Making or breaking a media and fan game experience

 

In going to as many games as I have over the years, with a game high of 148 games attended back in 2021, I have found things that make the experience really good and some that make it somewhat bad.

Some of the good things are the places that have ample parking space that is well lit, making it easy for those attending the game to not only park their vehicle but also be pretty sure the vehicle will be safe. Seating is another thing that can make or break the overall experience. So many places seem to think the road team will not bring many fans with them, leaving those who come little or no place to sit or having to sit on the home side, which can cause unneeded problems.

I think another thing that helps or hurts the experience is online tickets only. Many of the older fans do not have iPhones or do not wish to be stuck trying to deal with the process and then pay extra for doing so. Yes, things change, but how was it that cash-only worked for decades and now it is a hard process?

The overall cost is another issue that will keep fans away. I have learned this by asking at all ten states I have taken games in, with maybe Texas being the exception even though their numbers have dropped at the state finals. Prices seem to range anywhere from five dollars to ten dollars for a regular season game, with playoff games being even higher, and then those who go to a state final will see another increase in pricing. Let's not forget there are a few states that also charge for parking at regular season games. And yes, concession prices have increased a lot too, but not to the point that they are higher than other places serving the same food. One thing that I have noticed is that many places are not serving burgers any longer.

There are two other big things that can make or break the fans' experience. Lighting. Some places are so dark you cannot see the players very well. This can be for various reasons, from the light poles being in front of the stands with the older style lights and/or there not being enough lights to allow the whole field to be seen as needed. The stadiums that have gone with the newer style lights, putting anywhere from 8 or more on each pole, have done a great job of fixing this problem.

The last item is the PA system and announcer. The biggest thing is the system being on one side of the field and not being loud enough for the away fans to hear the announcement. As for the announcers, if they are not calling out the result of each play, why are they there? Some of those working this position are so inconsistent that it is hard to listen to. I have gone to games where the person will go multiplays without saying anything. Or they will call a play with as few details as they can. A good example of this is "The play went for three yards. There have been two places that have gone above and beyond. Bellaire had a guy who called the name and number of each player involved every play. He also added if the play was a pass or run, along with total yardage and what down it was. In recent times the gentleman at Thomas Worthington does it like that.