Welcome Guest!
Create an Account
login email:
password:
site searchwhere to watchcontact usabout usadvertise with ushelp
Message Board
BobcatAttack.com Message Board
Ohio Basketball
Topic:  Fan Feedback response Email

Topic:  Fan Feedback response Email
Author
Message
OU_Country
General User



Member Since: 12/6/2005
Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
Post Count: 8,340

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:06:36 AM 
I received this a little while ago. First, I give them kudos for soliciting those responses, which is a big first step. More important though, I give them bigger kudos for taking some action toward the bigger issues they found in their replies and communicating it back to their ticket base. Well done!



-------------------------------------------------------
Bobcats Fans,

Thank you for taking time this past spring to respond to our call for feedback regarding your game day experience at our men’s basketball games. We appreciate your input and will use it in an effort to better serve all Bobcats fans.

We received a number of positive comments in regards to the new ConvoVision videoboard, our PA announcer (we love Lou too), the Marching 110 and our team’s connection with the fans. We will do our very best to continue to excel in these areas.

As was the goal of this effort, we did receive some suggestions for improvement. To follow is a list of our intended reactions to those topics that were mentioned most:

We will revert back to reserved seating in the upper level. We have already contacted many of you with our decision and the response has been very positive.

We will work with our concessions partner, AVI, to add items to their selection including an item or two for those seeking healthier alternatives.

We will add a new, more effective hand dryer in each of the restrooms.

We will review and revise our game script to allow for more opportunities for the Marching 110 to perform.

We will invest more budget, time and energy to revive the OZone in order to bolster their impact on the game atmosphere.

We will communicate with you more efficiently and effectively about game schedules, promotions, parking and other news through our new Bobcats Gameday App. Download it today!

We will, most importantly, continue to listen to you. Please continue to share your feedback (both positive and critical) with us on game days, by phone (800-575-2287) or via email (dixsonr@ohio.edu )

‘Excessive’ event security was a point noted by several respondents. Please know that the safety of our fans, staff and students is of the utmost importance to the Athletics Department and to Ohio University as a whole. To that end, the Ohio University Police Department has implemented protocols that are in line with best-practice recommendations of the Department of Homeland Security. These same protocols are implemented across all University events, based largely upon the projected crowd size. While we understand how these measures can impact your game day experience, we will continue to support these and any efforts to create a safe environment for all those in attendance.

With that being said, we gathered from your comments that the inability to access the covered walkway immediately adjacent to the arena is the most inconvenient and unintended consequence of these procedures. Therefore:
We will remove gate designations to allow fans to enter the building through the gate most convenient to them. With this change, general fans can now enter the previously designated student entrance on the northwest side of the Convocation Center. In turn, students will be allowed to enter through the main entrance.

Thank you again for your response and suggestions. For us to reach our lofty goals, we need your continued and enthusiastic support of OUr Bobcats! Coach Boals and his team are ready to take on season one and begin the drive to the top of the MAC. See you at the Convo!
Go Bobcats!


Amy S. Dean
Interim Director of Athletics

Michael Stephens
Sr. Associate Athletic Director
Back to Top
  
SBH
General User

Member Since: 12/20/2004
Post Count: 3,915

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:09:37 AM 
This hand dryer situation is epic. A bit surprised they did not also pledge to work with McDonalds in Nelsonville to improve milkshake machine uptime.

Last Edited: 7/12/2019 10:18:06 AM by SBH
Back to Top
  
Alan Swank
General User

Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 7,072

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:10:25 AM 
You beat me by four minutes. I actually listed every one of these things in my 5 page letter to Jim. Interesting that this came out 12 days after his departure.

Last Edited: 7/12/2019 10:12:34 AM by Alan Swank
Back to Top
  
shabamon
General User



Member Since: 11/17/2006
Location: Cincinnati
Post Count: 6,419

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:10:42 AM 
HAND DRYEERRRRRRRRSSSSSSSS
Back to Top
  
ts1227
General User

Member Since: 2/28/2006
Location: Tallmadge, OH
Post Count: 857

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:25:37 AM 
Not surprised the security thing fell on deaf ears. Until Powers is run out of OUPD entering a football or basketball game will always consist of a brief trip through Fallujah
Back to Top
  
OU_Country
General User



Member Since: 12/6/2005
Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
Post Count: 8,340

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:27:41 AM 
Alan Swank wrote:
You beat me by four minutes. I actually listed every one of these things in my 5 page letter to Jim. Interesting that this came out 12 days after his departure.



