Why is everyone so excited about the game at Bristol?

[Milehigh_Vol]

Beer!!!! That's why!!!

 

[Jake]

Look, for fans of the school I'm sure it will be fun. But based on a reasonable prognostication of the teams, I just don't see it being nearly as important as a fan of one of the involved teams would like it to be

Perhaps this is true...and I see your point. As you mention it, I don't really see the FL/GA or the FL/FSU games as being as important to the rest of the country as it does to the aforementioned teams and their fans.

I mean, they are interesting and often meaningful in the shakeup of rankings, but not intense like it is to the teams and fans that are involved.

The one leading variable for the UT/VT game is the potential record shattering capacity. I believe that more people will tune in for curiosity if for no other reason...

Will you not be curious to see what the atmosphere is like on that day? Come'on man!!

 

[FRO]

this game will be a scalpers dream

 

[FEARinSEC]

Some people get took in by gimmicks and this is what is happening. Very low payout for UT....no wonder the other AD's wouldn't do it if all was offered was the $4 million I am reading about.

Wonder if they are excited Hart is also in advanced discussions to pimp us out to six other cities? Good Lord! We've gone to the dogs.

Obvious Troll is obvious.

 

[lawgator1]

Perhaps this is true...and I see your point. As you mention it, I don't really see the FL/GA or the FL/FSU games as being as important to the rest of the country as it does to the aforementioned teams and their fans.

I mean, they are interesting and often meaningful in the shakeup of rankings, but not intense like it is to the teams and fans that are involved.

The one leading variable for the UT/VT game is the potential record shattering capacity. I believe that more people will tune in for curiosity if for no other reason...

Will you not be curious to see what the atmosphere is like on that day? Come'on man!!

Obviously, the national interest level of UF/UGA or UF/FSU is a direct function of how the teams are ranked at the time. And that's true of any game. Look at FSU/Clemson this weekend. Ordinarily, that game would be considered a yawner and buried somewhere deep in the ESPN structure, like on channel 1035. But because both are undefeated and it is conceivable the winner will have a case to make at the end of the year to play for a BCS title, its a marquise game.

So, yes, if both VT and UT are top ten teams, its going to get a lot of attention. I personally think VT has such a history of sucking out loud when it counts that I just don;t see that being the scenario.

So that leaves us with the curiosity angle on the crowd size and make-up. And as the game is in Tennessee, that is going to be a direct function of how UT is doing at the time. Its early season, your one game will have been Connecticut. So, to generate any enthusiasm, you need to have had a pretty successful 2015. For its part, VT will have played Liberty.

I guess at the end of the day I don't really get the point. You are losing out on local dollars being generated and there doesn't seem to me to be any particular upside. What am I missing?

 

[orange parmejohn]

Yes. Closest analogy would be playing at Daytona intn'l speedway, would add nothing. We prefer to play at home. I'd actually view it as a cheap money-making gimmick and roll my eyes.

This is not like UF-UGA in Jax for decades as the worlds largest outdoor cocktail party. Now, you ride this gimmick game for 10 years? Ok.

But once? Meh, it's a stunt.

1. it is nothing like playing at Daytona. 2. whats this "we" crap? you speak only of your opinion, not the entire UF fanbase. 3. there has never been a logical reason to play the cocktail game in Jax, other than doing it for fun. its a gimmic.

 

[sjt18]

Yeah, setting a record for CFB attendance that smashes the old record by more than 40,000.... at an iconic sporting arena.... with a game between historic programs... Nothing but a gimmick... sure.

It is no more a "gimmick" than anything else a team or the NCAA does to drum up interest and money. The "Cocktail Party" is not quite the point of interest to the whole of the CFB world that folks like LG would like to believe either. Does that make it a "gimmick"? No. I don't think so.

 

[utchs81]

BMS is a great venue for racing. How it will be for College footbal remains to be seen. It will be quite the spectacle and to have the opportunity to be a part of the " largest crowd" to see a college FB game is something to be excited about. I do recommend bring binocs to the game. Of course 3 years is a long way off and the hubbub that is going on now will die down shortly only to be renewed closer to the time .

 

[sjt18]

Bristol of all the racing tracks I am aware of is the best suited for conversion to football.

 

[K-town Vol Fan]

Yes. Closest analogy would be playing at Daytona intn'l speedway, would add nothing. We prefer to play at home. I'd actually view it as a cheap money-making gimmick and roll my eyes.

This is not like UF-UGA in Jax for decades as the worlds largest outdoor cocktail party. Now, you ride this gimmick game for 10 years? Ok.

But once? Meh, it's a stunt.

Isn't Daytona like a 2 mile track. Of course that would suck because no one could see anything. And it doesn't hold nearly as many people. Due to BMDS being so unique, there is no analogy that even comes close

 

[lawgator1]

1. it is nothing like playing at Daytona. 2. whats this "we" crap? you speak only of your opinion, not the entire UF fanbase. 3. there has never been a logical reason to play the cocktail game in Jax, other than doing it for fun. its a gimmic.

