McCoy hints at improving Game Day experience at Martin...

[M-I-Coug]

Washington State AD hints at improving experience at Martin Stadium | The Seattle Times​

Greg WoodsApril 30, 2025
The Spokesman-Review

PULLMAN — As Washington State prepares for a football season unlike any other in program history, a quasi-independent schedule before the rebuilt Pac-12 launches next year, program brass are exploring ways to improve fans’ game-day experience at Martin Stadium.

That’s the word from WSU athletic director Anne McCoy, who said in a Zoom news conference Tuesday afternoon that she and other athletics officials are working to act on “great feedback” they’ve received since the end of last season.

“I think it’s gonna be wide-reaching, I really do,” McCoy said of the upgrades, “because we need to make it easier and enjoyable for people to come to the games.”

Perhaps the most interesting development McCoy hinted at involved lodging, which has long been a snag in Pullman, a small town with only so many hotels for fans to stay during football game weekends.

Because the town’s hotels can rake in serious revenue off the six or seven home games per year, they often drive up prices for those weekends, which in turn repels some would-be patrons, decreasing the amount of tickets sold at football games.

McCoy said any announcements on game day experiences would have to wait until “the next couple weeks,” but she offered a clue to what WSU is doing for lodging improvements.

“We’re trying to be as creative as we can,” McCoy said. “One thing I will say is that while we may have a finite number of hotels, we do have a fair amount of land. So that’s as much as a hint as I’ll give you.”

Because of Pullman’s limited lodging options, fans from the surrounding areas often choose to stay in nearby Moscow, Lewiston or even Spokane, a 90-minute trek.

Especially as the Cougars’ home opponents become less recognizable than traditional Pac-12 opponents such as Oregon or Arizona, the program’s attendance numbers have suffered, averaging only 22,413 fans per game last season. The stadium’s capacity is nearly 33,000.

In 2023, the team’s final year playing a regular Pac-12 schedule, WSU drew an average attendance of 28,023. In 2022, the number was 26,185.

In 2024, three of the Cougars’ six home games kicked off at 7 p.m. or later. In 2025, that figure will also be three, as detailed in WSU and Oregon State’s media rights agreement, which was announced Tuesday morning.

That split between afternoon and evening kickoffs, McCoy said, gives the program a versatile slate that offers fans more options.

“We do have folks that like the evening kickoffs, relative to maybe traveling and being able to come in day of,” McCoy said, “or coming in the night before and leaving after the game, depending on what the kickoff time is. So I think it provides us a really good opportunity to provide a little something for everyone.”

As WSU gears up to welcome new members to the new-look Pac-12 — which will include Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State and nonfootball member Gonzaga, with one more football member needed before launch in 2026 — some in the organization have noticed ways to borrow from other institutions’ game day experiences.

That includes LED lights, like those at Boise State’s Albertsons Stadium, where WSU traveled for a road loss last fall. In an April 3 letter posted online, McCoy said, in part, “We are navigating the challenge of upgrading in-game elements such as the videoboard, sound system and lights, and project the costs to exceed $12 million.”

It’s unclear if those improvements would be in place for WSU’s 2025 season, which begins Aug. 30 with a home game against nearby Idaho.

The football program is also planning to improve its concessions service, run by the vendor Aramark, which took over Martin Stadium’s concessions in 2024. With one season of working with Aramark under the department’s belt, McCoy said, officials feel better about ways to upgrade it.

“Aramark would be the first one to admit that, as would we, that there were some bumps in the road on that,” McCoy said. “I think making it an easy, seamless, enjoyable experience should be kind of a baseline expectation, and that’s something we need to do a better job of.”

WSU hasn’t allowed beer sales during football games, another longtime complaint of fans, but the Cougars opened a beer garden in the west end zone during their April 12 spring showcase.

For home football games, WSU’s only beer options are outside the regular stadium, including Martin Stadium’s club and suite levels, pregame and halftime stations at the neighboring Rogers Practice Field and during pregame events at nearby Hollingbery Fieldhouse.

Greg Woods: Washington State beat writer for The Spokesman-Review

 

[Coug90]

Washington State AD hints at improving experience at Martin Stadium | The Seattle Times​

Greg WoodsApril 30, 2025
The Spokesman-Review

PULLMAN — As Washington State prepares for a football season unlike any other in program history, a quasi-independent schedule before the rebuilt Pac-12 launches next year, program brass are exploring ways to improve fans’ game-day experience at Martin Stadium.

That’s the word from WSU athletic director Anne McCoy, who said in a Zoom news conference Tuesday afternoon that she and other athletics officials are working to act on “great feedback” they’ve received since the end of last season.

