There are a ton of excuses why we aren't there anymore. Fact is we have been there and the only reason we aren't is because people choose not to. You can insert any reason why, but it boils down to just not being loud or just flat out not going.
Illinois crowd
- Thread starter ajk4st8
- Start date
It certainly helps Illinois that they hired McClain from Peoria, who coached many good teams there.
There is some serious basketball in Peoria. The problem is, though, that most of the inner city boys there think they are going to get out by playing in the NBA. It's sad, but I'm sure not unique to Peoria.
I enjoyed when Gordon was shooting a free throw one time they all turned their backs to him and right when he released it they all jump around to face him and yelled.
I'll admit it was impressive that they had a crowd like that on a weeknight. I assume they sell out the place with season tickets because every single game the attendance is listed at 16,618, even games against crappy teams during break. I really find it hard to believe that the place is filled to the rafters every single night.
Their crowd did get ripped on many sports stations for the treatment of Gordon and his family though. Let's not take it that far. 
Maybe are students wouldn't care about the shirts if the design was better. I haven't seen them the last couple years since I graduated, but the shirts were pretty boring the first couple years of Cyclone Alley.
Really though, I don't think it's the shirts that is really the problem. It's the fact that there is a 'membership' that splits the students, that is a recipe for a non enthused fanbase. Get back to the days where all you need is your student ticket and there is first come first serve seating. We sat outside for hours waiting to get into the stadium and good seats, that created an exciting atmosphere. IMO, members of Cyclone Alley know that their seat in the lower bowl is guaranteed so many don't show up early. This also creates non-members in no rush to get to the game because they'll have to sit in the rafters.
Maybe are students wouldn't care about the shirts if the design was better. I haven't seen them the last couple years since I graduated, but the shirts were pretty boring the first couple years of Cyclone Alley.
Really though, I don't think it's the shirts that is really the problem. It's the fact that there is a 'membership' that splits the students, that is a recipe for a non enthused fanbase. Get back to the days where all you need is your student ticket and there is first come first serve seating. We sat outside for hours waiting to get into the stadium and good seats, that created an exciting atmosphere. IMO, members of Cyclone Alley know that their seat in the lower bowl is guaranteed so many don't show up early. This also creates non-members in no rush to get to the game because they'll have to sit in the rafters.
You are right. The shirts have NOTHING to do with it. Its just another lame attempt at an excuse why the students dont go. Weather, classes, tshirts ... .etc..
Bottom line is a school with over 20,000 students should be able to fill the student section. If not, thats ok, just dont go around talking about how great our crowds are because they arent.
Bottom line is a school with over 20,000 students should be able to fill the student section. If not, thats ok, just dont go around talking about how great our crowds are because they arent.
I have no doubts that their conference games have probably been full. You're telling me that you've watched every single one of their games and somehow every game they've had a crowd shot that shows the upper tiers of the arena? I have my doubts.
Their crowd did get ripped on many sports stations for the treatment of Gordon and his family though. Let's not take it that far.
They had a story about it in the QC Times yesterday, along with a picture of a fan in a cellphone costume. I laughed. :yes:
Yes, their crowd and student section tops ours, but they are only a few years off an NCAA championship game appearance. I think there would be plenty of Hilton Magic to go around if we got that far in the tournament. They're 12th all time in NCAA bids. They darn well better have a better crowd than us. It all goes back to winning.
BTW, how about Bobby Knight for their next coach. Not a good move IMO, but being kicked around nonetheless.
LINK
BTW, how about Bobby Knight for their next coach. Not a good move IMO, but being kicked around nonetheless.
LINK
