Pay to Park @ NW?!?

[BearcatDude]

The NW Athletic Dept and Booster Club are trying to make fans of the Bearcat Football team pay for parking on game days. In an upcoming Board of Regents meeting, they plan on submitting some changes to current practices. Some of these are good ideas, others are not. Some of these ideas include mandating that all season ticket holders become members of the Booster Club, most already are, so that makes sense. Also, limiting the number of season tickets that can be purchased based on the level of Booster Club membership. These are reasonable ideas, but their last idea is that there be a charge for parking in certain lots. The lots that are in question are the lot just north of College Park (for $10/game) and west of the Amphitheatre ($5/game.) I believe that this will greatly diminish the Game Day experience at Northwest. A Game Day experience that is one of the best in the MIAA and in all of Division II football.

Does Northwest really want to be the leader in the MIAA in this aspect? I don’t know of any other school in the conference that charges for parking for football games. I believe that people will naturally migrate to other parking lots to park and tailgate for free. This will displace students that will have to find other places to park, possibly even having to pay to park in one of these lots.  Most people don’t enjoy having to pay for something that they used to get for free, when there is no added benefit to them. I can understand paying for parking if it is reserved parking. For example, paying X amount for a reserved spot to park and/or tailgate.

But to pay to park in general admission parking lot is not a good idea. There are several glaring problem that this creates. 1) How is this going to go be enforced? And who is going to do it? Campus Safety is already stretched thin on game days as it is. When will they start patrolling? Most tailgaters start showing up 6-7 hours before kickoff. SO the campus would have to pay people to sit there for hours; this will definitely cut into any profit that would be made. 2) Will parking passes be sold separately or only on game days? If they are sold separately and on game days, how do you ensure that those that have purchased them separately get a spot if they arrive late and all the spaces have been filled? They have purchased a parking pass, but aren’t able to use it? 3) The parking lot to the west of the Amphitheatre isn’t really a parking lot. It is the practice field for the Bearcat Marching Band. There aren’t any lines painted for parking, only the lines replicating the field lines. So you would have to paint those lines so you know exactly how many spaces you can sell. There again you run into the problem of people purchasing a parking pass ahead of time and then not being able to get a space that they’ve paid for. There are also several people that bring RVs to games, will they have to purchase 1 parking pass, yet they take up multiple spaces.

If we as fans will have to start paying for parking for football games, what about other sports? It is not fair that as a football fan I have to pay to park, but basketball or baseball fans do not. So do they now have to pay as well? What about other events that are not sport related? Do individuals that attend those events have to pay to park as well?

Basically, this is not a good idea. I personally believe that this stemmed from a few individuals who got tired of not getting a parking space, or got tired of seeing people save parking spots for others. No matter what the reason is that brought this idea about, that doesn’t change the fact that it is a bad idea, and should not be implemented.

[NWCat]

You start off by saying that the athletic department and the booster club are trying to make Bearcat FB fans pay for parking on game days. Last time I checked, the booster club members are Bearcat football fans. Are your a Booster Club member? If so, then you are trying to make the changes. If not, why not?

First of all, the proposal came from the athletic department rather than the booster club. At the last booster club board meeting, athletic administration presented the proposal that will be going forward to the board of regents. The final decision rests with the board of regents.

As for the management of the parking, there is a lot that has to be resolved. No one has said if the parking is reserved or general admission. The decision has not been made. Your point of haveing a reserved parking spot for parking and tailgating was discussed by the booster club board. Realize it was just a discussion since it is not a board decision. In the end, if parking spots are reserved, it looks as if you support the idea. Campus safety knows how many parking spaces are in the parking lots, so I don't think overselling will be an issue. Much of the other you brought up in your third paragraph was discussed as well. Some will see it as an added benefit if they get to park closer to the stadium and they don't have to get to the stadium 5-6 hours ahead of time or they don't have to have someone "save" them a parking spot.