“I think it’s gonna be wide-reaching, I really do,” McCoy said of the upgrades, “because we need to make it easier and enjoyable for people to come to the games.”

Perhaps the most interesting development McCoy hinted at involved lodging, which has long been a snag in Pullman, a small town with only so many hotels for fans to stay during football game weekends.

Because the town’s hotels can rake in serious revenue off the six or seven home games per year, they often drive up prices for those weekends, which in turn repels some would-be patrons, decreasing the amount of tickets sold at football games.

McCoy said any announcements on game day experiences would have to wait until “the next couple weeks,” but she offered a clue to what WSU is doing for lodging improvements.

“We’re trying to be as creative as we can,” McCoy said. “One thing I will say is that while we may have a finite number of hotels, we do have a fair amount of land. So that’s as much as a hint as I’ll give you.”

Because of Pullman’s limited lodging options, fans from the surrounding areas often choose to stay in nearby Moscow, Lewiston or even Spokane, a 90-minute trek.

Especially as the Cougars’ home opponents become less recognizable than traditional Pac-12 opponents such as Oregon or Arizona, the program’s attendance numbers have suffered, averaging only 22,413 fans per game last season. The stadium’s capacity is nearly 33,000.

In 2023, the team’s final year playing a regular Pac-12 schedule, WSU drew an average attendance of 28,023. In 2022, the number was 26,185.

In 2024, three of the Cougars’ six home games kicked off at 7 p.m. or later. In 2025, that figure will also be three, as detailed in WSU and Oregon State’s media rights agreement, which was announced Tuesday morning.

That split between afternoon and evening kickoffs, McCoy said, gives the program a versatile slate that offers fans more options.

“We do have folks that like the evening kickoffs, relative to maybe traveling and being able to come in day of,” McCoy said, “or coming in the night before and leaving after the game, depending on what the kickoff time is. So I think it provides us a really good opportunity to provide a little something for everyone.”

As WSU gears up to welcome new members to the new-look Pac-12 — which will include Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State and nonfootball member Gonzaga, with one more football member needed before launch in 2026 — some in the organization have noticed ways to borrow from other institutions’ game day experiences.

That includes LED lights, like those at Boise State’s Albertsons Stadium, where WSU traveled for a road loss last fall. In an April 3 letter posted online, McCoy said, in part, “We are navigating the challenge of upgrading in-game elements such as the videoboard, sound system and lights, and project the costs to exceed $12 million.”

It’s unclear if those improvements would be in place for WSU’s 2025 season, which begins Aug. 30 with a home game against nearby Idaho.

The football program is also planning to improve its concessions service, run by the vendor Aramark, which took over Martin Stadium’s concessions in 2024. With one season of working with Aramark under the department’s belt, McCoy said, officials feel better about ways to upgrade it.

“Aramark would be the first one to admit that, as would we, that there were some bumps in the road on that,” McCoy said. “I think making it an easy, seamless, enjoyable experience should be kind of a baseline expectation, and that’s something we need to do a better job of.”

WSU hasn’t allowed beer sales during football games, another longtime complaint of fans, but the Cougars opened a beer garden in the west end zone during their April 12 spring showcase.

For home football games, WSU’s only beer options are outside the regular stadium, including Martin Stadium’s club and suite levels, pregame and halftime stations at the neighboring Rogers Practice Field and during pregame events at nearby Hollingbery Fieldhouse.

Greg Woods: Washington State beat writer for The Spokesman-Review

They’re gonna need to get real creative to keep casual fans interested. Hope there’s substance behind the chatter.

 

[M-I-Coug]

They’re gonna need to get real creative to keep casual fans interested. Hope there’s substance behind the chatter.

We've had so many guys on this board chime in, from the obnoxious PA system, to the music played. Do we really need to be entertained by their choice of PA music?

Let's let this rip, and send her feedback, (although, she probably has heard from most, I would think).

Does a Bob Rob Bronze statue outside Martin count as a Game Day experience?

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

The best game day experience is winning the football game.

Focus on that.

Worry about that.

 

[UberCougars]

A conglomerate who has specialized in stadium hospitality for 57 years was “surprised” with the challenges at Martin Stadium?

?

??

????

I expect the “big change” to be a printed Cougar logo on the hot dog wrappers.

Or, something less dramatic.

 

[95coug]

Hasn't every AD teased us with this? I remember Moos going on a field trip to various stadiums around the country, and when he came back...I think they added a BBQ tent on the practice field.

