Introduction to the Big Game
The University of Houston’s upcoming Friday night football game against Colorado and Deion Sanders is generating significant excitement. University of Houston athletic director Eddie Nuñez is determined to make this game a memorable experience, setting the stage for future sellouts and big game happenings.
Current Ticket Sales and Projections
As of now, the current crowd projections are trending between 35,000 to 37,000 fans on a good day. Nuñez is optimistic that the numbers will continue to rise, especially with game day sales and increased student ticket claims. In fact, the university has already seen 7,000 student tickets claimed, which could potentially set a record for student tickets.
The Importance of a Sellout
While having 37,000 fans in attendance may not be significantly different from an official sellout of 40,000 or more, the public relations benefit of declaring a sellout is substantial. However, Nuñez emphasizes that a one-game burst, whether it’s a sellout or not, will not be enough to significantly lift Willie Fritz’s program.
Building on the Opportunity
Nuñez stresses the importance of taking care of the opportunity at hand and ensuring that the experience is enjoyable for fans, making them want to return for future games. He cites basketball as a great example of how consistent efforts can lead to increased attendance and enthusiasm. The next games, including those against Oregon State and Texas Tech, should be just as exciting and well-attended.
Enhancing the Fan Experience
To achieve this, Nuñez is focused on providing a low-hassle experience for fans, particularly in terms of parking and traffic. The university is working with METRO and the police department to alleviate entrance and exit congestion on campus. By putting in these efforts, Nuñez hopes to create a positive experience that will encourage fans to return.
Player Perspective
For the Houston players, this game is more than just a milestone. Veteran receiver Stephon Johnson expresses his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to play in front of a large crowd, stating that it means a lot to him and the university. He sees this game as a chance to make the city and fans proud.
Conclusion
The University of Houston’s Friday night game against Colorado and Deion Sanders has the potential to be a memorable experience, with current ticket sales and projections indicating a strong turnout. However, athletic director Eddie Nuñez is looking beyond this one game, focusing on creating a positive experience for fans and building a strong foundation for future games. With the players also excited and motivated, this game could be a significant step forward for Willie Fritz’s program.
