Goodell talks to Steelers owner about fan no-show problem at home games

[Shoes]

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't having any trouble selling tickets, but they are having some trouble getting people to use the tickets they buy. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers fans have been no-showing at prime time games recently, which gives the appearance of an empty stadium.


http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24775640


"[Goodell] said, 'It looked like there were an awful lot of empty seats.' And I said those people are standing in the runways (the rotundas)," Rooney said. "They like to stay in that spot, and that's where they are most of the time. And he said, 'That's kind of odd, isn't it?' And I said, 'No, *I think its odd that you didn't see the Ray Rice video*.

My fix.

[stillers4me]

[Dwinsgames]

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't having any trouble selling tickets, but they are having some trouble getting people to use the tickets they buy. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Steelers fans have been no-showing at prime time games recently, which gives the appearance of an empty stadium.


http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24775640


"[Goodell] said, 'It looked like there were an awful lot of empty seats.' And I said those people are standing in the runways (the rotundas)," Rooney said. "They like to stay in that spot, and that's where they are most of the time. And he said, 'That's kind of odd, isn't it?' And I said, 'No, *I think its odd that you didn't see the Ray Rice video*.

My fix.

LMAO

[86WARD]

lol.

[Texasteel]

Goodell to fine any fan leaving their seats for more that 10 minutes $2500, a 15 yard penalty on the Steelers, no matter what stadium it happens in. And awards the opposing team 8 consecutive first downs. Sorry Steelers, it's not personal, only business.

[st33lersguy]

It is a tragedy that he is still allowed to be commissioner

[salamander]

I guess it's ok that the Raiders and Jaguars have to tarp off 10,000 seats though. I guess he also hasn't noticed that 9 out of 10 times Steelers fans invade opposing teams' stadiums. Goodell needs to just go away.

[steelreserve]

Hey, you know why less people show up? Because the experience of going to an NFL game in person sucks shit. They have done about everything possible to make it a miserable way to spend an afternoon. Or all day, depending on what city you're in.

At least Heinz Field is somewhat semi-functional. You should check out the reviews of the 49ers' new stadium. About half of them are from star-struck fans who are just rah-rah about the team, and everyone else hates it. This for a billion dollars.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/levis-stadium-santa-clara

[fansince'76]

It is a tragedy that he is still allowed to be commissioner

This...

I guess it's ok that the Raiders and Jaguars have to tarp off 10,000 seats though. I guess he also hasn't noticed that 9 out of 10 times Steelers fans invade opposing teams' stadiums. Goodell needs to just go away.

...and this...

Hey, you know why less people show up? Because the experience of going to an NFL game in person sucks shit. They have done about everything possible to make it a miserable way to spend an afternoon. Or all day, depending on what city you're in.

...and this. 1080p and 50-inch screens are a wonderful thing. And no waiting in line for 1/2 an hour just to take a piss.

[fansince'76]

I guess it's ok that the Raiders and Jaguars have to tarp off 10,000 seats though.

In other news, Commissioner Goodell has decreed that the Pittsburgh Steelers will be moved to Los Angeles, citing the reason for the move as a "lack of interest" in the team in its current location...

[Craic]

...and this. 1080p and 50-inch screens are a wonderful thing. And no waiting in line for 1/2 an hour just to take a piss.

This is, I think, reason 1b.

Reason 1a? Too many people own season tickets for the profit/corporate owners of season tickets. On that note, since there's still so many people who want season tickets that I'd be for a "if your seat ticket isn't scanned for six of the eight home games or more, you lose your PSL rule. Or, give it a two year deal. Because things happen sometimes.

[86WARD]

...and this. 1080p and 50-inch screens are a wonderful thing. And no waiting in line for 1/2 an hour just to take a piss.

^^^^ must not have kids...

[Dwinsgames]

just can't tell people how to spend their money or what to do with what they spent it on ...

while I would like to see the stands over flowing with people dawning Black and Gold at the end of the day if the tickets are sold they are sold and what the owner of said tickets do with them ( or not do with them ) simply is not anyone's concern but the owners of the tickets

[Texasteel]

Seriously, the commissioner may think it looks bad on TV, but when your at the game it look impressive. The runways are so full of fans that they are lined up 2or 3 deep yelling, and trying to talk over the noise, drinking and eating, and just having a good time. OMG they even smile and laugh. It's surprising the stadium doesn't tilt to that end. What is wrong with fans having a good time at a game they paid a lot of money to get into. After all Mr. Goodell the game is here for the fans, not the other way around. Am I wrong?

[ALLD]

Goodell has also come up with the idea of seat fillers.