When we went to Central Washington, they were charging for every lot on campus. Although it hasn't been done in the past in the MIAA, I think it will become commonplace as schools look to find ways to plug budget shortfalls.

As for the other sports, whether it is fair or not, football helps pay the bills. It is a supply and demand thing. Will charging $5 for parking really disuade that many fans from attending?

As for getting parking for free, there will still be options. Maybe just not as close as some would like. Last year when private landowners charged for parking, I heard comments both ways and you know what, people paid to park. Some are misinformed if they think this stemmed form someone not getting a parking space.

If this helps the overall athletic program, including football, at Northwest, it should be supported.

[Catz54]

Are your a Booster Club member? If so, then you are trying to make the changes. If not, why not?

If this helps the overall athletic program, including football, at Northwest, it should be supported.

I agree with you regarding the parking fee. It is no big deal. Just park away if you don't want to pay it.

I disagree about being part of the booster club or helping Northwest Athletics as a whole. I am a Northwest football fan. I don't feel like other sports  have put a quality product out there for years. The same thing we say about mediocre football teams in our conference apply to almost every other sport Northwest fields.

Money is one of those things you have to choose to spend wisely. I am not sure it is cool to dictate to people how they have to spend their money. If I want to buy season tickets and dedicate that money to Northwest (which they receive whether I go or not) I don't think it is cool for them to ask for more. I get that season tickets are in demand, but I with a budget crisis, I don't think it is smart to turn down money by asking for more.

If you have to be a booster club member to have season tickets, I probably won't be a season ticket holder.

[BearcatDude]

You start off by saying that the athletic department and the booster club are trying to make Bearcat FB fans pay for parking on game days. Last time I checked, the booster club members are Bearcat football fans. Are your a Booster Club member? If so, then you are trying to make the changes. If not, why not?

Yes I am a member of the Boosters, and I understand that I am part of the organization that is throwing all of their support behind this proposal. But just because you are part of an organization, doesn't mean that you support everything that that organization does.

As for the other sports, whether it is fair or not, football helps pay the bills. It is a supply and demand thing. Will charging $5 for parking really disuade that many fans from attending?

As for getting parking for free, there will still be options. Maybe just not as close as some would like. Last year when private landowners charged for parking, I heard comments both ways and you know what, people paid to park. Some are misinformed if they think this stemmed form someone not getting a parking space.

If this helps the overall athletic program, including football, at Northwest, it should be supported.

Yeah - having to pay $5 in parking may very well keep people away. As much as we hate to admit it - D2 isn't D1. For those of us avid fans that mingle around messageboards in the offseason - we aren't the typical fans. The cost would have to be pretty high to scare us away. But not everyone is like us - there are a lot of people who just might choose not to come.

And as for the private land owner charging to park - notice there weren't nearly the number of vehicles there that there had been in the past. I truly believe that for those other than us avid fans and tailgaters, these parking lots will become the last option for most attendees.

Just because this would bring in money to the athletic department - that doesn't necessarily translate into being good for the program.

[Bearcat Billy]

The devil will be in the details.  One detail I hope they make sure is addressed and accomodated is RV parking.  If there is no set aside parking when all this sorts itself out -- the RV driving fans such as myself will have a problem likely.  There are three major lots for parking at present.  The NW lot which is already reserved parking.  The second lot west that is adjacent to the baseball field.  The third lot is the lot directly west of the park.  If all three of those become charged parking areas -- then I hope that there are ample sized lots set aside to accomodate RVs in one or more of the three primary parking lots currently available.  If all the spots in those lots are assumed to be traditional vehicles then I can see an issue on where RVs are going to be able to park.  If not then you have to maybe buy three to four parking spots or more to park an RV?  And you choose not to pay $20+ to park your next option to park an RV would be? Does that make any sense?

[Footballer]

I understand all the concerns and they are valid ones but the final point is that if their isn't enough $$$ to have good facilities, keep a good coaching staff together and bring in quality recruits then it really dosn't matter anyway because knowone will come to the games.

