Season Tickets ? - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Mar 22, 2005

Season Tickets ?

Date: Mar 22, 2005

We had the same dilemma last year and chose not to purchase football season tickets that we've held for almost 25 years. We were just so bummed out on the university that we didn't want to attend any games.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Former football fan
"We had the same dilemma last year and chose not to purchase football season tickets that we've held for almost 25 years. We were just so bummed out on the university that we didn't want to attend any games. "

I understand. We went to games, but the fun wasn't there for us. We usually left before 4th quarter. I noticed that the games on TV were more enjoyable for me. Maybe being on campus was the bummer.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

Ticket holder:

Sorry, but if I were you, the choice would be rather simple for me. I'm not, nor have been, a season ticket holder. I have, however, gone to a number of games and "followed" the team throughout the seasons. I did have a lot of respect for Bower.....and in some ways still do.....

HOWEVER, Bower and the university athletic folks soured me with what happened to Fleming ....his demise was largely orchestrated by athletic supporters (and I'm sure with the athletic department's blessings)

......AND.....they further solidified my disgust when they were intially silent when the stuff broke wide open with Thames....and, a short while thereafter they were on the steps of the administration building in their "show of support" for Thames. I don't recall hearing ANYONE in athletics voicing support for USM faculty.

It would be impossible for me to go out of my way to support athletics when in fact I don't feel much support from them for anything the faculty have said or done.....

Date: Mar 22, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Ginger Baker
"Ticket holder: Sorry, but if I were you, the choice would be rather simple for me. I'm not, nor have been, a season ticket holder. I have, however, gone to a number of games and "followed" the team throughout the seasons. I did have a lot of respect for Bower.....and in some ways still do..... HOWEVER, Bower and the university athletic folks soured me with what happened to Fleming ....his demise was largely orchestrated by athletic supporters (and I'm sure with the athletic department's blessings) ......AND.....they further solidified my disgust when they were intially silent when the stuff broke wide open with Thames....and, a short while thereafter they were on the steps of the administration building in their "show of support" for Thames. I don't recall hearing ANYONE in athletics voicing support for USM faculty. It would be impossible for me to go out of my way to support athletics when in fact I don't feel much support from them for anything the faculty have said or done..... "

Ginger B.,

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

Ginger! I heard Cream was reuniting for a short tour this year! Will you play any shows in Hattiesburg?

Date: Mar 22, 2005

I feel the same way about my season basketball tickets. I've held them since before Nitchamburg; even during bad seasons I supported the team because it was "my" university. I don't feel that my university loves me anymore, or even cares about me. Accordingly, I don't feel the same devotion or allegiance that I once did.

I also refuse to wear Shelby's eagle logo. I'll be damned if I'll buy (or wear) one of his shirts.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Ginger Baker
"Ticket holder: Sorry, but if I were you, the choice would be rather simple for me. I'm not, nor have been, a season ticket holder. I have, however, gone to a number of games and "followed" the team throughout the seasons. I did have a lot of respect for Bower.....and in some ways still do..... HOWEVER, Bower and the university athletic folks soured me with what happened to Fleming ....his demise was largely orchestrated by athletic supporters (and I'm sure with the athletic department's blessings) ......AND.....they further solidified my disgust when they were intially silent when the stuff broke wide open with Thames....and, a short while thereafter they were on the steps of the administration building in their "show of support" for Thames. I don't recall hearing ANYONE in athletics voicing support for USM faculty. It would be impossible for me to go out of my way to support athletics when in fact I don't feel much support from them for anything the faculty have said or done..... "

I remember this and understand. However, I didn't expect Bower (or any "staff") to go out on the limb for the faculty. I wished it had happened, but I understand the position these people are in. They are hired members of a team and must do as told or leave the team. I really feel sorry for those who can't speak out and stand up for their principles because of the situation they are in. So I can't blame Bower. I do blame the outside supporters for what they did.

Thanks for explaining your position. If I held your position, my wife and I would not have a dilemma.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

Outside Observer:

Nah, ......Eric, Jack and I will not make the scene in the 'Burg......you see, I got these tax problem with Uncle Sam, which is why I moved to South Africa back in '99. I used to live in Parker, Colorado where I played polo on the weekend, then would play jazz for hours!!!!

We're only doing 4 shows on May 2, 3, 5, & 6 at Royal Albert Hall......but, I believe our people are planning DVD's and CD's of the event........Besides, at 65 years of age, the kind of touring we used to do in '66-68 would probably kill me!!!!

Oh, by the way, thanks for remembering Outside Observer......

