BleedGopher
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per Shama:
Long ago Golden Gophers football dominated this sports marketplace. Even spring football practice was a big deal with 15,000 or more fans turning out for the annual game between the varsity and alumni. In the fall radios were tuned to Gopher games in duck blinds, backyards and homes across the state as Minnesotans celebrated and agonized over nearly every play.
What was Gophers football like in the 1950s? Think about how the Vikings dominate the public’s interest today and the comparison will provide an answer. Back before professional sports arrived in the state and the Gophers were riding the highs of national titles in the 1940s and 1930s, the state’s sports fans were captivated by Minnesota’s Big Ten team.
The lofty interest in Gophers football has been gone for a long time—changed by a steep decline in team performance from the days of national prominence, and the competition from the Vikings and other sports franchises in this state. Blips of public passion have surfaced in the past, with none more dramatic and productive than coach Lou Holtz’s magic show for two years in the 1980’s when he got fans so excited the season tickets total reached 56,000 in 1987.
In late 1986 Lou marched off to his dream job in South Bend, Indiana whistling the Notre Dame Fight Song and the more naïve Gophers followers believed the program had turned around. It hadn’t and by the 1990’s the team was playing in front of rows and rows of blue seats in the Metrodome.
In the early 2000’s the dome rocked at times under coach Glen Mason but the majority of fans never seemed all-in on a regime that teased sustained success but didn’t deliver. Out went Mason after the 2006 season and in came Tim Brewster who had never been a head coach or coordinator. He wasn’t “The Guy” to lead the Gophers out of their chronic apathy but Jerry Kill was.
The folksy Kill could not only coach football but the public found him authentic, labeling him “one of us.” Like most U football coaches, Kill had to rehab the program for awhile but by the spring of 2015 the team was trending upward and fans were buying tickets. In the opening game of the season against No. 2 ranked TCU Minnesota drew a TCF Bank Stadium record crowd of 54,147.
The season before Kill’s team had earned the program’s first winning record in the Big Ten in 11 years and first New Year’s Day bowl game since 1962. Yes, 2015 expectations were high but then the bubble burst in mid-season with Kill resigning for health issues.
The public took a wait-and-see attitude toward Tracy Claeys, Kill’s successor. That approach continues with P.J. Fleck who’s gushing enthusiasm and Row the Boat mantra has sailed with some fans but not others. Name the tickets category (season, single game, group or student); getting people in the Bank has been a big challenge.
This year the ticket buying menu is more diversified than ever with lots of options and some low pricing. There’s been no storming of the ticket booths, however, and that’s not unexpected after decades of minimal on the field results and recent seasons when the Gophers are a combined 5-13 in conference games.
But this year could see a change in public interest, and in wins and losses. The Gophers open practice this week with justified confidence in becoming a contender for the Big Ten West Division, and waking up the local masses to the pleasures of big time college football.
http://shamasportsheadliners.com/
Go Gophers!!
Long ago Golden Gophers football dominated this sports marketplace. Even spring football practice was a big deal with 15,000 or more fans turning out for the annual game between the varsity and alumni. In the fall radios were tuned to Gopher games in duck blinds, backyards and homes across the state as Minnesotans celebrated and agonized over nearly every play.
What was Gophers football like in the 1950s? Think about how the Vikings dominate the public’s interest today and the comparison will provide an answer. Back before professional sports arrived in the state and the Gophers were riding the highs of national titles in the 1940s and 1930s, the state’s sports fans were captivated by Minnesota’s Big Ten team.
The lofty interest in Gophers football has been gone for a long time—changed by a steep decline in team performance from the days of national prominence, and the competition from the Vikings and other sports franchises in this state. Blips of public passion have surfaced in the past, with none more dramatic and productive than coach Lou Holtz’s magic show for two years in the 1980’s when he got fans so excited the season tickets total reached 56,000 in 1987.
In late 1986 Lou marched off to his dream job in South Bend, Indiana whistling the Notre Dame Fight Song and the more naïve Gophers followers believed the program had turned around. It hadn’t and by the 1990’s the team was playing in front of rows and rows of blue seats in the Metrodome.
In the early 2000’s the dome rocked at times under coach Glen Mason but the majority of fans never seemed all-in on a regime that teased sustained success but didn’t deliver. Out went Mason after the 2006 season and in came Tim Brewster who had never been a head coach or coordinator. He wasn’t “The Guy” to lead the Gophers out of their chronic apathy but Jerry Kill was.
The folksy Kill could not only coach football but the public found him authentic, labeling him “one of us.” Like most U football coaches, Kill had to rehab the program for awhile but by the spring of 2015 the team was trending upward and fans were buying tickets. In the opening game of the season against No. 2 ranked TCU Minnesota drew a TCF Bank Stadium record crowd of 54,147.
The season before Kill’s team had earned the program’s first winning record in the Big Ten in 11 years and first New Year’s Day bowl game since 1962. Yes, 2015 expectations were high but then the bubble burst in mid-season with Kill resigning for health issues.
The public took a wait-and-see attitude toward Tracy Claeys, Kill’s successor. That approach continues with P.J. Fleck who’s gushing enthusiasm and Row the Boat mantra has sailed with some fans but not others. Name the tickets category (season, single game, group or student); getting people in the Bank has been a big challenge.
This year the ticket buying menu is more diversified than ever with lots of options and some low pricing. There’s been no storming of the ticket booths, however, and that’s not unexpected after decades of minimal on the field results and recent seasons when the Gophers are a combined 5-13 in conference games.
But this year could see a change in public interest, and in wins and losses. The Gophers open practice this week with justified confidence in becoming a contender for the Big Ten West Division, and waking up the local masses to the pleasures of big time college football.
http://shamasportsheadliners.com/
Go Gophers!!