“One thing I will say is that while we may have a finite number of hotels, we do have a fair amount of land. So that’s as much as a hint as I’ll give you.” This seems to be hinting at opening up RV lots...which is going to be a logistical and risk management issue for the university, and I have zero confidence this will happen at any meaningful scale before 2026. And, it only benefits those who have RVs...who are probably already using them at lots that cost less than what the university will provide.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

One word: Glamping.

 

[dgibbons]

The best game day experience is winning the football game.

Focus on that.

Worry about that.

I agree to focus on winning. But, even with WSU undefeated or at one loss, attendance was poor last year. Quality of the opponent (and Apple Cup even when uw sucks ass) drives actual butts in seats as far as I can tell.

The quality of the game day experience did decline last year. Sounds like camping is the on the menu, which doesn't sound like fun to me, but maybe it is for some folks. And I don't have an RV. Honestly, some basic maintenance like painting the row numbers and making sure there are numbers on all the seats is long overdue, and it would improve my game day experience to not have to direct people to their seats. Or even better is when I get to tell the lady (it's always a woman) no I am not sitting in her seat, and no I'm not moving. I am sitting in the same seat I've been sitting in since 2003, and if you would like some help finding your seat talk to the security people.

 

[dgibbons]

One word: Glamping.

Doesn't sound all that glamourous though.

 

[95coug]

One word: Glamping.

Or does she think they can set up a “family tent camp” somewhere? Because that will make some peoples’ heads explode.

 

[UberCougars]

Welcome to Tent City!

 

[Coug90]

We've had so many guys on this board chime in, from the obnoxious PA system, to the music played. Do we really need to be entertained by their choice of PA music?

Let's let this rip, and send her feedback, (although, she probably has heard from most, I would think).

Does a Bob Rob Bronze statue outside Martin count as a Game Day experience?

Do I…no. But I’m not the casual fan. I go to every game I can no matter what. They don’t need frills and gimmicks for me. I also stay in my seat rather than missing the entire 3rd quarter to pound a couple of beers, so even the alcohol sales thing won’t change my behavior, other than buying a couple of beers in the stadium.

I do know casual fans who “say” they won’t go because they can’t drink in the stadium, etc. how many are there? Who knows but these are simple fixes that don’t require a lot of creativity to find out. Just get it done it’s not rocket science.

 

[PeteTheChop]

What about letting fans stay in unfilled dormitory rooms (if there are any available that particular weekend)?

Sell them an expanded package with meal tickets for the dining hall for another hundred bucks or so.

 

[Coug90]

What about letting fans stay in unfilled dormitory rooms (if there are any available that particular weekend)?

Sell them an expanded package with meal tickets for the dining hall for another hundred bucks or so.

I might not ever leave

 

[M-I-Coug]

Do I…no. But I’m not the casual fan. I go to every game I can no matter what. They don’t need frills and gimmicks for me. I also stay in my seat rather than missing the entire 3rd quarter to pound a couple of beers, so even the alcohol sales thing won’t change my behavior, other than buying a couple of beers in the stadium.

I do know casual fans who “say” they won’t go because they can’t drink in the stadium, etc. how many are there? Who knows but these are simple fixes that don’t require a lot of creativity to find out. Just get it done it’s not rocket science.

Do they teach "Rocket Science" at Washington State University?

Yes, Washington State University (WSU) does offer opportunities related to rocket science and aerospace engineering. While WSU doesn't have a dedicated "rocket science" program, it has several avenues for students to engage with these fields, including engineering clubs, research opportunities, and participation in national competitions.

Here's a more detailed look:

1. Engineering Clubs and Projects:

• WSU Everett Rocket Team:
  .
  This team, part of the WSU Everett Engineering Club, designs, builds, and launches rockets. They have participated in national competitions like the Spaceport America Cup.
  
  
• Palouse Aerospace Club:
  .
  This club on the Pullman campus focuses on aerospace-related projects, including rocket development and participation in the Spaceport America Cup.
  

2. Research and Development:

• Aerospace Research:
  Researchers at WSU, including in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, are involved in developing new rocket fuels and related instrumentation.
• Collaboration with Industry:
  WSU collaborates with companies like Aerojet Corporation on research projects related to rocket propulsion and fuels.
  

3. National Competitions:

• Spaceport America Cup:
  .
  WSU teams have participated in this competition, designing, building, and launching rockets.
• Other Competitions:
  .
  The WSU Everett Rocket Team has also participated in other national competitions.
  

4. Curriculum and Courses:

• Engineering Courses: Students can take courses in fields like mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and related disciplines to gain knowledge about rocket science.
  