Peter

Date: Mar 22, 2005

If you search through the threads on this board, you will see some related to the Bower/SFT situation.

Bower is NOT on SFT good side. In fact, the rumor is that SFT wants to get rid of Bower and bring in some big name coach (like he did for men's basketball). I have season football tickets and will continue to. Regarding the SFT pep rally, athletics was FORCED to go to it. Strong evidence that Bower doesn't like SFT either.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

We stopped purchasing season football tickets several years ago after having purchased them for over 25 years. We have no intention of ever purchasing them again. This is our additional way of saying No Quarter to the Evil Force that has taken over USM.

Date: Mar 22, 2005

Like others on this thread, though I have gone to USM games for over 20 years I will no longer buy season tickets. Support for the team seems too much like support for SFT. Also the recent bond issue left me cold. We trumpet the idea of building a bigger (or better) stadium to bring in better quality opponents. Remember, this is a staduim that we already can't fill for the likes of Illinois or California. This year (if memory serves) who do we schedule at home but mighty Mcneese State!!! I will vote for a new staduim when this one is routinely packed out. Being against the bond issue was considered being against USM and that bothered me. Remember this is a university with no budget for library books this year! By the way, someone ask Gianini or Bower whether or not they voted for the bond issue. Neither did -- for both live outside of Hattiesburg. Also it bothers me that Bower routinely calls for all to turn out to football games -- while he only rarely attends basketball games. Watch next year. He will come to a game only when one of his players is getting an award at halftime -- then he will leave when the presentation is done. If we are all to have school spirit -- he ought to as well.

Date: Mar 23, 2005

If you're having trouble making this decision regarding season tickets, just remember that a large portion of the USM student body doesn't regularly attend home games. In fact, I would say that no less than 15-25% of USM students regularly attend Ole Miss or State games because their "significant others" attend those schools. I guess the "Love Connection" is stronger than Shelby's "Southern Miss Instant Traditions."

Date: Mar 23, 2005

Can anyone explain why the EagleTalkers, and many of Shelby's boosters, are so crazy about USM football, yet the stadium is never full?

At Clemson, if there are 7,000 empty seats in Death Valley (total seating capacity 83,000), people start wondering whether IPTAY (the all-powerful fan association) is working to get rid of the head coach.

Robert Campbell

Date: Mar 23, 2005

I too was an avid season ticket holder who two years ago made the decision to no longer purchase season tickets (we had four of them). I love watching the football team play on television and will listen to them on the radio, but to spend another minute on campus watching the plucked peacock try to preen, during tailgaiting and at the game, is something I will not do. And, if I'd ever questioned this decision Giannini sealed the deal on that question when he became overly political with the bond defeat. I didn't like that mayoral candidate throwing his hat into the mud that surrounds the Dome either. I think Bower is an idiot for even wanting to stay and work for that nasty little man. And, I've been a huge fan of Jeff Bower's for the past 12 years.

I know, I know. The responses will be "but Bower has been loyal to USM for years and years and years, he's raised a family here, he's given his life to this place".

Well, so have a lot of us. One life is no more worthy than another's.

Date: Mar 23, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Robert Campbell
"Can anyone explain why the EagleTalkers, and many of Shelby's boosters, are so crazy about USM football, yet the stadium is never full?
At Clemson, if there are 7,000 empty seats in Death Valley (total seating capacity 83,000), people start wondering whether IPTAY (the all-powerful fan association) is working to get rid of the head coach.
Robert Campbell"

The differences between Clemson football and USM football are multi-fold. First, Clemson has real football traditions. Clemson was a national powerhouse for a number of years, and that time period has been in the past 20-25 years. Clemson is not a "suitcase" college, as students live on or very near campus in student housing and do not go home to Mama every night like they were still in high school. Clemson has a real alumni base that supports a wide range of activities and doesn't have to rely on "friends" of the university (people who never went to Clemson or who went to another school but whose support is critical to Clemson's success) to keep the coffers full.

At USM, there is not any real football tradition, so Shelby manufactures them almost daily. He takes non-alumni into the fold, because they are essential to the well-being of his crooked political maneuverings. USM has never been a national powerhouse and, to my knowledge, has never won a real national championship in football. Most of USM's quasi-football tradition is built on Brett Favre's stay in the 'Burg, and the stories about his off-the-field activities nearly overshadow his on-the-field successes. In short, USM football "supporters" gererally fall into one of these categories: students (many of whom attend USM games less frequently than they attend other schools' games as noted above), faculty/staff (some of whom actually attended a school besides USM, so that they follow another team more closely than USM), Hattiesburg residents who attended USM, Hattiesburg residents who did not attend college anywhere (and who do show up for tailgating, but the game is secondary), and Hattiesburg residents who attended college somewhere else (those "friends" of the university who choose to go to Starkville or Oxford to enjoy their football).