[papacatx2]

Has anyone or will anyone, contribute to the Champions Fund. And has anyone filled out the Survey on the Athletic website? 
The day will come when I'll just read about Bearcat Football in the paper, I see it coming.
Before my son's attended the school I didn't even know NWMSU even existed. So it won't matter much anyways after the one finish's.
Really won't be much of an incentive to drive 2 hours in the middle of BFE just to watch football. At least now I can visit my Son while I'm there, and watch the game together.
Case and point, how many alums are in the KC metro area that attend games? So why would a Parent of an alum or two want to go? And throw additional fees on top, heck no.
I'll spend my money on William Jewell or the KC Chiefs and save the 2 hour drive. For that matter I'll just watch D1 on TV, and it's sudo free  . 
The University is going to do whatever it wants to do anyways. Good/Bad or otherwise, just depends on what side of the fence your on.
No simple answer, all I can say is all good things do come to pass. Just a matter of when.

[Footballer]

Knowone is forcing anyone to park in a pay lot you still have other options that are free and I don't think paying $5.00 for a convience will break anyone its still a pretty cheap day of fun. All schools are in a money crunch and if this helps the kids in the football program I'm for it. Lets be realisitic its for 5 games a year not counting playoffs and I bet most of you guys waste more money in a lot dumber and don't even realize it. (Beer , coffee, cigs, pop, movies, dinner) Lighten up

[voicefromthestands]

Has anyone or will anyone, contribute to the Champions Fund. And has anyone filled out the Survey on the Athletic website? 
The day will come when I'll just read about Bearcat Football in the paper, I see it coming.
Before my son's attended the school I didn't even know NWMSU even existed. So it won't matter much anyways after the one finish's.
Really won't be much of an incentive to drive 2 hours in the middle of BFE just to watch football. At least now I can visit my Son while I'm there, and watch the game together.
Case and point, how many alums are in the KC metro area that attend games? So why would a Parent of an alum or two want to go? And throw additional fees on top, heck no.
I'll spend my money on William Jewell or the KC Chiefs and save the 2 hour drive. For that matter I'll just watch D1 on TV, and it's sudo free  . 
The University is going to do whatever it wants to do anyways. Good/Bad or otherwise, just depends on what side of the fence your on.
No simple answer, all I can say is all good things do come to pass. Just a matter of when.

I had to highlight the KC reference. Let's see their parking fee is what? Ah $15.00 per game. Not to mention their concession prices. And the final product on the field? What product? What a bunch of whinners. What is it 60 miles from KC to Maryville? Round trip 120 miles. The parking is lousy at Northwest. You get there and try the lot west of the park and people are parked any which way. No openings large enough for a compact car. Drive thru mud to get to the gravel and  still no openings. Empty lawn chairs sitting everywhere blocking parking spaces. It's bad enough that last year I upped my Booster Club donation and got a parking pass to the lot next to the stadium.

[NWCat]

You start off by saying that the athletic department and the booster club are trying to make Bearcat FB fans pay for parking on game days. Last time I checked, the booster club members are Bearcat football fans. Are your a Booster Club member? If so, then you are trying to make the changes. If not, why not?

Yes I am a member of the Boosters, and I understand that I am part of the organization that is throwing all of their support behind this proposal. But just because you are part of an organization, doesn't mean that you support everything that that organization does.

As for the other sports, whether it is fair or not, football helps pay the bills. It is a supply and demand thing. Will charging $5 for parking really disuade that many fans from attending?

As for getting parking for free, there will still be options. Maybe just not as close as some would like. Last year when private landowners charged for parking, I heard comments both ways and you know what, people paid to park. Some are misinformed if they think this stemmed form someone not getting a parking space.

If this helps the overall athletic program, including football, at Northwest, it should be supported.

