. I was watching on TV from out of state and we kept making fun of Ozzy screaming "All Aboard" every 10 minutes and the fact that they kept bringing up Barry Alvarez's grandson.

The frustrating thing with Kinnick is that if they took the time to even think about it, it could be improved easily. It seems like we just have some lame people in charge. Whoever does those videos seems to be pretty "with it", we should promote them.

 

[Sousaphil]

College football in general sounds better with the band playing in between plays. I went to a Notre Dame game a few years back and there was very little PA music, it was mostly the band and I liked how that worked.

My wife is a ND alum, so I've been to games in South Bend, and I've been to a lot of ND watch parties. They are just as annoyed about piped in music as this thread.

I'm a Wisconsin alum, and this thread could've come from Buckyville or BadgerBlitz. The biggest difference is the Camp Randall sound guy changes up the 3rd down music, so It's Crazy Train, ThunderStruck, Welcome to the Jungle, etc...

Only Fox can make Wisconsin @ Iowa into a 4 hour game. It was tedious to have a touchdown, then a big commercial break, then a kickoff for a touchback, then another big commercial break. So about 8 minutes of commercials and no time off the clock. I'm not sure what kind of entertainment could keep the in-stadium crowd engaged. Probably nothing legal...

For what it's worth, I thought the atmosphere looked and sounded great on TV.

 

[Sousaphil]

Even my wife comments about how Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is so much better at keeping the fans in it. Granted, Fox was BS and we had a run of four media TO’s in 37 seconds of game time.

The simple-minded are easily entertained.

 

[SotaHawk87]

For those at the game there is a TV timeout clock under the scoreboard with white numbers. Every TV timeout was set to 2 minutes and 50 seconds plus I’m guessing 10 seconds to get back into action. I thought they weren’t doing TV timeouts after kickoffs anymore?