No excuses!

[Bally #50]

Sunny, breezy and 66 degrees. Over the past three years, the weather prognostication for the Homecoming game has been semi-bad. In each case, the actual weather at game time has turned out to be pretty darned good. The reason I bring that up, beside the fact that I am a certified weather freak, is those bad forecasts have kept MANY fans away from driving to Terre Haute simply because people don't want to drive any distance to go sit in the stadium when it is cold, windy, rainy or whatever excuse they would come up with.

All week this year, the weather forecast has been predicted in the mid 60's and sunny. Yes, the forecast calls for a stiff breeze throughout the game but that should make it feel more comfortable, not less. So what's my point you ask?

If we ever had a GOOD reason to come to a ball game, this is it. The Sycamores are 4-2 with those two losses from ranked teams. For the first time in more than a decade, WE are ranked in the top 25 for a homecoming game. The "karma" at Indiana State is at near-record levels and our alumni are showing more pride in ISU than they have in some time. Despite having to compete with multiple huge events in the Wabash Valley, MOST people I know have been able to secure rooms, despite being sold out for months. Students have been showing up for games this season and the weather is a good reason for more of them to do the "Walk" and the number of students attending ISU this year is also the most in a decade or more.

We have all set a goal for attendance to be in excess of 10,000. I don't have any idea when the last time ISU drew that many to a football game but it is safe to say, it has been a VERY long time, most likely in the early 70's. If we can get the huge crowd from the Walk and the thousands at tent city, to come INTO the stadium, we just might meet that goal. I'd say we have a shot at it, that's for sure.

Truly, Sycamore nation can do it. This year, we have NO EXCUSES. Game on, party on. See you all at the Bally tonight~

 

[Westbadenboy]

We're There !

Can't make the Bally tonight, but we'll be there Saturday at the Stadium -- one of over 10,000 watching the Sycamores dismantle Western Ill.

You're right -- NO excuses this time.

:sycamores:

 

[niklz62]

Does anyone know if there are things for children to do prior to the game like those inflatable fun houses? Im bringing my 2 year old and im also promoting the game as much as i can using as many reasons to get people there as possible.

 

[ISUCC]

I made it in from the Dakota Territories, so will be at the tailgate tomorrow morning! 800 miles, long drive!

 

[Bally #50]

Dakota territories? Come in a stagecoach?

 

[ISUCC]

rode in on the Elliptigo, king will understand....

 

[ISU85]

We routinely had crowds over 10K in the early to mid-80s when the team was good. Freshman year homecoming was 16K, soph year 15K, junior year 14K and senior year (still the biggest weather disappointment EVER) managed to get 10K to show up despite a driving rainstorm. They were expecting a record crowd that year (1984) when ISU was ranked No.1 but the weather screwed that one. Of course, student support was much better during that time and we had bleachers on both sides of the stadium so turnout was much greater.

Doubt its been over 10K much after that. In fact, I went to homecoming a few years ago and someone commented on what a great crowd we had that day -- it was only 5K. It just shows how low ISU football has gone. Still kinda hard for me to believe since I was lucky enough to be there during a special time.

Couldn't be happier that it's on the way back up and can't wait to be part of a "modern day" big crowd. The key is to keep it going for years to come!

 

[Bally #50]

Thanks, 85. Although I have always gone to the majority of games at home since 1967, I couldn't remember what some of the crowds had been, especially in the 80's. I knew we drew well at the Hoosier Dome games in the 80's as well and of course, as a cheerleader in 1970-71 I remember that year averaging 14,500 my senior year with the all-time record set at Homecoming at 19,500.

 

[niklz62]

Dont hold me to this but in 1993 against Western Kentucky for Homecoming i think we had somewhere in the 9000s. thats the biggest crowd i can remember while i was playing