  
• Hands-on Learning: Students learn practical skills through projects and competitions.
  

In Summary: While WSU may not have a specific "rocket science" program, it offers a variety of avenues for students to learn about and engage with aerospace engineering, including through engineering clubs, research opportunities, and participation in competitions.

 

[cr8zyncalif]

Do they teach "Rocket Science" at Washington State University?

Yes, Washington State University (WSU) does offer opportunities related to rocket science and aerospace engineering. While WSU doesn't have a dedicated "rocket science" program, it has several avenues for students to engage with these fields, including engineering clubs, research opportunities, and participation in national competitions.

Here's a more detailed look:

1. Engineering Clubs and Projects:

• WSU Everett Rocket Team:
  .
  This team, part of the WSU Everett Engineering Club, designs, builds, and launches rockets. They have participated in national competitions like the Spaceport America Cup.
  
  
• Palouse Aerospace Club:
  .
  This club on the Pullman campus focuses on aerospace-related projects, including rocket development and participation in the Spaceport America Cup.

2. Research and Development:

• Aerospace Research:
  Researchers at WSU, including in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, are involved in developing new rocket fuels and related instrumentation.
• Collaboration with Industry:
  WSU collaborates with companies like Aerojet Corporation on research projects related to rocket propulsion and fuels.

3. National Competitions:

• Spaceport America Cup:
  .
  WSU teams have participated in this competition, designing, building, and launching rockets.
• Other Competitions:
  .
  The WSU Everett Rocket Team has also participated in other national competitions.

4. Curriculum and Courses:

• Engineering Courses: Students can take courses in fields like mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and related disciplines to gain knowledge about rocket science.
  
  
• Hands-on Learning: Students learn practical skills through projects and competitions.

In Summary: While WSU may not have a specific "rocket science" program, it offers a variety of avenues for students to learn about and engage with aerospace engineering, including through engineering clubs, research opportunities, and participation in competitions.

Impressive, M-I.

I have to ask; did you get ChatGPT to do this for you?

 

[M-I-Coug]

Impressive, M-I.

I have to ask; did you get ChatGPT to do this for you?

Not Chat, (I use Chat for deeper stuff). Just Googled the question, and the Google AI spit it out.

 

[Observer11]

One word: Glamping.

A buttload of tiny houses wouldn't be a bad thing.

For those not familiar with the technical accounting/finance term "buttload' is more than 5 and less than 1000, give or take.

Just barely above the lower buttload limit

So who wants to go in with O11 on a private/public partnership developing this concept? Since WSU didn't sign the letter, maybe Trump has some development dollars available (yes, that was a blatant troll just to see who take the bait).

 

[PeteTheChop]

A buttload of tiny houses wouldn't be a bad thing

Saw a story on TV the other day where multiple communities were building a "tiny house village" in trees

 

[CougPatrol]

WSU needs to stop effing up the easy stuff. The low cost, low hanging fruit as it relates to the gameday experience. Beer in the stadium is something the fans have been asking for forever. Other programs are doing it now, so make it happen. It's an easy revenue bump and it keeps fans in the stadium during halftime. This isn't "college" football anymore. Stop pretending.

LED lighting and stadium audio/visual content is another no excuses issue for WSU, particularly considering our reputation as a communications program. The stadium environment is important. Half the people attending prefer that kind of stuff as much or more than they do the game itself.

Concessions upgrades. One of things I've never understood is why there aren't 2-3 food trucks parked in central campus outside of the CUB on game days. The GRUB truck in Moscow, ID has a cult following among students. There should be a taco, burger, maybe a Korean BBQ truck as well. Our concessions have to be the worst of any sporting venue I've been to.

I was glad to hear McCoy make the comment that we have a hotel shortage but not a land shortage. Anyone with an RV should be able to store their rig and tailgate in the area for a reasonable rate during the season. I keep mine at Wheatland RV. It's like $500 for the whole season. For the 7:00PM kickoffs, it's not out of the question to offer overnight camping for the September and October games, especially if people could park their vehicles onsite.

 

[PeteTheChop]

Concessions upgrades. One of things I've never understood is why there aren't 2-3 food trucks parked in central campus outside of the CUB on game days. The GRUB truck in Moscow, ID has a cult following among students. There should be a taco, burger, maybe a Korean BBQ truck as well. Our concessions have to be the worst of any sporting venue I've been to.

Could be something where the university's existing agreements with food service companies and concessionaires prohibit anyone else from selling food on campus, including the stadium.