Of course its a gimmick to play it in Jax, but its been a gimmick since 1933 (with only two exceptions). A gimmick turns into a tradition eventually, that's why I said you need to do this for about ten years in a row for it to amount to anything other than a gimmick.

 

[lawgator1]

Yeah, setting a record for CFB attendance that smashes the old record by more than 40,000.... at an iconic sporting arena.... with a game between historic programs... Nothing but a gimmick... sure.

It is no more a "gimmick" than anything else a team or the NCAA does to drum up interest and money. The "Cocktail Party" is not quite the point of interest to the whole of the CFB world that folks like LG would like to believe either. Does that make it a "gimmick"? No. I don't think so.

1) Iconic to who? Meh. No one cares outside of NASCAR fans and people who live in Tennessee. You know, basically UT's fan base already. Who, exactly, is this supposed to bring in?

2) "Historic programs." Huh? VT hasn't mattered in 15 years and show no signs of ever being important.

You should have set this up with someone like Notre Dame. Now that would be a spectacle. But this is just .... so average.

 

[GoobieVol]

VT versus UT is not in the same universe as UF versus FSU.

And while I do think UT is likely to be better by then, I'm sorry but VT is, and has been for a long time, probably the single most frequently overrated team in the country. A constant disappointment.

Look, for fans of the school I'm sure it will be fun. But based on a reasonable prognostication of the teams, I just don't see it being nearly as important as a fan of one of the involved teams would like it to be.

And the notion that it's going to make a difference to top quality recruits is just ridiculous.

I truly mean no disrespect with this, but your take on this feels like a kid that wasn't invited to a party.(aka "sour grapes")

155k people in one place to watch a football game.

I can't envision a 17 year old kid that has his college choice down to 2 schools, and 1 of those schools will be playing in front of the largest crowd to ever watch a college football game, not factoring that into his decision. If you are saying that it would NOT effect all recruits decision, that is fair.

 

[lawgator1]

I truly mean no disrespect with this, but your take on this feels like a kid that wasn't invited to a party.(aka "sour grapes")

155k people in one place to watch a football game.

I can't envision a 17 year old kid that has his college choice down to 2 schools. And 1 of those schools will be playing in from of the largest crowd to ever watch a college football game, not factoring that into his decision. If you are saying that it would NOT effect all recruits decision, that is fair.

I am saying that the kind of recruits that matter to your program being successful this is of no moment whatsoever. Its a bright sparkly distraction. The WR's and RBs with 4.3 type speed, the linemen with legit moves and quickness, etc., all want to go wherever they think they will get their best shot to go to the NFL to make millions of dollars.

Programs are built on kids getting drafted into the NFL, not playing in weird spots for the fans. You want to be successful? Recruit and build,m win games, recruit a bit better, place some kids on NFL teams, get a first rounder or two. That's when you will see the program take off.

You think Alabama has built what it built because it has a really cool game against Auburn every year? No. Its because recruits going there know they will get tremendous training and if Alabama wants them, they have a leg up in the eyes of the NFL scouts already. The reason kids go there is because its a stage for their talents for 3-4 years and a shot to become rich.

Bristol is a stage for programs, and the oddity of the fans, not a stage for players. And to whatever extent it is, its one game.

If it were me, I'd rather have spent the money on new facilities or stockpiling it for the next coaching search when its time to move to the next level.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

Of course its a gimmick to play it in Jax, but its been a gimmick since 1933 (with only two exceptions). A gimmick turns into a tradition eventually, that's why I said you need to do this for about ten years in a row for it to amount to anything other than a gimmick.

OK, so it's a gimmick. What's your point?

 

[lawgator1]

OK, so it's a gimmick. What's your point?

Whoa whoa whoa.

Since when do we have to have a point around here?

 

[Brave Volunteer]

I am saying that the kind of recruits that matter to your program being successful this is of no moment whatsoever. Its a bright sparkly distraction. The WR's and RBs with 4.3 type speed, the linemen with legit moves and quickness, etc., all want to go wherever they think they will get their best shot to go to the NFL to make millions of dollars.

Programs are built on kids getting drafted into the NFL, not playing in weird spots for the fans. You want to be successful? Recruit and build,m win games, recruit a bit better, place some kids on NFL teams, get a first rounder or two. That's when you will see the program take off.

You think Alabama has built what it built because it has a really cool game against Auburn every year? No. Its because recruits going there know they will get tremendous training and if Alabama wants them, they have a leg up in the eyes of the NFL scouts already. The reason kids go there is because its a stage for their talents for 3-4 years and a shot to become rich.

Bristol is a stage for programs, and the oddity of the fans, not a stage for players. And to whatever extent it is, its one game.

If it were me, I'd rather have spent the money on new facilities or stockpiling it for the next coaching search when its time to move to the next level.

