Should Kinnick Reduce Seating Capacity?

[iowalaw]

With the new renovations taking place at Kinnick, there is a good chance that seating capacity will drop below 70,000 for the first time in ages. To me, having a stadium in the 60,000s just doesn't have the same allure as one of the big guns, so I'm all for fighting to keep capacity over the 70,000 person mark.

However, despite having a 12-0 record last year, the best we had in school history, we finished 9th in the Big 10 in % of our seats filled.

Nebraska sucked and they had over 100% capacity last year. Same with lowly Minnesota. Penn State sucked and they averaged 106,000 people at their games. Even Rutgers filled their stadium more full than we did, and they were awful and are a school that doesn't care about sports.

Is Iowa too low of population to support a big football stadium? Were the home games just too lame? Or were the low ticket sales more a statement by fans that we were not satisfied with Kirk's "that's football" attitude in 2014? In any event, it will be interesting to see what the higher ups decide on stadium renovations next year.

http://www.onthebanks.com/2016/7/17...te-ohio-state-rutgers-maryland-iowa-wisconsin

 

[scotthawk1964]

I think sales were weak last year because of fans dissatisfaction with Ferentz. I don't think we will see that this year as the fans, for now are satisfied.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I would be interested to see the age demographics of the ticket holders. I will guess that a lot of them are age 55 and older, and grew up with the fact that if you wanted to "see" an Iowa game, you had to buy a ticket and go.

Now, of course, all the games are on TV. Fans get to decide between going to the game, going to a sports bar, going to a friends house or watching at home.

To get fans to choose going to the game, the stadium, atmosphere, amenities, technology - had better be really nice.

I believe that in the future it will be a continuing challenge for sports stadiums to sell out.

So, I believe they should keep trying to make the stadium better, rather than bigger.

 

[MepoDawg#]

https://iowa.forums.rivals.com/thre...vation-capacity-may-drop-below-70-000.128769/

 

[theIowaHawk]

Surprised at people's" reliance on arbitrary, largely meaningless numbers.

$19.99 vs $20.

70,001 vs 69,999.

Iowa's rank among stadiums by size will likely remain the same +\- 1 regardless of the seating decision, yet for some people it somehow signals something more important.

 

[CO_hawk]

Are you new here? Attendance dropped because fans weren't happy with the product on the field the previous 3-4 years.

And Barta stated the stadium will still have a top25 capacity.

End thread.

 

[Herkmeister]

Are you new here? Attendance dropped because fans weren't happy with the product on the field the previous 3-4 years.

And Barta stated the stadium will still have a top25 capacity.

End thread.

Thank you CO Hawk.

 

[Stormn Norman]

I will simply reply with NO.. If you build it they will come.. If they add more seats to kinnick and keep up winning with no pro teams in the state Iowa should have prob filling more seats..

 

[Rustys Dad]

I don't worry too much about the numbers when it comes to Kinnick. Heck, many pro stadiums are under 70,000. In my book, I just like seeing Kinnick full. So if that means we have 69,900 versus 70,585 then that's okay with me.

Last year's home schedule was not the best, and fans were still not confident in the direction of the program. This year we should see more sellouts. The home schedule is one of the best in recent memory.

 

[DutchyFunStar]

If lower seating capacity means replacing the benches with actual seats I'm all for it. Time to modernize the stadium.

 

[Vroom_C14]

I would be interested to see the age demographics of the ticket holders. I will guess that a lot of them are age 55 and older, and grew up with the fact that if you wanted to "see" an Iowa game, you had to buy a ticket and go.

Now, of course, all the games are on TV. Fans get to decide between going to the game, going to a sports bar, going to a friends house or watching at home.

To get fans to choose going to the game, the stadium, atmosphere, amenities, technology - had better be really nice.

I believe that in the future it will be a continuing challenge for sports stadiums to sell out.

So, I believe they should keep trying to make the stadium better, rather than bigger.

And cut the price of your concessions!!!