Yeah - having to pay $5 in parking may very well keep people away. As much as we hate to admit it - D2 isn't D1. For those of us avid fans that mingle around messageboards in the offseason - we aren't the typical fans. The cost would have to be pretty high to scare us away. But not everyone is like us - there are a lot of people who just might choose not to come.

And as for the private land owner charging to park - notice there weren't nearly the number of vehicles there that there had been in the past. I truly believe that for those other than us avid fans and tailgaters, these parking lots will become the last option for most attendees.

Just because this would bring in money to the athletic department - that doesn't necessarily translate into being good for the program.

This might have been the first year the area south of fourth street was used for parking by private landowners. By my understanding, this money was donated to charity.

Most people have no idea what the booster club does in terms of support of the the athletic programs at Northwest. As a member, you are supporting the football program both directly and indirectly.

[Taxman]

All of this is over less than 13K (17K-4K according to the article) of additional revenue a year.  What has been the cost so far to put together this proposal?  What the money is to be used for really needs to be added IMO.  I think it would help with how this is received by people.

[Footballer]

What it boils down to is there must be a real budget crunch going on here and with the competition at other schools nipping at our heels to get better by upgrading their facilities and training areas, bringing in good recruits and keeping good coaches it costs money. So if you enjoy NW Football and want to see them continue to be the power house we are used to seeing and enjoy, there are going to have to be private donations and fundraisers. I guess if you don't care what happens then don't bitch when things go down hill but I don't think a $5.00 parking fee or donating $100.00 to them will hurt anyone that makes a decient living and enjoys watching quality football. There are a lot of schools would like to have the program NW has but they can't get there, we are there and are trying to stay on top so I guess as a fan, do I want them to or not. If you say no then have a serious look at the $$$ you waste on things and getting nothing in return and that really dosn't bother you so why should this. Its still a cheap day of fun. All of this bitching is stupid, some of the NW Fans have had it good so long they are spoiled as what a good deal the have had.

[BearcatDude]

What it boils down to is there must be a real budget crunch going on here and with the competition at other schools nipping at our heels to get better by upgrading their facilities and training areas, bringing in good recruits and keeping good coaches it costs money. So if you enjoy NW Football and want to see them continue to be the power house we are used to seeing and enjoy, there are going to have to be private donations and fundraisers. I guess if you don't care what happens then don't bitch when things go down hill but I don't think a $5.00 parking fee or donating $100.00 to them will hurt anyone that makes a decient living and enjoys watching quality football. There are a lot of schools would like to have the program NW has but they can't get there, we are there and are trying to stay on top so I guess as a fan, do I want them to or not. If you say no then have a serious look at the $$$ you waste on things and getting nothing in return and that really dosn't bother you so why should this. Its still a cheap day of fun. All of this bitching is stupid, some of the NW Fans have had it good so long they are spoiled as what a good deal the have had.

Ha ha... this is laughable. Are you seriously arguing that if we don't start paying for parking the quality of the football team is going to decrease? That is about as a logical conclusion as most political arguments.

[papacatx2]

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have a clue what the money is supposed to be used for. Having said that, will it make a difference if I know? Maybe. But for me, I go to the games for convenince. I have 1 son that graduated. Have another one attending presently. So for ME to go to the games only makes sense, so I can spend more time with them while I'm up there. Do I watch other sporting events? On occasion I take in a BBall game. But it sure isn't the town that I go to visit. I'd be curious to hear how many others might be doing the same? Is it bitching or whinning, no.
It's not 60 miles to NW more like 96 miles and 198 miles round trip.
At some point I'll stop driving up there anyways, I came close to stopping after my first son Graduated, the only reason I kept going was because I have a rental up there and my other son planned on attending after he completed his tour in the Marine Corps. He's out now and thats the primary reason I go back up there now.
The parking does suck and you are right about all the mess you have to walk through and there are many empty chairs that you  have to maneuver around.

LOL, whats funny though is how sensitive some people are about others posting their thoughts.

[Footballer]

This ditch might be deeper than we know and I sure there is more to come than just a parking fee.