Those folks get pretty territorial once the ink is dry on the contract

 

[Observer11]

Saw a story on TV the other day where multiple communities were building a "tiny house village" in trees

The homeless industrial complex weeps.

Big money in not actually solving problems.

 

[dgibbons]

WSU needs to stop effing up the easy stuff. The low cost, low hanging fruit as it relates to the gameday experience. Beer in the stadium is something the fans have been asking for forever. Other programs are doing it now, so make it happen. It's an easy revenue bump and it keeps fans in the stadium during halftime. This isn't "college" football anymore. Stop pretending.

LED lighting and stadium audio/visual content is another no excuses issue for WSU, particularly considering our reputation as a communications program. The stadium environment is important. Half the people attending prefer that kind of stuff as much or more than they do the game itself.

Concessions upgrades. One of things I've never understood is why there aren't 2-3 food trucks parked in central campus outside of the CUB on game days. The GRUB truck in Moscow, ID has a cult following among students. There should be a taco, burger, maybe a Korean BBQ truck as well. Our concessions have to be the worst of any sporting venue I've been to.

I was glad to hear McCoy make the comment that we have a hotel shortage but not a land shortage. Anyone with an RV should be able to store their rig and tailgate in the area for a reasonable rate during the season. I keep mine at Wheatland RV. It's like $500 for the whole season. For the 7:00PM kickoffs, it's not out of the question to offer overnight camping for the September and October games, especially if people could park their vehicles onsite.

I suspect that the admin is trying to "protect" the food vendors in the Fieldhouse. Also, the Lumberyard is basically a food court, and pretty decent place.

 

[Coug90]

WSU needs to stop effing up the easy stuff. The low cost, low hanging fruit as it relates to the gameday experience. Beer in the stadium is something the fans have been asking for forever. Other programs are doing it now, so make it happen. It's an easy revenue bump and it keeps fans in the stadium during halftime. This isn't "college" football anymore. Stop pretending.

LED lighting and stadium audio/visual content is another no excuses issue for WSU, particularly considering our reputation as a communications program. The stadium environment is important. Half the people attending prefer that kind of stuff as much or more than they do the game itself.

Concessions upgrades. One of things I've never understood is why there aren't 2-3 food trucks parked in central campus outside of the CUB on game days. The GRUB truck in Moscow, ID has a cult following among students. There should be a taco, burger, maybe a Korean BBQ truck as well. Our concessions have to be the worst of any sporting venue I've been to.

I was glad to hear McCoy make the comment that we have a hotel shortage but not a land shortage. Anyone with an RV should be able to store their rig and tailgate in the area for a reasonable rate during the season. I keep mine at Wheatland RV. It's like $500 for the whole season. For the 7:00PM kickoffs, it's not out of the question to offer overnight camping for the September and October games, especially if people could park their vehicles onsite.

Yup used the advantages you have (land) to make it easier and more cost effective for people to support the program. Instead it’s been taking advantage of people because of a supply issue. A massive shift in thinking is needed right now or we will see more and more empty seats with enthusiasm waning from no longer being P4.

The alcohol in the stadium issue is so mind numbingly stupid I can’t even wrap my head around it. It’s been known for years the crowd empties out at half to go get beer next door. And many are paying $8 for a can at Cougville so it’s not like they can’t charge premium rates for it in the stadium. You can make your money AND keep people in their seats so the team doesn’t come out flat every F’n 3rd quarter.

 

[425cougfan]

Great stuff. We'll see about the lodging thing using open space. So what else is there to look forward to in order to improve the game day experience? Getting some killer concessions in there?

“Aramark would be the first one to admit that, as would we, that there were some bumps in the road on that,” McCoy said. “I think making it an easy, seamless, enjoyable experience should be kind of a baseline expectation, and that’s something we need to do a better job of.”

Wow, so maybe after a year of the foreseeable failure for a concessions vendor to even hit that minimal standard, they're going to try to make the existing shitty concessions a bit easier and more seamless to procure. I want to get in my car right now for the 5-hour drive, knowing that my mediocre hot dog on a stale bun is going to have a better ordering experience. Maybe.

How about the video board, lighting, and sound? Ramping that up might improve the game day experience for those spending hundreds of dollars and driving several hours to attend. So when can we expect that to get addressed?

“We are navigating the challenge of upgrading in-game elements such as the videoboard, sound system and lights, and project the costs to exceed $12 million.”

They are "navigating the challenges" of this, including the video board having had missing pixels for, what, 5 or more years now? So in other words, nothing will happen here. There's no money.