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Agree with Ducthy. If seating capacity goes down and they replace the benches with individual seats, I'm all for it.
Improving the game experience is more important than a specific seating capacity number.

 

[C/Seahawk]

If lower seating capacity means replacing the benches with actual seats I'm all for it. Time to modernize the stadium.

I would vote to remove one seat at least from each row. I don't care to be packed into the seats like sardines and folks are inevitably overflowing into our seat every time we get into the stadium. Sure, seat backs might help, but it's still packed inside that stadium and overall just not enjoyable/comfortable. Perhaps I'm spoiled after having actual seats at Denver bronco games the past 15 years. Shave one or two 'seats' out of each row and add some rows with the redevelopment of the north end and you might ultimately have the same capacity but more comfort. My .02

 

[Hawk_4shur]

And cut the price of your concessions!!!

Seriously, they should at least consider selling concessions at a break-even point. If inexpensive concessions gets people in the seats, I'm for it.

 

[HerkysBro]

With the new renovations taking place at Kinnick, there is a good chance that seating capacity will drop below 70,000 for the first time in ages. To me, having a stadium in the 60,000s just doesn't have the same allure as one of the big guns, so I'm all for fighting to keep capacity over the 70,000 person mark.

However, despite having a 12-0 record last year, the best we had in school history, we finished 9th in the Big 10 in % of our seats filled.

Nebraska sucked and they had over 100% capacity last year. Same with lowly Minnesota. Penn State sucked and they averaged 106,000 people at their games. Even Rutgers filled their stadium more full than we did, and they were awful and are a school that doesn't care about sports.

Is Iowa too low of population to support a big football stadium? Were the home games just too lame? Or were the low ticket sales more a statement by fans that we were not satisfied with Kirk's "that's football" attitude in 2014? In any event, it will be interesting to see what the higher ups decide on stadium renovations next year.

http://www.onthebanks.com/2016/7/17...te-ohio-state-rutgers-maryland-iowa-wisconsin

NO

 

[theIowaHawk]

I would vote to remove one seat at least from each row. I don't care to be packed into the seats like sardines and folks are inevitably overflowing into our seat every time we get into the stadium. Sure, seat backs might help, but it's still packed inside that stadium and overall just not enjoyable/comfortable. Perhaps I'm spoiled after having actual seats at Denver bronco games the past 15 years. Shave one or two 'seats' out of each row and add some rows with the redevelopment of the north end and you might ultimately have the same capacity but more comfort. My .02

What is the cost of a seat at a Broncos game? $150? Not flaming, just curious.

 

[WORTHYWISH]

What is the cost of a seat at a Broncos game? $150? Not flaming, just curious.

Not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's a lot higher than that. I know their season ticket waiting list has over 63,000 people on it. Many of those ticket holders turn around and sell their tix for a very handsome profit. I'd be doing it, but I'm still pretty behind on that waiting list.

 

[C/Seahawk]

What is the cost of a seat at a Broncos game? $150? Not flaming, just curious.

Depends where you're at...I think upper level tickets are in the 75-85 range, lower level around 140-180, club seats beyond that. We're in the upper level south end zone and our tickets went up this year to 125 I believe.

Back to kinnick, I don t mind bench seating as much as I mind having to sit sideways or at an angle knock kneed the entire game because its too crowded and/or some folks in each row seem to require 2 seats? its simply not enjoyable to pack in there on gameday like it used to be, and yes I'm getting old (42). They need to remove a seat from every row, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

I am shocked that Minnesota and Rutgers, especially Rutgers, had a better butt-in-seat ratio than we did.

 

[thewop]

I am shocked that Minnesota and Rutgers, especially Rutgers, had a better butt-in-seat ratio than we did.

MN small stadium and Rutgers is a nice road trip for B1G fans who are going for the first time. I'd imagine they'll drop over time as people have been there, done that.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Crammed together on metal benches surrounded by very large individuals spilling over their allotted "seat" has lost it's luster in the era of large screen HDTV.
If I just want to watch the game, the best option I have by far is in the comfort of my home. Kinnick is about an experience. That could stand some improvement, and more comfortable seating is #1 on my list.