Our staff will sell the game to recruits. That is to say, recruits WILL be told about it and they will be made aware of the fact that if they come to UT they will be get to be a part of a historical event. That doesn't mean UT is hitching their wagon ENTIRELY to this one thing to get recruits to play here. You make it sound like UT is desperate to find anything to sell to recruits which is the sole purpose of getting involved in this game in the first place. I find that incredibly insulting given the fact that even as a gator fan you are well aware of our tradition, our history, our facilities, etc. Sounds to me like you're just a tad envious of the situation.

 

[AirVol]

I'm not trying to be an ass, I'm honestly curious. I completely understand for Virginia Vols fans and those in the Tri Cities area, now the game is closer and more accessible. But from the universal acclaim the scheduling of this game has received, you'd think 100% of CFB fans were also NASCAR fans.

I've never watched or been to a NASCAR race so I'm assuming there is some sort of significance that is escaping me and I'm honestly wanting to know what that is, since everyone else seems to "get it.":hi:

Another reason to use my Swarovski EL Swarovision 12x50 Binoculars

 

[VolFan4Life87]

Our staff will sell the game to recruits. That is to say, recruits WILL be told about it and they will be made aware of the fact that if they come to UT they will be get to be a part of a historical event. That doesn't mean UT is hitching their wagon ENTIRELY to this one thing to get recruits to play here. You make it sound like UT is desperate to find anything to sell to recruits which is the sole purpose of getting involved in this game in the first place. I find that incredibly insulting given the fact that even as a gator fan you are well aware of our tradition, our history, our facilities, etc. Sounds to me like you're just a tad envious of the situation.

No he's just saying its most likely not as big a factor to a 17 year old recruit as some on this board are making it out to be. Unless you're a 17yr old stud who's college football program shopping OR have experience recruiting these individuals you really have no idea what this game means.

I personally tend to agree with law gator, I don't think one game regardless of the venue or circumstances really is a make or break point to a recruit, unless it's a nearly guaranteed shot at the NCG - which Alabama can certainly sell to it's recruits.

 

[Doyle Hargraves]

UT fanbase and NASCAR fanbase equals one and the same?
Stockpile the money for the next coaching search when it's time to move up to the next level?
Find your damned ball already and bounce you passive aggressive troll.

 

[lawgator1]

Our staff will sell the game to recruits. That is to say, recruits WILL be told about it and they will be made aware of the fact that if they come to UT they will be get to be a part of a historical event. That doesn't mean UT is hitching their wagon ENTIRELY to this one thing to get recruits to play here. You make it sound like UT is desperate to find anything to sell to recruits which is the sole purpose of getting involved in this game in the first place. I find that incredibly insulting given the fact that even as a gator fan you are well aware of our tradition, our history, our facilities, etc. Sounds to me like you're just a tad envious of the situation.

Well, first, let me assure you I am not the least bit jelly that your team is playing a crappy team at a race track and mine isn't. Ugh, why would I be?

Heck, we get you probably a week or two later. I am much more interested in where our programs will be then than I am your game against the equivalent of Wyoming, regardless of where you play it.

Second, I have no doubt but that your coaches will mention it to recruits. I just don't think that any 4 and 5 star recruits will care.

 

[lawgator1]

UT fanbase and NASCAR fanbase equals one and the same?
Stockpile the money for the next coaching search when it's time to move up to the next level?
Find your damned ball already and bounce you passive aggressive troll.

No, I'm saying the two fan bases that would care are UT's and race fans in Tennessee. Not saying they are the same. I mean, I would assume some overlap.

But, yes, I do think there is likely to be a revenue issue here. Is there some thought that this will generate more money for UT than a home game? I'd like to hear that, because my assumption is that its going to cost a lot to prepare the place for the game.

 

[Brave Volunteer]

No he's just saying its most likely not as big a factor to a 17 year old recruit as some on this board are making it out to be. Unless you're a 17yr old stud who's college football program shopping OR have experience recruiting these individuals you really have no idea what this game means.

I personally tend to agree with law gator, I don't think one game regardless of the venue or circumstances really is a make or break point to a recruit, unless it's a nearly guaranteed shot at the NCG - which Alabama can certainly sell to it's recruits.

It will be a factor, but that's it. Just one factor out of many! It won't be the sole factor, it may not even be a deciding factor. But it's certainly not a deterrent.

 

[VolFan4Life87]

It will be a factor, but that's it. Just one factor out of many! It won't be the sole factor, it may not even be a deciding factor. But it's certainly not a deterrent.

This I can agree with. And it's never a bad thing to have an abundant of good things to say about your program. The biggest though, which I hope by then we can say, is to have a winning football team.

 

[Doyle Hargraves]

No, I'm saying the two fan bases that would care are UT's and race fans in Tennessee. Not saying they are the same. I mean, I would assume some overlap.

But, yes, I do think there is likely to be a revenue issue here. Is there some thought that this will generate more money for UT than a home game? I'd like to hear that, because my assumption is that its going to cost a lot to prepare the place for the game.

Do you honestly think that UT is footing the bill for this?