Ha! Personally, I didn't list the hand dryer comment, nor did I list the 110 comments. One comment I mentioned, not listed here, is actually using the TVs perched above the concession stands for part of the gameday experience. Why not broadcast the box score, or the ESPN3 broadcast there.

I really do give them a lot of credit for asking for feedback, and then taking positive steps. This, combined with the personal phone call I received about the upper level reserved ticket offer to come back to have restored my faith. Any results Boals and his team put together will be a bonus in my eyes.

Last Edited: 7/12/2019 10:28:34 AM by OU_Country
Back to Top
  
OU_Country
General User



Member Since: 12/6/2005
Location: On the road between Athens and Madison County
Post Count: 8,340

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:30:19 AM 
As a second side note, I still think the blocking off of the upper covered walkway is very unnecessary and excessive. I view it as police folks in charge either having a power trip, or being afraid of getting sued.
Back to Top
  
Recovering Journalist
General User

Member Since: 8/17/2010
Location: Cleveland, OH
Post Count: 1,839

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 11:09:11 AM 
ts1227 wrote:
Not surprised the security thing fell on deaf ears. Until Powers is run out of OUPD entering a football or basketball game will always consist of a brief trip through Fallujah


Agreed. I'd be surprised if any federal agency recommends all the hoops and hideous barriers on the outside of the Convo. Even if they do, there's still absolutely no logic to having scores of yellow jackets making the in-arena experience as inconvenient and unpleasant as possible (i.e. disallowing movement on the inner concourse and slowing egress in many other ways). You know there are too many because they have lots of spare time -- I saw more than one yellow jacket catch and keep promotional items last year. I wonder if that's in the Homeland Security handbook.
Back to Top
  
ts1227
General User

Member Since: 2/28/2006
Location: Tallmadge, OH
Post Count: 857

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 11:37:41 AM 
Recovering Journalist wrote:
ts1227 wrote:
Not surprised the security thing fell on deaf ears. Until Powers is run out of OUPD entering a football or basketball game will always consist of a brief trip through Fallujah


Agreed. I'd be surprised if any federal agency recommends all the hoops and hideous barriers on the outside of the Convo. Even if they do, there's still absolutely no logic to having scores of yellow jackets making the in-arena experience as inconvenient and unpleasant as possible (i.e. disallowing movement on the inner concourse and slowing egress in many other ways). You know there are too many because they have lots of spare time -- I saw more than one yellow jacket catch and keep promotional items last year. I wonder if that's in the Homeland Security handbook.


I’ve only been to Kent recently in terms of other MAC venues, but entering Dix Stadium is nothing like entering Peden. I would assume most others have had similar experiences at other sites. Hell, even Cleveland keeps the roads beside Gund Arena open and doesn’t claim they can’t because someone might set off a bomb. It’s all a load of crap but no one at the university cares enough to intervene.
Back to Top
  
BillyTheCat
General User

Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 9,784

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 11:44:33 AM 
ts1227 wrote:
Recovering Journalist wrote:
ts1227 wrote:
Not surprised the security thing fell on deaf ears. Until Powers is run out of OUPD entering a football or basketball game will always consist of a brief trip through Fallujah


Agreed. I'd be surprised if any federal agency recommends all the hoops and hideous barriers on the outside of the Convo. Even if they do, there's still absolutely no logic to having scores of yellow jackets making the in-arena experience as inconvenient and unpleasant as possible (i.e. disallowing movement on the inner concourse and slowing egress in many other ways). You know there are too many because they have lots of spare time -- I saw more than one yellow jacket catch and keep promotional items last year. I wonder if that's in the Homeland Security handbook.


I’ve only been to Kent recently in terms of other MAC venues, but entering Dix Stadium is nothing like entering Peden. I would assume most others have had similar experiences at other sites. Hell, even Cleveland keeps the roads beside Gund Arena open and doesn’t claim they can’t because someone might set off a bomb. It’s all a load of crap but no one at the university cares enough to intervene.


+1
Back to Top
  
.
General User

Member Since: 2/3/2005
Post Count: 2,969

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 5:16:59 PM 
We're one step away from building a moat with alligators around the Convo.