[one side only]

just can't tell people how to spend their money or what to do with what they spent it on ...

while I would like to see the stands over flowing with people dawning Black and Gold at the end of the day if the tickets are sold they are sold and what the owner of said tickets do with them ( or not do with them ) simply is not anyone's concern but the owners of the tickets

I think we will see signing an "attendance pledge" become a prerequisite for season ticket purchases. NFL football is reality TV, and how it looks is more important than how it is.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Hey, you know why less people show up? Because the experience of going to an NFL game in person sucks shit. They have done about everything possible to make it a miserable way to spend an afternoon. Or all day, depending on what city you're in.

Yep. The over commercialization of the NFL is detrimental to the live experience. Way too damn many commercial breaks and delays in the action of the game.

Add to that the fact that businesses are now buying up a lot of the season passes and you end up with less "true fans" at the games and more people who go to the games just because it's the thing to do.

I stopped going to Cardinals baseball games a couple of years ago because it's become too expensive and there's just too many people that aren't there to watch the game.

I'd rather watch pro sports at home any day.

[Count Steeler]

Or it is a veiled threat that the Steelers won't be the home team for any prime time games.

[tube517]

So, Goodhell notices empty seats at Heinz field but doesn't look for a videotape to arrive at the NFL offices. Do videotapes get automatically destroyed there?

[Renegade]

Or it is a veiled threat that the Steelers won't be the home team for any prime time games.

this is a scary thought. i see so many things that are unfair go against the steelers. it may be a trap game against the buccs or even "no shows" who dont sit in the seats. the truth is, no fan base is better or broader than the Stillers!

- - - Updated - - -

and the "no shows" show up lol

[Steeldude]

just can't tell people how to spend their money or what to do with what they spent it on ...

while I would like to see the stands over flowing with people dawning Black and Gold at the end of the day if the tickets are sold they are sold and what the owner of said tickets do with them ( or not do with them ) simply is not anyone's concern but the owners of the tickets

The problem is the amount of money the Steelers lose on concessions, merchandise etc...

I'm curious, what happens when the rest of the fans realize how much better and cheaper it is to watch games at home?

[Steeldude]

I wonder if the Steelers could sell no-show tickets(previously sold) at the half. Perhaps 50% off. I say at the half because that should be enough time for ticket holders to arrive at the stadium.

[Mojouw]

So if I understand all this correctly - the games are still selling out. The fans are mostly all there, just not in their seats? And Goodell's problem is not that the team isn't selling tickets, or checking to see if greedy corporate types are buying up all the tickets and then not using them - leaving working class regular people type fans out in the cold, but that it looks bad on TV?

This guy is such a jackass. All sports leagues need to confront the problem that the live stadium experience is not drawing people out of their homes like it used to, but this turd is focused on making it look good for TV therefore encouraging more folks to stay home?

[stillers4me]

How about half price kids tickets? How many parents would love to take their kids to a game but can't afford it? How about kids get in free for preseason.? The stadium would be full for those games....with all the concession money. Kids don't care if it's preseason just as long as they get the game experience.

[HollywoodSteel]

How about Goodell just shuts the F*** up about absolutely everything? Given the miniscule odds of him actually saying something that doesn't make him sound like a total jackass to real sports fans, this is just sound advice in any given situation. Nothing personal Rog, it's just math.

Oh, and when I say it's nothing personal, I'm being about as sincere as you've ever been in your professional life.

[stillers4me]

MLB and NHL does all kinds of promotions and special days to promote ticket sales. I never hear of the NFL doing of those things.

[Moose]

I was at the Monday night game and there were a hell of a lot of people standing in the picnic areas, the walkways, the rotundas, etc.. I think they said about 52-56k people were there, but taken the fact of rain, cool night, and work the next day may have a reason. But, big reduced pricing on food and drinks would definitely help a great deal. $ 8.00 for a damn can of beer is pretty damn ridiculous to me !

[Shoes]

How about half price kids tickets? How many parents would love to take their kids to a game but can't afford it? How about kids get in free for preseason.? The stadium would be full for those games....with all the concession money. Kids don't care if it's preseason just as long as they get the game experience.

Good idea Sue!

[ALLD]

Steelers need cheerleaders.

[Craic]

So if I understand all this correctly - the games are still selling out. The fans are mostly all there, just not in their seats?

No,

The problem is that there's anywhere from five to ten percent of no-shows for the game. Funny also how this whole thing's been blowing out of context. It the middle of a larger conversation, he mentions something that he's noticed. Heck, I'VE noticed it as well. His responsibility is to the owners, so he asks a question. There's plenty of things to legitimately be upset about with Goodell. This, however, is pretty much a joke.

(EDIT; Mojouw - only the first sentence was in answer to your post. The rest was a general statement on the thread. Sorry for not being clearer).