I won't even get into how stupid their handling of the alcohol issue is. I get it's likely not easy with the state, but come on. This is insane.

Look, at some level I get it on some of this. This is what being broke is like. I was talking 15 or so years ago about how shitty it would be if WSU ever lost its P5 status when we'd get some weirdoes saying things like we should just go to the Mountain West, where we could "dominate" (stupid, but that's another discussion). But yeah, this sucks and was foreseeable. Attendance should get even worse this year just based on the shitty schedule and the continued decrease in interest. I am glad they at least are exploring glamping, tiny homes, RV lots, or whatever to address the lodging situation. We'll see what happens but depending on what it is, it might actually be impactful. The lack of lodging has been a massive issue for years, and they should have addressed it ages ago, especially before AirBNB became a thing.

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

Look, at some level I get it on some of this. This is what being broke is like. I was talking 15 or so years ago about how shitty it would be if WSU ever lost its P5 status when we'd get some weirdoes saying things like we should just go to the Mountain West, where we could "dominate" (stupid, but that's another discussion). But yeah, this sucks and was foreseeable. Attendance should get even worse this year just based on the shitty schedule and the continued decrease in interest. I am glad they at least are exploring glamping, tiny homes, RV lots, or whatever to address the lodging situation. We'll see what happens but depending on what it is, it might actually be impactful. The lack of lodging has been a massive issue for years, and they should have addressed it ages ago, especially before AirBNB became a thing.

Here's the thing for me:

I've been steeling myself for being a G5 school and playing "shitty" competition, and as such switching my mindset to accept that which I can't change.

What I'm not prepared for is being the doormat to this new league, which IS coming. Idgaf how good new coach is or what his program is, he's run off any/ all P4 talent we had remaining on the roster and brought his D2 sideshow to town. I have zero faith that a D2 program can compete and win in a G5 conference consistently. All of the advantages that he had "moving up" to a former P4/current G5 school are gone - the money is gone, the players are gone, the resources are not being maintained.

I'd love to be proven wrong, but we've already been to this puppet show and we've seen the strings and it doesn't work.

 

[dgibbons]

Great stuff. We'll see about the lodging thing using open space. So what else is there to look forward to in order to improve the game day experience? Getting some killer concessions in there?

“Aramark would be the first one to admit that, as would we, that there were some bumps in the road on that,” McCoy said. “I think making it an easy, seamless, enjoyable experience should be kind of a baseline expectation, and that’s something we need to do a better job of.”

Wow, so maybe after a year of the foreseeable failure for a concessions vendor to even hit that minimal standard, they're going to try to make the existing shitty concessions a bit easier and more seamless to procure. I want to get in my car right now for the 5-hour drive, knowing that my mediocre hot dog on a stale bun is going to have a better ordering experience. Maybe.

How about the video board, lighting, and sound? Ramping that up might improve the game day experience for those spending hundreds of dollars and driving several hours to attend. So when can we expect that to get addressed?

“We are navigating the challenge of upgrading in-game elements such as the videoboard, sound system and lights, and project the costs to exceed $12 million.”

They are "navigating the challenges" of this, including the video board having had missing pixels for, what, 5 or more years now? So in other words, nothing will happen here. There's no money.

I won't even get into how stupid their handling of the alcohol issue is. I get it's likely not easy with the state, but come on. This is insane.

Look, at some level I get it on some of this. This is what being broke is like. I was talking 15 or so years ago about how shitty it would be if WSU ever lost its P5 status when we'd get some weirdoes saying things like we should just go to the Mountain West, where we could "dominate" (stupid, but that's another discussion). But yeah, this sucks and was foreseeable. Attendance should get even worse this year just based on the shitty schedule and the continued decrease in interest. I am glad they at least are exploring glamping, tiny homes, RV lots, or whatever to address the lodging situation. We'll see what happens but depending on what it is, it might actually be impactful. The lack of lodging has been a massive issue for years, and they should have addressed it ages ago, especially before AirBNB became a thing.

This is why we need to set the bar lower. As in getting some spray paint and stencils to re-mark the row numbers and new stickers for the seat numbers. We might be able to get that done, and then BUILD ON THAT MOMENTUM!!!!

 

[Loyal Coug1]

Great stuff. We'll see about the lodging thing using open space. So what else is there to look forward to in order to improve the game day experience? Getting some killer concessions in there?

“Aramark would be the first one to admit that, as would we, that there were some bumps in the road on that,” McCoy said. “I think making it an easy, seamless, enjoyable experience should be kind of a baseline expectation, and that’s something we need to do a better job of.”

