Unabated Sports

The home season is over for the University of Cincinnati football team. If they hope to play in a Bowl Game, they'll have to win both of their last games on the road. Throughout Wednesday night, I kept thinking over and over how far the school has to go in order to become an elite program. And that's not even considering the product on the field.

The first thing that the national TV audience saw in their ESPN HD glory was a half-empty stadium. And most of the people actually in the stands were wearing the bright, florescent yellow of the West Virginia Mountaineers. This was the only time this season to spotlight the stadium and home atmosphere, and the first impression viewers get is that no one cares about UC football. Well, except for the fans who travelled from the other state. Sure, those seats eventually filled up to a semi-respectable sight and most of the crowd was on the home side of the field. But when you have this opportunity, you have to put your best foot forward. Give away the tickets if you need to. Put butts in those seats and, for at least one game, give the illusion that Bearcat Football is a Big Deal. You do that when the nation's eyes are upon you, eventually fiction becomes reality.

So, where were those people at the beginning of the game. More than likely, in a parking garage. It took less time for me to make it from my place to campus then it did to get to find a parking spot. And I live in another state! Parking problems in Clifton are nothing new, I know. But if you want people to come out and see those games, that is one obstacle that needs to be removed.

Flow through Will Call could also use improving. I remember wating at lines in the Tangeman McDonalds during lunch hour that were shorter than these. It's just a symptom of a greater, overall problem: understaffing. It seems like at every turn on gameday, is some pour, overwhelmed soul doing the job of three people. Despite this, every employee I encountered from the parking attendents, to security, to the folks working the press box were extremely courteous and helpful. So, cut them a break and bring in some extra hands.

And, getting back to the image problem, I have a feeling that the power outtage will play real well on the Sportscenter highlights. *West Virginia touchdown. West Virginia touchdown. Cincinnati doesn't pay their electric bill. West Virginia touchdown.*

Oh, yeah. And try not to get blown out on the field. That might help, too.