Show me the Money

Shortly after the Nevada game, the remaining sparse crowd celebrated the 600th win of Coach Roy Williams. During the celebratory speech, Coach Williams commented on the thin-ness of the crowd, suggesting that those who didn't come to the small-time games don't deserve to come to the big-time games. If you were there, you know what I'm talking about. The topic of crowd contribution were further discussed by Chancellor Thorp in his most recent blog post.

As a fan, I fully support the sentiments of both Coach Williams and Chancellor Thorp. I particularly appreciate the leadership by example, as shown by Mrs. Thorp, as those in attendance to any game can see her jumping around.

But, there's a but.

What is the reward for the dedicated, everyday fan? I consider my closest friends and family a great example of understanding that life is about the money.

As a student at UNC, I never missed a game, standing in line on Saturdays at 6:00 AM to earn the right to walk into the Dean Dome. My graduation gift in December of 2000 was a small contribution to the Rams Club to get started. We contribute enough annually to secure 4 upper level football tickets in section 228, but don't nearly contribute enough to have season tickets to basketball. As luck would have it, my two friends and I are all employees of UNC and therefore have the privilege (key word there) to purchase 6 season tickets to basketball. We currently sit in section 228A row V, in the corner, behind a video board (unable to see the two showing in-game replays) with 1 row between us and the wall behind.

Since 2000, I can count the number of games we have missed on one hand, and none were by choice. We are always there before tip and always stay until after the scoring totals are given, no matter what the margin of victory or loss, even through 8 and 20.

We've never walked out of a football game early...

We've driven non-stop 1300 miles to Omaha to see the Diamond Heels play...

We are not alone. There are many fans the exemplify what Coach Williams wants in a fan, what Chancellor Thorp wants in a fan. A fan that is enthusiastic, who feels privileged to be there, and who understands that if we expect dedication from tip to buzzer from our players; we as fans must be responsible to do the same.

But what Coach Williams states rings empty, as I stand in section 228A row V clapping, knowing that there is no reward for dedication that can compare to donation or designation.

What I say to you, Coach Williams and Chancellor Thorp, if you believe what you say, then do something about it.

A modest Rams Club contributor (all contributors) can carry an ID card that is scanned along with tickets upon entry to games to build up attendance points...

Seats can be guaranteed until a particular timeout, and then deemed general admission...

Are these feasible ideas? Maybe. Maybe not. But until a reward is given to the dedicated fan, Coach Williams can wish all he wants for seats to be filled at the Nevada game. But his wish will be as likely to come true as mine to be sitting closer to the court because I gave a large donation of dedication.