Wow, so maybe after a year of the foreseeable failure for a concessions vendor to even hit that minimal standard, they're going to try to make the existing shitty concessions a bit easier and more seamless to procure. I want to get in my car right now for the 5-hour drive, knowing that my mediocre hot dog on a stale bun is going to have a better ordering experience. Maybe.

How about the video board, lighting, and sound? Ramping that up might improve the game day experience for those spending hundreds of dollars and driving several hours to attend. So when can we expect that to get addressed?

“We are navigating the challenge of upgrading in-game elements such as the videoboard, sound system and lights, and project the costs to exceed $12 million.”

They are "navigating the challenges" of this, including the video board having had missing pixels for, what, 5 or more years now? So in other words, nothing will happen here. There's no money.

I won't even get into how stupid their handling of the alcohol issue is. I get it's likely not easy with the state, but come on. This is insane.

Look, at some level I get it on some of this. This is what being broke is like. I was talking 15 or so years ago about how shitty it would be if WSU ever lost its P5 status when we'd get some weirdoes saying things like we should just go to the Mountain West, where we could "dominate" (stupid, but that's another discussion). But yeah, this sucks and was foreseeable. Attendance should get even worse this year just based on the shitty schedule and the continued decrease in interest. I am glad they at least are exploring glamping, tiny homes, RV lots, or whatever to address the lodging situation. We'll see what happens but depending on what it is, it might actually be impactful. The lack of lodging has been a massive issue for years, and they should have addressed it ages ago, especially before AirBNB became a thing.

A few thoughts.
First, I recall, back when Martin Stadium held 38-40,000, we packed the stands on occasion. USC 1989. Over 38,000 in the stands. I was one of them. Couple of Oregon games, including Gameday. Packed.
Second, on that note, WSU built that hotel out past the Rec Center years ago. There are more rooms available now (albeit expensive ones), than there were back then. So what gives?
Third, on camping/glamping - who wants to sleep in a tent on a FB weekend? The RV parking has expanded way past the Beasley lot in recent years. There is a farmer out towards Palouse that has a bunch of RV "spots" on his property. I assume that is still going on.
Fourth, how about these ideas? With Pullman enrollment way down, there must be a bunch of vacant apartments on/near campus. Partner with the landlords/owners to rent them out on FB weekends. Seek and publicize willing "B&B"
residents who are fans and have an extra room to rent out. Put up a webpage advertising them and the vacant apartments. Any dorm rooms available? Didn't they close a dorm or 2 recently (Stimson?)? Utilize them. And whatever happened to the "hotel" rooms that used to be in the CUB? Tiny homes are a dumb idea. More new hotels are a non-starter. 6 game weekends, Mom's weekend and graduation aren't going to bring a profit over 12 months. What about the suites? Can they be modified to allow for overnight use? Hide a bed couches?
Finally, beer in the stadium? Long overdue. Do they still have the practice field tents? How about the FOB? Can meeting rooms/whatever that overlook the field be gameday lounges?

Lots of ideas, maybe some of mine are dumb or unfeasible, but hey think, to use the weathered term, "out of the box".

I guess I need to get off my own ass and put my truck camper on and get to a game or two this fall so I can see for myself what gameday looks like. I do miss it.

 

[BleedCrimsonandGray]

This is why we need to set the bar lower. As in getting some spray paint and stencils to re-mark the row numbers and new stickers for the seat numbers. We might be able to get that done, and then BUILD ON THAT MOMENTUM!!!!

Why stop there?

Crowd fund it and have volunteers do all the work. You could let loose a bunch of toddlers with sharpies to do the job.

 

[Loyal Coug1]

Why stop there?

Crowd fund it and have volunteers do all the work. You could let loose a bunch of toddlers with sharpies to do the job.

Hell work it into the player NIL deals. A bunch of FB/BB players could make short work of that project.

 

[dgibbons]

Why stop there?

Crowd fund it and have volunteers do all the work. You could let loose a bunch of toddlers with sharpies to do the job.

Or Loyal and Mik after a few Coors Lights.