 

[Hawkchaser]

Ticket prices have gone up in the last 10 years, the concessions are vastly over priced, and the restrooms are way to small. Those things don't help draw people in, along with poor records the last 3-4 years. This last year will help with attendance this year.

I personally think hand railings need to be put in for safety reasons. Taking out one seat a row is a great Idea also. Filling in the corners with luxury suites is an option to add another 10,000 seats more or less, and make up for the other lost seats.

 

[tronx95]

Crammed together on metal benches surrounded by very large individuals spilling over their allotted "seat" has lost it's luster in the era of large screen HDTV.
If I just want to watch the game, the best option I have by far is in the comfort of my home. Kinnick is about an experience. That could stand some improvement, and more comfortable seating is #1 on my list.

One of the biggest issues with the benches is that people buy seats in one section and then think they can cram into another with their friends or family. The added space with the remodel a few years back, but periodically, it seems my row has way too many people. As someone else stated, the best way to fix this is by replacing the benches.

 

[cidhawkeye]

We got tired of the extra people in the row so for our 6 seats we put a seat back on each end.

 

[theIowaHawk]

Ticket prices have gone up in the last 10 years, the concessions are vastly over priced, and the restrooms are way to small. Those things don't help draw people in, along with poor records the last 3-4 years. This last year will help with attendance this year.

I personally think hand railings need to be put in for safety reasons. Taking out one seat a row is a great Idea also. Filling in the corners with luxury suites is an option to add another 10,000 seats more or less, and make up for the other lost seats.

They are filling in the north corners and likely losing seats. Not gaining 10,000.

Also, removing one/row would lower seats by at least 1,580 (20 sections, 79 rows?) not including end zones, which would immediately put below the 70,000 that this thread appears concerned about.

I'm for it, as I think 70,000 as an arbitrary line is meaningless. Not sure how much that one seat would actually accomplish, probably needs to be closer to 5+. Each seat is, what, 12" and there at 28 seats in a sideline row? So approximately 28' of seats, taking away just one would make give everyone less than an extra half-inch.

I'm certainly for increased comfort over capacity.

 

[Herkmeister]

Just me but I like that 70,000 number. To me it is a big deal.

On a side note, I sat next to the University of Nebraska's head of admissions this summer at a wedding in Omaha. He said their consecutive sellout streak is in jeopardy. He also said most people think the stadium expansion was a mistake.

 

[theIowaHawk]

Just me but I like that 70,000 number. To me it is a big deal.

Why?

 

[EZ2BJZ]

I would be happy if they found a way to widen the concourse and make it so you didn't have to work your way through a mosh pit to get to the bathrooms.

 

[Herkmeister]

Cause 70,000 looks bigger than 69,999. It's just me.

 

[theIowaHawk]

Cause 70,000 looks bigger than 69,999. It's just me.

Maybe there in the printed word, but doubtful that anyone in the world apart from Raymond Babbit can tell when the people are actually in the stands.

I'm not calling you out, I'm curious about your actual reasons.

 

[Herkmeister]

Maybe there in the printed word, but doubtful that anyone in the world apart from Raymond Babbit can tell when the people are actually in the stands.

I'm not calling you out, I'm curious about your actual reasons.

I didn't take it as snarky. It's basically marketing. $6.99 vs. $7.00. There is a mental influence. When you sell the school 70,000 has a better sound to it. That's my reason.

 

[unoHawkeye]

My biggest concern in terms of capacity is how loud the fans in the stadium are/can be. Times like the Minnesota game last year where the I. O. W. A chant drowned out the commentators the entire third quarter and in general just the home field advantage are a bigger deal to me than a number representing capacity.

While I don't think that's something that would likely be greatly affected, especially considering the fans' close proximity to the sidelines, it's definitely something to consider.

