jdub27

Again, when has UND cancelled a game? Not signing a contract is not the same as executing a buyout (agreed to by both sides) or cancelling a game. Even you should be able to comprehend that.

After seeing some of the stuff tweeted to MSU's athletic account and comments left on their facebook page, I don't think the arrogance is just at the top.

Maybe I missed, it but who was the second team that bought them out? Or is he pulling SDSU into this about the Montana game? As stated above, GT signed the contracts and they were fulfilled within the parameters of what was in them. Yes, it would have been a good game, but MSU's AD obviously saw a benefit in doing what he did.

If Detroit leaves the Horizon doesn't that opens up the spot Oakland wants there?

How can you say MSU didn't sign the contract honestly? GT agreed to a contract with a buyout and no deadline on that buyout. I've stated I wanted to see the game but to keep saying that MSU did something illegal or unethical when abiding by a contract that both they and NDSU signed is sour grapes. UND fans were upset when they got bought out, but I didn't see anyone calling out whole conferences or Commissioner's.

Pretty sure the Montana game is the front-end of a home and home. If Montana wants NDSU to travel there, I don't see them buying it out. But I concur about GT's comments. Makes you think they don't teach PR down at FU.

If it isn't how you do business, he shouldn't have let it into the contract. That being said, I was looking forward to watching that game.

Not a fan of buyouts but did I hear correctly they are traveling to SMU for a larger payday? Not exactly dropping them to schedule a cupcake at home.

Interest shown from Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota and Notre Dame already. Shoot high early!

I believe that TV deal was up after this year and there was no guarantee of it being renewed, so unless someone has some information on that, it is possible that FCS may or may not have been an option next year anyway. Also, no one is aware whether UND made or even lost money with that deal. Like most, I'm not real excited on all the aspects of the new deal, particularly the Friday night doubleheader clause, but I have faith in the athletic department to come up with solid solutions, especially being they have over 6 months to do so. They are well aware of the pride and demand of the alumni base for UND.

We have the same ability as the other schools to be picked up by a regional network. The problem is Midco is that regional option and they aren't as established as Root/Atlitude are. Not sure what kind of special deal UND would be able to broker unless I'm misunderstanding what your question is?

I would guess in negotiations, CBSSN made this a non-starter. The good news is, if ratings and feedback is good, I wouldn't be surprised to see the number of games shown nationally increase year to year which has positive and negative consequences whether you have access to MidcoSports or not.

Logically, yes it is hard to believe. Looking at the track record, it really isn't.

Is there a requirement for schools to play certain other schools? If the top 4 or 5 conferences only want to schedule games against each other to keep their strength of schedule up how would that give others a solid case? They can still claim that other teams have a chance to make it into the playoff, which would be true, just very, very unlikely under the current format.

My point was that different people have different priorities, whether it be school/work/family/anything. I'm not singling you out, just showing you that people have reasons for not going. UND football is not a priority to these people at this time. It was at one point and am very confident that it can be again in the very near future. As for marketing, there was a pretty decent push for season tickets and info about them joining the Big Sky last year including bilboards, mailers and phone calls.

I would agree that CBSSN would likely provide their own commentators if they have a contract with the NCHC. If that is the case, they likely may send up their own equipment. Agreed, not much has been shared on that front. I had the opposite understanding on Midco airing the games. I was under the imperssion that they would be able to air all home games regardless of CBSSN picking it up. Maybe if Jayson knows, he can fill us in on the details.

Neither time nor money are unlimited. Haven't you said that is why you can't make it to every football game? I'm not saying I agree with people's reasoning or that I don't wish attendance was higher but people have been speaking with their wallets. UND has not put a product on the field they are willing to fill the Alerus for. The hockey team on the other hand, has been successful for an extended period of time and demand for tickets at the Ralph reflect that. I have faith that it can be done again with the football team, but it will take some good marketing from UND and continued success from the team. People missed out on an exciting team last year even if they were only 5-6. The buzz needs to build back up around the football program. Grand Forks loves a winner and this team hasn't been doing that against what people deem to be quality competition enough to justify them to come to the games. I think there will be a noticeable bump this year with the home schedule, but the team needs to be competitive and win.

Midco is still doing every game whether it is on CBSSN or not correct? Not so certain that CBSSN would be sending their own equipment if they can pick up Midco's HD feed. I could be wrong though.

Per UNDSports.com: Aug 29th vs Valpo is Military Appreciation Sept 7th vs SDSU is the Potato Bowl Sept 14th vs UM is the Hall of Fame Game Sept 28th vs MSU is Family Weekend Oct 12th vs EWU is Homecoming Oct 19th vs Sac St is ND Strong/Band Day (??) Nov 9th vs UNC is Senior Day Also shows updated pricing on seats.

I have nothing to disprove your Lincoln numbers but there seems to be something missing. I feel confident that your numbers for UND have a lot of noise in them though.

I've seen the report these numbers come from (but have been unable to find it the last few times I've looked for it). The cost allocation has no rhyme or reason to it, it is a numbers game used for the reporting. I believe the same report shows NDSU's football team breaks even. I am still curious on the source that says the Lincoln stars make $2MM with an average attendance of 4K or so (30 home games, 120K in total attendance). UND has twice as many fans coming through the doors averaging 11K+ (20-22 home games, total attendance of 240K+) with more expensive tickets. Revenues on the UND side are much higher. I'm sure expenses are as well, but good luck finding accurate and publicly available numbers for either.

I can confirm there is beer still available in Watertown, just got back from getting some provisions. Snow is getting heavier.

Made it to Watertown. Only a few suites left at the Holiday Inn Express. Rooms available at some other places still.

Fan support comes to mind.

What good places would those be? NDSU is in no one geographical footprint.