 

[dgibbons]

A few thoughts.
First, I recall, back when Martin Stadium held 38-40,000, we packed the stands on occasion. USC 1989. Over 38,000 in the stands. I was one of them. Couple of Oregon games, including Gameday. Packed.
Second, on that note, WSU built that hotel out past the Rec Center years ago. There are more rooms available now (albeit expensive ones), than there were back then. So what gives?
Third, on camping/glamping - who wants to sleep in a tent on a FB weekend? The RV parking has expanded way past the Beasley lot in recent years. There is a farmer out towards Palouse that has a bunch of RV "spots" on his property. I assume that is still going on.
Fourth, how about these ideas? With Pullman enrollment way down, there must be a bunch of vacant apartments on/near campus. Partner with the landlords/owners to rent them out on FB weekends. Seek and publicize willing "B&B"
residents who are fans and have an extra room to rent out. Put up a webpage advertising them and the vacant apartments. Any dorm rooms available? Didn't they close a dorm or 2 recently (Stimson?)? Utilize them. And whatever happened to the "hotel" rooms that used to be in the CUB? Tiny homes are a dumb idea. More new hotels are a non-starter. 6 game weekends, Mom's weekend and graduation aren't going to bring a profit over 12 months. What about the suites? Can they be modified to allow for overnight use? Hide a bed couches?
Finally, beer in the stadium? Long overdue. Do they still have the practice field tents? How about the FOB? Can meeting rooms/whatever that overlook the field be gameday lounges?

Lots of ideas, maybe some of mine are dumb or unfeasible, but hey think, to use the weathered term, "out of the box".

I guess I need to get off my own ass and put my truck camper on and get to a game or two this fall so I can see for myself what gameday looks like. I do miss it.

My assumption is there is some sort of regulatory problem at Martin. Like they can't fit in a minimum sized beer garden under LCB regulations with access to the men's and women's bathrooms. Alcohol is available in the Fieldhouse, Suites and Cougville.

 

[Suudy]

My assumption is there is some sort of regulatory problem at Martin. Like they can't fit in a minimum sized beer garden under LCB regulations with access to the men's and women's bathrooms. Alcohol is available in the Fieldhouse, Suites and Cougville.

I seem to recall several years ago (during the Leach era) WSU was very close to reaching an agreement with the WALCB on permitting alcohol in the stadium. But then the plug got pulled due to some bureaucratic red tape. I can't remember the details.

A quick search found something from 2016:

HCA: Win or Lose, no expanded booze

LCB postpones decision.

www.cougcenter.com

One interesting tidbit: "As part of the plan WSU wants to ban re-entry into home football games."

Maybe that killed it. Not the LCB, but the upper middle class folk who want to come and go from their RV?

 

[Coug90]

I seem to recall several years ago (during the Leach era) WSU was very close to reaching an agreement with the WALCB on permitting alcohol in the stadium. But then the plug got pulled due to some bureaucratic red tape. I can't remember the details.

A quick search found something from 2016:

View embedded media

HCA: Win or Lose, no expanded booze

LCB postpones decision.

www.cougcenter.com

One interesting tidbit: "As part of the plan WSU wants to ban re-entry into home football games."

Maybe that killed it. Not the LCB, but the upper middle class folk who want to come and go from their RV?

I’m ok with that. If you want to leave, leave. I can count on one hand how many times I have left an event I was at and came back. It’s 4 hours tops, there’s food, drink, and pissers I’m the stadium. Unless you didn’t bring enough clothes, then WTF do you need to leave for? Sit your ass down and cheer for your team until 0:00.

 

[95coug]

Hell work it into the player NIL deals. A bunch of FB/BB players could make short work of that project.

You know as well as I do why that won't work.

WSU employs union painters. If they tried to let student workers or volunteers re-paint the numbers, the painters union would file a grievance because the university is giving away their work.

 

[95coug]

I seem to recall several years ago (during the Leach era) WSU was very close to reaching an agreement with the WALCB on permitting alcohol in the stadium. But then the plug got pulled due to some bureaucratic red tape. I can't remember the details.

A quick search found something from 2016:

View embedded media

HCA: Win or Lose, no expanded booze

LCB postpones decision.

www.cougcenter.com

One interesting tidbit: "As part of the plan WSU wants to ban re-entry into home football games."

Maybe that killed it. Not the LCB, but the upper middle class folk who want to come and go from their RV?

They actually weren't close to an agreement with LCB. WSU and athletics came up with their plan, and were working on implementation. And then, just a few weeks before the season, it turned out that nobody had included LCB, and they weren't on board.

It's the Spokane office of LCB that's the problem, and I really don't understand what the issue is. They apparently want sales and consumption to all be contained, and are sticking to that. But, I can take a beer back to my seat at a Mariners game, or at a baseball game in Tri-Cities. Pretty sure I could do the same if I went to a Spokane Indians or Chiefs game. I can drink my beer sitting next to a 5-year old, whether it's my kid or not. So I don't know why the same can't happen in Pullman. Because, in reality...it does. It's just hidden a little.