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Questions and Comments We've Received June 12, 2003 I have never been prouder to be a Tulane Alumnus than today. President Cowen's statement that college athletics needs Tulane and schools like it is an inspiration. Athletics should be a part of the college learning experience. Student athletes should be respected as students and athletes. If Tulane can lead the way to achieving this balance of academics and athletics it will be doing a tremendous service to our country and its students. ***** Dear President Cowen and Board, Thank you for making the right decision. I know that you have been under an enormous amount of stress during the last several weeks and undergone a lot of criticism from many fans. I just want you to know that I am thankful for your leadership and support during this difficult period. I take comfort in knowing that Tulane will be a better University as a result of this review, and it is clear that Tulane athletic supporters have been energized. As we all know most Tulane alumni live outside of Louisiana. Therefore, we should continue to build upon the idea of alumni buying season tickets and donating them to local charities. Lack of local alumni will always be a problem for us, therefore I would like to see this program taken to the next level so that we may continue to have sustained support for our teams. We should consider beginning a fund that is solely used for this purpose. Thanks again and Roll Wave ***** Dr Cowan or Whoever is Recepient of This Letter, I am a 1970 Tulane graduate, earning my BSME on a football scholarship, and later returning to earn my Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Tulane. I am a letterman and current member of the T-Club. I live in Kenner and work in LaPlace. I believe I have held 2-3 Football Season tickets, every year since I graduated. This includes the years that 1 free ticket was given to Letterman for 1-2 tickets purchased as well as the years that this perk was not in place. I go to some Baseball games as well, but work and family committments have not allowed me to go as often as I would like. I love Tulane football and am very glad that the university has made a committement to remain Division I in all sports. At the same time, I am not in a financial position to make significant financial contributions. I certainly plan on continuing to purchase football season tickets and go to as many baseball games as I can. My suggestions for improving attendance at Football games are as follows: 1) Have home game times at 6:30 PM or later on Sat Night, to allow people time to "get their chores done". Exceptions to be made for "paid Televised" games, so as to not miss those dollars. I have not missed midday games, due to my dedication, but I know this has caused my family members to not go with me or not be able to get someone else to go with me. 2) Play most if not all home games at Tad Gormely Stadium. With 2 scheduled this year, it looks like "these waters are being tested". I enjoyed the Navy game last year better than the Dome games, due to the better attendance and enthusiam. I would miss the comfort of the dome, particular if there were bad weather, but would still go to game unless it was really stormy weather. 3) Offer "buy 2-3, get 1 free" ticket options for non-lettemen fans, so as to offer some incentive to "gather up more friends or family" to attend with them. Let these people know, that this "discount" might have to phase out after 5 years or so. Continue to offer "cheap" children's tickets. Make "children" definition, 17 and under. 4) As Buddy D. said, schedule several "big name football schools" in SEC, etc, that are known to have good "away support". Maybe play these games in the Dome, since often these fans like to "make it a weekend in downtown New Orleans". 5) Offer LSU, a deal of "2-3 games in B.R. for everyone in New Orleans, providing that idea adds revenue, and LSU AD accepts. For the New Orleans game, play that in the Dome. As I understand the situation with Southern University, we cannot count that attendance, since they are a IA program. 6) Push for inclusion of All Division I football programs in the BCS or move to replace it with a "play off system". If fans like me can help with this effort in some way, like writing to that organization, please let me know. |