Vespidae
Helluva Engineer
- Messages
- 5,304
- Location
- Auburn, AL
When, I became a Tech fan in 1961 you could not beg, borrow or steal a ticket to a Georgia Tech football game. I know that was a different time and a very different Atlanta. But when I see UGA packing in 90,000 at their games, they can't be all alumni. I would bet 50-60,000 are sidewalk fans. Tech can pack BDS, they just need to win and make Tech games a special event like they used to be. Tech needs families, they need young boys to be inspired to play for the Jackets and become engineers and computer scientists and astronauts, and all the things that Tech offers. The NFL is exciting but it's a flash in pan compared to the career opportunities Georgia Tech offers.
Outkick had an interesting article re Alabama's fanbase. They estimated that about 15% of the fanbase actually attended the school; the other 85% root for Alabama because it represents 99% of their self-esteem.
Auburn fans, a distinct minority in the state (just like GT), are really nothing like Alabama fans. That’s because by and large Auburn fans are associated in some way with Auburn. Most of Alabama's students are residents of other states; most of Auburn's are in-state.
The marketing of the two programs is very different. Alabama markets "Winning championships". That IS the Alabama identity and if grew up in a challenging environment, Alabama football was your escape. Auburn, on the other hands, promotes "the Auburn Family" and really works on creating legacy relationships.
UGA to me, is more like Alabama. Lots of fans who have no connection to the school other than it's a tool to build your self-esteem. Tech has not found its identity. It lost it in the rush toward globalization and the success of the research programs, but hasn't really found it's "legacy" messaging. Enlarging a fanbase with no human connection to the Institute (or any sports program, anywhere) is a challenge.