Why are Shelby supporters so pro-football? It gives them an outlet that they haven't had since their high school playing days.

Why isn't the stadium full? When USM goes 10-2 and wins the conference championship, it goes to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. If Ole Miss, State, or another school goes 10-2 and wins the SEC championship, they're in a BCS bowl. USM football is just too "bush league" for a lot of people.

Date: Mar 23, 2005

Thanks guys, but your posts didn't help. My wife now wants to get the season football tickets and I'm convinced that we shouldn't as long as SFT is president. The only resolution of our disagreement that I can see happening is if the IHL decides in April? or May? that they will begin a search for president. Then, and only then, could I see myself clear to get tickets for 2005 even though SFT is still president.

Thanks for your comments.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

By all means, let your tickets go. Because, we all know that SFT is what really counts at USM, it's not the student, student athletes or anything of the sort.

I find this thread humorous for a couple of reasons. USM football (and baseball) are one of the few things that are going good for USM at this point. USM has a good quality program, with an honorable head coach. The program sports one of the highest graduation rates among I-A colleges in the nation, and is far and away the highest in the State. The football program is not a black-eye to the university, the players reprsent the University well, with few exceptions.

If you would stop and think, showing your support for the University at Football games, could be a very positive step. What other event on campus, is going to draw 20,000 plus Southern Miss supporters? Sorry, but it's not an AAUP meeting, a dance production, or faculty recietal in the college of music.

If you enjoy football and support the University, why stop doing something you like. If you let Thames drive you away from something you enjoy, you are letting him win another battle. If he keeps your voice (wheather I agree or not) away from the largest alumni gatherings, then that's another victory.

If I was a member of facultyleadership, I would encourage faculty members to be season ticket holders, and attend the games. I would encourage as many tailgate events as possible. So you have several small platforms around campus, to invite alumni, and community members to so you can address your concerns and get your message across.

This is an example of something simple that you could have been doing for the past several years to help explain your concerns to the alumni of your programs. You can't tell me that if the COST, CoB, CoAL didn't have alumni tailgate events at football games, that you couldn't get people to come by and listen to your concerns.

This would have been one of the first things that I would have thought about. You have a message. You want people to listen to you, where will you have the biggest gathering of USM supporters?

Date: Mar 24, 2005

KK,

Thanks for an intriguing post. I can see your logic.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
"If you enjoy football and support the University, why stop doing something you like. If you let Thames drive you away from something you enjoy, you are letting him win another battle. If he keeps your voice (wheather I agree or not) away from the largest alumni gatherings, then that's another victory."

Egad! I'm going to have to agree with Kudzu King on this one. Personally, I quit attending USM football games 3 years ago, but unlike my alumni membership protest, it had nothing to do with Thames & a lot to do with surgeries & family health problems that seemed to happen only in the fall.

But "KK" has convinced me to get back to the stadium next fall.

(KK, you can read the archives to see that the vast majority of folks on this board hold Jeff Bower in very high esteem. When it was rumored that Thames was out to fire him when the contract delay got outrageous, it was quite a topic here. I have often posted here that USM football is a good metaphor for the whole university: doing outstanding things with meager resources.)

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
"By all means, let your tickets go. Because, we all know that SFT is what really counts at USM, it's not the student, student athletes or anything of the sort. I find this thread humorous for a couple of reasons. USM football (and baseball) are one of the few things that are going good for USM at this point. USM has a good quality program, with an honorable head coach. The program sports one of the highest graduation rates among I-A colleges in the nation, and is far and away the highest in the State. The football program is not a black-eye to the university, the players reprsent the University well, with few exceptions. If you would stop and think, showing your support for the University at Football games, could be a very positive step. What other event on campus, is going to draw 20,000 plus Southern Miss supporters? Sorry, but it's not an AAUP meeting, a dance production, or faculty recietal in the college of music. If you enjoy football and support the University, why stop doing something you like. If you let Thames drive you away from something you enjoy, you are letting him win another battle. If he keeps your voice (wheather I agree or not) away from the largest alumni gatherings, then that's another victory. If I was a member of facultyleadership, I would encourage faculty members to be season ticket holders, and attend the games. I would encourage as many tailgate events as possible. So you have several small platforms around campus, to invite alumni, and community members to so you can address your concerns and get your message across. This is an example of something simple that you could have been doing for the past several years to help explain your concerns to the alumni of your programs. You can't tell me that if the COST, CoB, CoAL didn't have alumni tailgate events at football games, that you couldn't get people to come by and listen to your concerns. This would have been one of the first things that I would have thought about. You have a message. You want people to listen to you, where will you have the biggest gathering of USM supporters?"