Honestly, I'd be for that rather than security measures more appropriate for the Gaza Strip.
Back to Top
  
OhioCatFan
General User



Member Since: 12/20/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 14,159

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/12/2019 10:41:33 PM 
Did anyone else have a similar reaction to the one I had to this message? To wit: The tone was so much more friendly and forthcoming than what we typical have gotten from the AD's office in recent years. It had a sincere ring to it that seems to have been missing for quite awhile. One really sensed an effort to listen and then react to fan input, and it seemed to imply that this was not the end point but the beginning of a more open dialogue. No more one-man focus groups deciding everything. Maybe I'm reading too much into one message, but I was impressed. I would not be upset if Amy Dean is named the permanent AD. Job well done, so far, IMHO. Go OHIO!

Last Edited: 7/12/2019 10:42:52 PM by OhioCatFan

The only BLSS Certified Hypocrite on BA

"It is better to be an optimist and be proven a fool than to be a pessimist and be proven right."

Note: My avatar is the national colors of the 78th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, which are now preserved in a climate controlled vault at the Ohio History Connection. Learn more about the old 78th at: http://www.78ohio.org

Back to Top
  
Alan Swank
General User

Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 7,072

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/13/2019 10:49:30 AM 
OhioCatFan wrote:
Did anyone else have a similar reaction to the one I had to this message? To wit: The tone was so much more friendly and forthcoming than what we typical have gotten from the AD's office in recent years. It had a sincere ring to it that seems to have been missing for quite awhile. One really sensed an effort to listen and then react to fan input, and it seemed to imply that this was not the end point but the beginning of a more open dialogue. No more one-man focus groups deciding everything. Maybe I'm reading too much into one message, but I was impressed. I would not be upset if Amy Dean is named the permanent AD. Job well done, so far, IMHO. Go OHIO!


Through the years, I've always felt that my conversations with Amy and Michael were sincere but slightly "restrained," not because they wanted to be that way but because they had to be. Now that the weight has been lifted from their shoulders I believe the true talents that they both have can be unleashed for the betterment of all fans not just those with deep pockets. I could not agree more with your statement OCF.
Back to Top
  
cc-cat
General User

Member Since: 4/5/2006
Location: matthews, NC
Post Count: 3,873

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/13/2019 11:35:30 AM 
be careful what you wish for - oh my !!

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/04/12... /

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/us/hand-dryers-childre...


Back to Top
  
Buck.Cat
General User

Member Since: 12/21/2017
Post Count: 365

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/13/2019 12:45:35 PM 
In terms of the security presence inside and outside the Convo, there is an opportunity for season ticket holders and students to come together and takethe situation head on. For example, walk the inner concourse en mass. When the lowly "security" person tells your group to stop, respectfully tell them NO and keep walking to your destination.
Back to Top
  
bornacatfan
General User



Member Since: 8/3/2006
Post Count: 5,711

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/14/2019 9:16:26 AM 
I am happy the hand dryers are FINALLY being addressed.

I recall a day in the Convo when my son was playing a DECADE ago. Followed a guy out of the bathroom that skipped the handwashing, We were standing in line at the concessions when he saw me and extended his hand to shake. I smiled and said something about "mmmmm not till you wash those...." and rolled my eyes laughing. He said in return..."sorry dude, no paper towels and not going to fight the dryers"

That moment I thought about all the hands I shake in the course of a ball game and made a post about Hand Dryers. I am beyond happy that they are going to replace the hamsters that have been on duty spinning the wheels in the Convo bathrooms since it was built. GOne will be the shaking of my head every time I stop at a roadside rest area or a public bathroom and the cursory evaluation of the latest and greatest in dryers.....we're getting new ones!!!! I can shake hands and have less worry about what you just handled down there at the urinal or wiped in the stall

never argue with idiots, they bring you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Winter comes and asks how you spent your summer.....

The game loves and rewards those who love and reward the game

Back to Top
  
Andrew Ruck
General User



Member Since: 12/22/2004
Location: Columbus, OH
Post Count: 4,861

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/14/2019 6:22:27 PM 
What is Amy Dean's background? Is she being considered a serious candidate for the AD job?

This survey and response is everything the athletic department has lacked for decades. Very pleased with the efforts.

Andrew Ruck
B.B.A. 2003

Back to Top
  
BillyTheCat
General User

Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 9,784

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/14/2019 6:45:16 PM 
Interesting this comes out at a. Time of no AD. Telling of the old regime?
Back to Top
  
Alan Swank
General User

Member Since: 12/11/2004
Location: Athens, OH
Post Count: 7,072

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/14/2019 7:34:49 PM 
Andrew Ruck wrote:
What is Amy Dean's background? Is she being considered a serious candidate for the AD job?