 

[Herkmeister]

My biggest concern in terms of capacity is how loud the fans in the stadium are/can be. Times like the Minnesota game last year where the I. O. W. A chant drowned out the commentators the entire third quarter and in general just the home field advantage are a bigger deal to me than a number representing capacity.

While I don't think that's something that would likely be greatly affected, especially considering the fans' close proximity to the sidelines, it's definitely something to consider.

I believe acoustically it will be better. I base this on the acoustical enhancement of the big house after Michigan's renovation.

 

[junit3]

Gopher fan here chiming in....

The reason Minnesota had a better ratio of seats used than Iowa in 2015 had a few reasons.
1-our capacity last year was about 52k compared to 70k.
2- our 2014 season saw us contend for the Big10 West, Beat Iowa 51-14, play in the Citrus Bowl, and our head coach won the Big10 coach of the year.
3- Our 2015 home schedule included TCU, Wisconsin, Nebraska, & Michigan

How you play the year prior is a big indication on ticket sales for the next year. 2016, Iowa will be much better after their great year in 2015, MN will go down, as we went 6-7, won no big games, and lost our head coach. Even bigger, was the UofM just bent us over with the increase of seat donations.

College football attendance would be great if it didn't have all the greed. The seat donation requirements across the country now compared to 20 years ago is CRAZY! The almighty dollar wins, and the casual fan gets pushed way in the corner of the upper level or out the door. I think most every school will gladly take more money in their athletic department pockets with the forced donations rather than care about selling out, creating a fun atmosphere or a home field advantage.

BTW, I always enjoy my trips to Iowa City, and 95%+ of your fans are great to me. A much lower number can be said about Wisconsin.

 

[scotthawk1964]

Should the seating capacity of Kinnick be reduced? NO. Why, because were all men and size matters damn it. LOL

 

[HawkeyeMcNutt]

I think sales were weak last year because of fans dissatisfaction with Ferentz. I don't think we will see that this year as the fans, for now are satisfied.

Not to mention the "marquee" game of the year was Minnesota.

This year's home schedule is so much better.

 

[HawkeyeMcNutt]

If they downsize, let's hope they go to 69,069.

 

[Madman_1]

Gopher fan here chiming in....

The reason Minnesota had a better ratio of seats used than Iowa in 2015 had a few reasons.
1-our capacity last year was about 52k compared to 70k.
2- our 2014 season saw us contend for the Big10 West, Beat Iowa 51-14, play in the Citrus Bowl, and our head coach won the Big10 coach of the year.
3- Our 2015 home schedule included TCU, Wisconsin, Nebraska, & Michigan

How you play the year prior is a big indication on ticket sales for the next year. 2016, Iowa will be much better after their great year in 2015, MN will go down, as we went 6-7, won no big games, and lost our head coach. Even bigger, was the UofM just bent us over with the increase of seat donations.

College football attendance would be great if it didn't have all the greed. The seat donation requirements across the country now compared to 20 years ago is CRAZY! The almighty dollar wins, and the casual fan gets pushed way in the corner of the upper level or out the door. I think most every school will gladly take more money in their athletic department pockets with the forced donations rather than care about selling out, creating a fun atmosphere or a home field advantage.

BTW, I always enjoy my trips to Iowa City, and 95%+ of your fans are great to me. A much lower number can be said about Wisconsin.

Yeah, your item #3, the quality of the opponents, does play into it.

Just out of curiosity, does Minnesota's stadium have bench or individual seating?

 

[2bagger22]

Yeah, your item #3, the quality of the opponents, does play into it.

Just out of curiosity, does Minnesota's stadium have bench or individual seating?

MN has both bench and fold up searing.

 

[HawkeyeMcNutt]

Yeah, your item #3, the quality of the opponents, does play into it.

Just out of curiosity, does Minnesota's stadium have bench or individual seating?

Bench outside the goal lines, seats in between them.