Thanks Kuzu King. You have given my wife and I something to think about. The only weakness in your suggestion is I can't see me bring up the SFT situation at a tailgate party. I know I wouldn't want to be reminded of these problems when I'm trying to "escape" for a few hours of fun. Anyway, I don't think alumni can do anything to help USM at this late date. If we still need to be working on getting rid of SFT by next Fall's football season, then all would have been lost anyway and I may be living in another state.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

I just thought of a possible solution to this whole mess. Here are some things Shelby wants:

(1) mass adulation

(2) extreme visibility

(3) no contradiction or questioning while he is doing his job

(4) a job that lets him jump up and down and yell a lot

So . . . why not make him the mascot of the football team?

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Invictus
"

Egad! I'm going to have to agree with Kudzu King on this one. Personally, I quit attending USM football games 3 years ago, but unlike my alumni membership protest, it had nothing to do with Thames & a lot to do with surgeries & family health problems that seemed to happen only in the fall.

But "KK" has convinced me to get back to the stadium next fall.

(KK, you can read the archives to see that the vast majority of folks on this board hold Jeff Bower in very high esteem. When it was rumored that Thames was out to fire him when the contract delay got outrageous, it was quite a topic here. I have often posted here that USM football is a good metaphor for the whole university: doing outstanding things with meager resources.) "

And remember, if season tickets fall off. That may be all the justification Thames needs to fire Bower. Not buying season tickets won't hurt Thames, it'll just slide down hill and stop at Bower's feet.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Kudzu King
" And remember, if season tickets fall off. That may be all the justification Thames needs to fire Bower. Not buying season tickets won't hurt Thames, it'll just slide down hill and stop at Bower's feet."

KK,

You are on a roll!

Date: Mar 24, 2005

Maybe, I am just too much of an arse to let anyone run me off from doing something that I enjoy.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

Heck, if you hold a sign indicating your feelings then CNN might capture live your police escorted ousting from the stadium.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Just an opinion
"I just thought of a possible solution to this whole mess. Here are some things Shelby wants: (1) mass adulation (2) extreme visibility (3) no contradiction or questioning while he is doing his job (4) a job that lets him jump up and down and yell a lot So . . . why not make him the mascot of the football team? "

This made me laugh out loud, and I needed that! Thanks, JaO!

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote:
Originally posted by: Just an opinion
"I just thought of a possible solution to this whole mess. Here are some things Shelby wants: (1) mass adulation (2) extreme visibility (3) no contradiction or questioning while he is doing his job (4) a job that lets him jump up and down and yell a lot So . . . why not make him the mascot of the football team? "

Good idea, but it will work only if the mascot costume is available in Extra Short.

Date: Mar 24, 2005

quote: If you let Thames drive you away from something you enjoy, you are letting him win another battle.

KK: The reason we did not purchase the 4 season tickets we've had for 20+ years is that we no longer enjoy USM football. After being on campus at least 5 days a week in the poisonous environment that has developed during the Thames administration, I prefer to avoid being there whenever I can. We did purchase our season tickets and attended home football games during 2002 & 2003. (Over the years we've also attended many away games and almost every bowl game). However, during the 02 and 03 seasons, it made me feel physically ill and embarrassed to watch the president of our university run around on the field at half time.

We'll buy our tickets again and we'll renew our alumni membership when he is gone. Provided WE are still here.....

Date: Mar 24, 2005

KK is exactly right. The academic performance of our student-athletes is not at issue here; it is the leadership of the entire university.

Individuals, like myself, truly hold the integrity of the academic mission of the university in our best interest. However, I still make a universal point (to fellow academics) given the tough-nosed, blue-collar performance of our athletic programs. If you've never worked at any public AAU, then it is probably tough to recognize.

Library holdings, while VERY important, is very tough to endear to private donors or outsiders. Better to secure through undesignated (or fungible) endowment/funds.

With that said, I hope that everyone in H'burg has learned a lesson about running off a president that has held athletics accountable in the past. USM is certainly now beyond the "teenager" point as a university. Private funds are wonderful; hire good, enthusiatic people to market the program and all else will follow.

We have wonderful student-athletes. Please don't punish them with our words or actions. Focus on the fact that we need new leadership at the top. That which is much better than Mississippi deserves, given the old guard political climate.

GO EAGLES!!!!!