This survey and response is everything the athletic department has lacked for decades. Very pleased with the efforts.


https://www.ohiobobcats.com/information/directory/bios/de...
Back to Top
  
Bobcat61
General User

Member Since: 5/24/2005
Post Count: 238

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/14/2019 10:24:55 PM 
Got to-give Amy credit for all of these. “ The other guy “ would have waited for hell to freeze over
Amy is as loyal as they vome
Would make a great choice
Think Green, Think Bobcat Green!
Back to Top
  
Jeff McKinney
Moderator

Member Since: 11/12/2004
Post Count: 6,101

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/14/2019 11:23:16 PM 
I think the department deserves a lot of credit for reaching out to the fan base and actually implementing ideas.
Back to Top
  
BillyTheCat
General User

Member Since: 10/6/2012
Post Count: 9,784

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/15/2019 12:17:17 AM 
Jeff McKinney wrote:
I think the department deserves a lot of credit for reaching out to the fan base and actually implementing ideas.


+1
Back to Top
  
Recovering Journalist
General User

Member Since: 8/17/2010
Location: Cleveland, OH
Post Count: 1,839

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/15/2019 8:37:15 AM 
Jeff McKinney wrote:
I think the department deserves a lot of credit for reaching out to the fan base and actually implementing ideas.


Yes, despite my kvetching about security, I am pleased to see that they are listening and acting.
Back to Top
  
OUcats82
General User



Member Since: 1/9/2005
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Post Count: 1,852

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/15/2019 9:30:08 AM 
Alan Swank wrote:
OhioCatFan wrote:
Did anyone else have a similar reaction to the one I had to this message? To wit: The tone was so much more friendly and forthcoming than what we typical have gotten from the AD's office in recent years. It had a sincere ring to it that seems to have been missing for quite awhile. One really sensed an effort to listen and then react to fan input, and it seemed to imply that this was not the end point but the beginning of a more open dialogue. No more one-man focus groups deciding everything. Maybe I'm reading too much into one message, but I was impressed. I would not be upset if Amy Dean is named the permanent AD. Job well done, so far, IMHO. Go OHIO!


Through the years, I've always felt that my conversations with Amy and Michael were sincere but slightly "restrained," not because they wanted to be that way but because they had to be. Now that the weight has been lifted from their shoulders I believe the true talents that they both have can be unleashed for the betterment of all fans not just those with deep pockets. I could not agree more with your statement OCF.



It's definitely easy to let one's imagination wander when common cries seem to fall on deaf ears for so long, only to be heard very shortly after a change in leadership. Amy looks to have a good amount of facility management experience and what I would assume to be "visitor experience" as a part of that background looking at her bio.

I don't feel like I can be as much of a squeaky wheel since I don't contribute back as much as many of you, but I am glad your feedback is being heard. All of those things will only improve everyone's impressions of Ohio Athletics-from prospective students/parents, alumni, fans etc. All the "little things" add up to impact the big things IMHO.

All that being said, the measures being taken in the same of "security" definitely sound excessive and a little troubling from what has been shared on here. Can't say I have seen it on such levels at other (mainly professional) venues but I wasn't really looking for it, either.

Ohio-The State University
Back to Top
  
GoCats105
General User

Member Since: 1/31/2006
Location: Seattle, WA
Post Count: 7,063

Status: Offline
  Message Not Read  RE: Fan Feedback response Email
   Posted: 7/17/2019 5:30:37 PM 
OU_Country wrote:
As a second side note, I still think the blocking off of the upper covered walkway is very unnecessary and excessive. I view it as police folks in charge either having a power trip, or being afraid of getting sued.


But they did change the way you can enter, which is a huge boost.

"Therefore:
We will remove gate designations to allow fans to enter the building through the gate most convenient to them. With this change, general fans can now enter the previously designated student entrance on the northwest side of the Convocation Center. In turn, students will be allowed to enter through the main entrance."
Back to Top
  
Showing Replies:  1 - 25  of 31 Posts
Jump to Page:  1 | 2    Next >
View Other 'Ohio Basketball' Topics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             



WHO'S ONLINE
There are 186 Active Visitors on BobcatAttack.com
184 Guests
2 Registered Users:
 ExCat21, UpSan Bobcat
There are no other users looking at this page.




Copyright ©2024 BobcatAttack.com. All rights reserved.  |  Privacy Policy  |  Terms of Use
Partner of USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties