Friday, September 21, 2007

Boycott of KU-MU game urged

Bar owners protest loss of revenue from moving match to K.C.

By Chad Lawhorn

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Downtown business owners urge KU fans to avoid Arrowhead game

KU takes on MU at Arrowhead Stadum on November 24. Jerry Neverve wants to give discounts to people who don't go to the game.

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Stay at home and party.

That's what a pair of downtown Lawrence business owners will be trying to convince Lawrence residents to do on Nov. 24, rather than travel to the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., to watch Kansas University's "home" football game against Missouri.

Jerry and Sue Neverve - owners of downtown's Red Lyon Tavern - are working on a protest and a promotion that would allow KU fans to show their unused game ticket on Nov. 24 to Lawrence restaurants and retailers to receive special discounts on food and goods.

"We thought that would, hopefully, make a point to the athletic department and maybe result in some changes for the future," Sue Neverve said.

This season marks the first of a two-year experiment by KU and MU to conduct the arch-rivalry game in Kansas City, Mo.

Jim Marchiony, associate athletic director at KU, said it would be unfortunate if KU fans didn't turn out at Arrowhead.

"The team deserves the support," Marchiony said.

But the Neverves say the community deserves the support, too. Several retailers have opposed moving the Nov. 24 game - which is the Saturday after Thanksgiving - because it will encourage people to leave town on what is traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

"KU is always asking for our support, whether it be through the Williams Fund or ticket purchase or something else, and then this is what happens," said Jerry Neverve, who has been a football season ticket holder for the past 14 years.

Marchiony, though, said the game should help the KU football program, and that, ultimately, will help the entire community. He also said he's not convinced Lawrence businesses are going to lose out on sales because the game has been moved.

"I think that money will be spent in Lawrence, whether it is before the game, after the game or on another day in Lawrence," Marchiony said. "It is very premature to predict economic doom and gloom because of one game being moved out of Lawrence."

The Neverves aren't buying what Marchiony says. Sue Neverve said during the next two weeks, she will begin signing up restaurants and other businesses that are interested in offering a discount in return for showing an unused game ticket. She also said she'll be encouraging businesses to offer tailgate parties for fans to come and watch the game, which could be on TV. She's talking with owners of property near Memorial Stadium that traditionally provide parking and tailgating space for KU fans. She wants those properties to encourage fans to come tailgate despite the game being in Kansas City.

Sue Neverve said she plans to pass out fliers around Memorial Stadium at today's game to alert fans of the promotion.

Comments

chezlog (anonymous) says...

These selfish mechants need to understand that we Jayhawk fans like to watch football. We want Jayhawk football to be better than it's ever been before and watching a game against Mizzo every year at Arrowhead will be great. I say let's boycott these down town mechants who want to hold back Jayhawk football for no reason other than they think we fans owe them our business.

September 22, 2007 at 12:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

FinalFinal (anonymous) says...

Funny, no uproar from the MU merchants. I guess we need to wait a year.

I thought the Red Lyon was out of business. Last Saturday, we almost popped in for one about 3:00 on Sat. The doors were closed and lights were off. Now with this boycott, they just lost any of my future business. Anti KU bars are not long for Lawrence.

September 22, 2007 at 6 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

McGuzzo23 (anonymous) says...

I'm a KU Football fan and I will go watch the Hawks Regardless of where they play. I think the advantage will come next year when a lot of KU fans show up at Arrowhead opposed to last year when I went to Columbia and there was a 300 KU fans there. It was pretty weak. My guess is most of the people that are B!t*ching and moaning wouldn't go to the games anyways. If you are going to support this football team than do it and go to the games regardless of where they are at. I'm not for the game at Arrowhead and I'm not against it I would go where ever it's at. I just want everyone to support the Hawks. It could be a special year.

September 22, 2007 at 6:55 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Displayhawk (anonymous) says...

By gosh, let's boycott the KU athletic department for even scheduling ANY away games! Maybe start a petition to the NCAA that all of our games be played in Lawrence!
What a joke! .....Anybody that buys a ticket to Arrowhead and then doesn't use it to support the Hawks there is an idiot!
I agree with Chezlog, support the team and not the jilted downtown merchants!

September 22, 2007 at 7 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

phoggydrive (anonymous) says...

Dumb...the only thing I feel like boycotting now is Red Lyon and I actually like the place. Too bad.

Backfire?

September 22, 2007 at 7:01 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

GoHawks1 (anonymous) says...

I urge all to boycott the Red Lyon Tavern. Turn about is fair play.

September 22, 2007 at 7:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

rohdek (Kyle Rohde) says...

The merchants already are getting 7 home games this year, which is as many as you can ever expect to get. The fact that we have 8 home games this year is a bonus. Get over yourselves Red Lyon.

September 22, 2007 at 7:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

slantrox (anonymous) says...

Many teams around the country play their rivalry game at a neutral site and off campus. They have done it for years and I have never heard of anybody going out of business because the local team didn't play a 7th game on campus. My guess is the Red Lyon Tavern exists because of KU, not despite of it. I would also guess that it will continue to exist despite this stupid boycottttt!

Put down the coolaid and pick up a pint, cheer on the Hawks to yearly success and everybody wins!!!!

September 22, 2007 at 8:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkfan20 (anonymous) says...

If any businesses do boycott the KU game, then I'll personally boycott those businesses for the rest of my life as will my family and the large group of season ticket holders that sit with me.

It's retarded for them to try to take away KU's homefield advantage. If KU fans use their tickets, KU's going to outnumber MU fans at least 2:1 at Arrowhead this year and likely will next year. As well as this KU team is playing, there could be a lot on the line for KU and I can't imagine anything more selfish from those businesses. The athletic department already has them 7 home games (1 more than they ever got under the previous administration) and an additional 5 home basketball games compared to what they previously got. If they can't see how beneficial the current athletic administration has been toward them, frankly, I hope they go out of business.

September 22, 2007 at 8:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jehillia (anonymous) says...

Moving the game to Arrowhead only takes away from the "on campus" game day experience-whether it be at Mizzu or KU...but I would never boycott the Jayhawks. The football team needs our support more then the Red Lyon needs beer sales. Lawrence, KU, and MU will all make money regardless of the game location. All I'm concerned about is KU putting a "W" in the win column.

September 22, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

optichawk (anonymous) says...

Finances and boycots aside, I think an important point is being missed. This is Mizzou we are talking about. We play hated MU twice a year in hoops. If you would rather see both of those games played in the Sprint Center instead of AFH and AFH-East...your nuckin futs. There's a famous phrase you are all familiar with..."There's No Place Like Home."

September 22, 2007 at 9:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

KU1979 (anonymous) says...

McGuzzo is right -- this could be a special year. The Red Lyon people have no idea what they've started here. This stunt will hurt them much more than benefit them. I like the Red Lyon. I have a framed piece of art that an ad agency put out a few years ago featuring the place. It's coming down and I will never go there again. Idiots.

September 22, 2007 at 9:22 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BPSkelly (anonymous) says...

I saw someone comment that none of the MU bars/businesses are bitching. Thats not true. They are. But its really no different then these folks at the Red Lyon.

Thinking your going to go under because of one game not being around tells me you need a better business plan.

Im not FOR the KU/MU game at Arrowhead, but im not against it either. It is what it is.

We have SEVEN other home games as well. Have we ever had that many actual HOME games? I dont remember if we did. And these people are bitching about that? Nice.

Id prefer it be played in Lawerence, especially now that we seem to be on an upswing. But again, it is what it is. In my opinion we should make the best of it. Boycotting the GAME is not making the best of it.

September 22, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

klong (anonymous) says...

The bad thing is that KU gives up 2 home games and MU only gives up 1 for this deal.

September 22, 2007 at 10:10 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

90rockchalk (anonymous) says...

The Neverves have a lot of nerve. This year's football program is setting attendance records that directly benefit their business, and they're organizing a boycott! KU plays seven games in Lawrence both this year and next. If KU loses to MU this year because more MU fans are at the game and it becomes an MU home game, that won't help attendance at next year's games, now will it? This is extremely stupid, and I would urge everyone to avoid their bar and any other merchant who takes part in this boycot.

September 22, 2007 at 10:15 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

McGuzzo23 (anonymous) says...

We play at Arrowhead this year and Next year we only give up one. It will be back in Lawrence in 2009. In my opinion we will have an advantage each time we play at Arrowhead with Fan Support that is anyways. There are alot more KU Alums in KC as everyone knows, and if they will support the hawks instead of complaining we should have a big advantage.

September 22, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

I am torn on this issue, but NOT because I feel any sorrow for local businesses; I feel bad for the students who are going to miss out on a KU-MU game on the hill. I am going to go to the game in KC, but I think it's crappy that the Athletic Dept. forces us to see the game there. I am one of those who will support 'hawk football regardless of whether the game is in Timbuktu or wherever, but I sure as hell prefer to watch at Memorial. In my mind, there is no greater tailgate experience, but that is said with every amount of bias. There is no gameday feel in that vast expanse of a parking lot in the middle of nowhere in Independence, missouri. Think about if you are a student--the majority of them drink on gamedays, it's just a fact. How many of them will be deterred by the fact that they can't walk anywhere from the game? It just won't be the same for them.

Of course, these are just all the thoughts I have right now. I am willing to give this thing a chance, and hope my sourness is sweetened after a great experience Thanksgiving weekend. But, after the OU deal there, it's going to take a lot to change my mind. And I know, it will be different playing Mizzou there than the OU thing, but still...

At any rate, this boycott deal by the Red Lyon is the WRONG way of going about expressing dislike for the game being played outside of Lawrence--it comes off as selfish and clearly does not have support for the team in mind, which should be the main thing.

September 22, 2007 at 10:36 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

wiltstilt (anonymous) says...

talk about a false sense of entitlement... these folks should try setting up shop in one of the thousands of cities in the country without any major college football home games. you think those business owners wouldn't be happy with even one game a year in their city? i'm willing to believe there are hundreds of business owners throughout the state that contribute as much or more to the university as the neverves without receiving any game day boost. do we here them asking for special treatment from the athletic department?

also, i'm no economic wizard by any means... but when you're dependent on fan support of the football team for increased revenue 7 weeks every fall, attempting to undermine that fan support (however slightly) seems counter intuitive.

September 22, 2007 at 10:38 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

freak2304 (anonymous) says...

I'm also in the boat of neither for the move not against it, but I'm going to Arrowhead to watch the game. If it was up to me, I'd keep it in Lawrence due to the fact that under Mangino we've played FAR better there than anywhere else. That being said, we SHOULD have a 2 to 1 fanbase over MU at Arrowhead. I also see no problem with businesses trying to lobby to get the game changed to being back in Lawrence, but lobbying to boycott the game is absolutely rediculous.

September 22, 2007 at 10:43 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

natehawk (anonymous) says...

Its no about moving "a game" to KC, its about moving "this game", and the possibility of setting a precedent to move other important KU games to KC. I support their boycott. I won't go to the game at Arrowhead, instead I will go to a bar in Lawrence and cheer on my Jayhawks. The bottom line is this is about money (in exchange for a game that most fans care the most to be in Lawrence) and may cost us a chance to win the big 12 north(although I hope I am wrong).

Listen, if you don't agree with the move, and there are sound and reasonable grounds that exist to oppose the move, then this is one way you show your opposition. This AD doesn't care about letters or calls in my opinoin.

It does not make you a bad fan, it makes you a bad fan and supporter of the University if you sincerely believe the University has made a terrible decision and your only action is putting up posts on websites. This Perkins Administration will be here for X amount of years and then be gone, however this decision will not leave with them, that stays. If we just follow like lemmings with the decisions of the AD, then don't bitch when your telling your kids/grandkids how you remember back when KU used to play MU at eachothers campus, because if this Arrowhead thing is not oppossed it WILL not change and KU will begin having more BIG (football and basketball) games that traditionally were played in Lawrence to be moved to KC.

September 22, 2007 at 10:50 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

madmangine (anonymous) says...

This is total nonsense. Whosoever forgoes the game and shows up at one of those Nazi establishments with an unused ticket stub should be burned at the stake. Keep it real folks. One of the ways to improve the program and therefore attendance (which is still lacking) at Memorial is to have nationally televised!!!!!!!! games in KC. Message to the owner of Red Lyon: I will never go to your establishment again. Never. Further, I will encourage my group of friends to boycott your joint. It is sad because I have, until this point in time, enjoyed the place. But, all is fair in love and war.

September 22, 2007 at 11:12 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

frompekka2sasha (anonymous) says...

natehawk- Many teams play their rivalry game at an alternate location so let's not get crazy here and think they would start trying to play even more games away from Memorial where they are making several million dollars' worth of investments. I'm sure OU and Texas did a little research before they started playing games at Cotton Bowl.

The bar owners are being "childish" if they would boycott the Jayhawks. Sit back for a moment and think about it... maybe they have simply become bigger entrepreneurs than Jayhawk fans? There are so many KU alums in KC that are deserving of one game a year being played in their city. Why does KU play USC this year in basketball? MU fans should be much more upset because they have alot further to drive from Columbia and their bar owners won't have fans showing up an hour after the game.

To the Nenevere's- I'm sure your heart is in the right place but your head obviously isn't. You should grab some more press and do some damage control before you end up really regretting this decision. I understand why you are upset but this is the wrong way to go about getting this changed. Do the OU and Texas bar owners complain or have they found that plenty of fans are still left to watch the game in Norman or Austin?

September 22, 2007 at 11:14 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kevin12 (anonymous) says...

Red Lyon is an over priced establishment as it is, and offers no drink specials for college students as is. Yeah let's all go tailgate around memorial stadium on gameday, great plan haha.... I bet no more than 200 people show up.

September 22, 2007 at 11:18 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

Let's not get crazy and start comparing this to OU-Texas. I have been to that game, and the Texas state fair surrounds it, the Cotton Bowl is a legendary venue, and there are plenty of amenities nearby for fans of both teams. With apologies to Chiefs fans, Arrowhead SUCKS as a college football venue. The surrounding area SUCKS--it's in the middle of nowhere.

and to this comment: "There are so many KU alums in KC that are deserving of one game a year being played in their city." ----Why??? I'm sorry, but they can make the trip to Lawrence pretty easy. That's one of the perks to living in KC--its proximity to Lawrence. There are tons of KU alums in Chicago and Denver too...I don't see what makes KC alums deserving of a game.

September 22, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kylecisnum1 (anonymous) says...

as much as i hate the game being in kc (mostly cause now i cant go), i still would never give up my ticket for discount food. and if anyone is thinkin about doing it and u have decent seats. message me and i will give you $50 for it.

September 22, 2007 at 11:34 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

BPSkelly (anonymous) says...

A great many established football programs play games at neutral sites on a regular basis.

I dont doubt there is consternation about what happens with local business when this happens. But as I pointed out earlier... if your gonna go under because your losing a day or two's revenues during the year, you've got a bad business model to begin with.

The crappy thing is, there's no question in my mind this will NOT help the Red Lyon (and whatever other business hop on board) long term. They're acting in what they presume is they're best interest. As a business owner myself I can respect that. But this will in no way help them.

I attended KU in the early 90s, and the number of establishments that are under different ownership or completely new 'hot spots' is huge. Its the nature of the bar/restaurant business especially. Thinking there's any nobility it boycotting the KU game and hanging out at a place which is ultimately replaceable in the community is poppycock.

Just the real world, thats all. The naivety and hubris of these folks is charming, but also alarming. People that stupid running a business are ultimately asking for it.

Understand to, im not for the game being in KC. I'd always prefer to play the Tiggers at home HOME. But if this generates more revenues for the school and athletic department so be it.

How come no one goes this ape @#$! when KU plays a basketball game in KC every year?

September 22, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

whoisjohngalt (anonymous) says...

Pathethic. I hope the Red Lyon goes down in flames.

September 22, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Cornfed (anonymous) says...

F u ckin Jack a s se s at the Red Lyon-first of all if its good for KU its good for you. I will write those idiots a letter and tell them if they are that small minded then move that bar to Aggieville.

Guess what change happens and thats not a bad thing with our football team!

September 22, 2007 at 11:52 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

DWINOP (anonymous) says...

Lots of folks have been season ticket holders for 14 years or longer. As a member of the Lawrence business community, this bar profits from KU Football games. I have to wonder what support the bar has given to the athletic department beyond the season tickets.

Seems to me that this bar wants all the support coming their way, with no real sacrifice on their part. This is ONE "home" game away from Lawrence for the first time I can remember going as far back as 1968. Forgive me if I don't feel too bad for them.

September 22, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

kevbo (anonymous) says...

I love the Red Lyon and I feel their pain. I think it's ridiculous to move the game. I'm still going because I love the 'hawks too much to boycott, but I am sick that they moved THAT game to Arrowhead. Mizzou at home is the best.

September 22, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jdsimpson10 (anonymous) says...

I say we boycott the businesses that double their prices on gamedays and price gouging Jayhawk students, alumni, and fans that make the trek to Lawrence to support our football program.

September 22, 2007 at 12:12 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jayhawktd (anonymous) says...

As an avid KU football supporter and season ticket holder for the past 7 years I 100% support the move to Arrowhead. Here's hoping that it's a 6pm kick so that we can all finally tailgate as one for about 10 hours straight.

As an avid soccer fan and non-student Lawrence resident, I also support the Red Lyon. I find it weird that they're starting the boycott since most regulars there aren't real big football fans to begin with, but I'm not going to boycott a place b/c of this. I am glad however that some of you will. More beer for me.

September 22, 2007 at 12:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

killabees (anonymous) says...

One thing I would offer is that if games like this raise KU's profile and attract better recruits and make the program into a power, then that will attract more people to games in the future which will help Lawrence businesses.

But it does seem so very wrong for KU to have a home game in state of Missouri.

September 22, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

frompekka2sasha (anonymous) says...

bmcmvh1- KU plays teams like DePaul for that exact reason and also plays in the Coors Event Center where KU fans out-number the CU fans by a large margin.

There are many other schools besides OU-UT that play their rivalry game at a joint venue. It's just one overstated example because there are way too many of them to mention. Why does KU play one basketball game per year in KC? I'm sure the administration understands how close Lawrence is to KC but they still do it for the fanbase.

September 22, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

yovoy (anonymous) says...

i know it's not popular to say or actually DO, in this age of "principalled aggression", but i'm going to go out on a limb.

how 'bout some good old-fashioned 'live and let live'?

go to the game if you like the fb team, support the same businesses you've supported in the past. for anyone to say that having a game in kc is a "deal breaker" is kind of crazy.

to be fair, i've boycotted my fair share of larrytown businesses, but NEVER over sports. more for lies, politics, and/or public deception about various "community" practices.

September 22, 2007 at 1:38 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

teejhawk00 (anonymous) says...

As a small business owner in a college town, I can honestly say that college football gamedays do have a positive effect on our business. We are in Fayetteville, AR and when the Hogs play in Fayetteville and 73,000 + fans come to town our sales numbers are higher on those Saturdays versus nongameday Saturdays. The U of A plays 2 "home" games a year in Little Rock, one usually against LSU, but you never hear the outcry of business owners to move those games to Fayetteville b/c of lost sales. By the way, one of those games in Little Rock is almost always the same post Thanksgiving weekend. My business is very grateful for the 5 or 6 Saturdays a fall that the U of A plays in Fayetteville. It is sad that these establishments in Lawrence rely completely on revenue driven by gameday Saturdays. The good establishments will be busy and if they were smart would offer some kind of gameday discount to get the customers in the door to watch the game. What kind of arguments would they make if the game was played on a Thursday or Friday night? Deal with what kind of situation is presented to you and be thankful that the AD scheduled an extra home game to make up for the one moved.

September 22, 2007 at 1:42 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

bmcmich1 (anonymous) says...

pekka2sasha--

You make good examples there, but every single one you gave were basketball examples. It's like comparing apples to oranges. With basketball you can afford to do stuff like that because there are so many more games. We did in fact play football up at Northwestern, which was a special treat for Chicago alums that don't get to see 'hawk football too often. My point about the whole 'deserving' thing is that KC alums have the opportunity to see the team all the time whereas alums in other cities don't. Plus, the KU-MU football game is a magical gameday experience on the hill--regardless of how good or bad either team is you can still expect a great turnout.

I will preface this next statement with the fact that I despise Arrowhead as a college venue. It works for Chiefs games on sundays but it has NO draw, personality, or character whatsoever for a college gameday atmosphere. I completely respect the views of those who are all for this game being there, but I just plain don't like it.

September 22, 2007 at 2:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

TheOriginalCA (anonymous) says...

The Downtown Lawrence A$$ociation can kiss my middle class A$$. What have they done for the average Lawrencian.. EVER!! All they have done is turn their backs on the safety of peace of Downtown people and area neighborhoods in the name of more money from late night partying, underage drinking, shops that sell drug paraphanalia. I am so sick and tired of them thinking that everything in the city of Lawrence is all about them. This is 2007 people. This is not the 1970's where everything revolves around the isolated group of businessmen who funnel everyone's money and special interest into their overpriced stores.

What have they done for people who live in Lawrence, have to raise a family, and have to work in Kansas City to make ends meet?

September 22, 2007 at 3:24 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Jacobpaul81 (anonymous) says...

Hey guys, I think the point that's being overlooked isn't money grubbing lawrence business owners complaining (no suprise here, since people are always complaining about something in lawrence...) nor is it a case of the athletic department selling out and money grubbing either. These two arguments just cancel themselves out.

It's a case of, Arrowhead stadium not being in kansas. So if this series were to permenantly be played in Arrowhead, then every year, the tax revenue would go to the state of Missouri.

Im cool if you go see the game in arrowhead. I could give a rats about some lawrence business owner thats complaining. But when you travel, buy your gas, buy your meal, spend all your money in KANSAS, so the taxes go to supporting your state, and your college, not the state of Missouri, and the University of Missouri.

In my mind, that's the point that needs to be made.

September 22, 2007 at 3:53 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

radiohawk (anonymous) says...

I, personally, think moving the game to KC was a lousy idea as this negates any home field advantage for either team, is extremely disloyal to the students and other citizens of either town that have supported their schools through thick and thin(funny how the Athletic Dept. seems to think loyalty should only cut their way) and, in this day of tight and expensive energy, is extremely wasteful.

I'm with the Red Lyon.

September 22, 2007 at 4:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Cornfed (anonymous) says...

OU doesn't play its biggest game in its state EVER......a political candidate was trying to make it to where they had to play a Conferance game in State every other year or something-but don't know how that worked out.

O well it seems that the LJW and a few Lawrence small-businesses(ya maybe now you know why your SMALL) have made this a MUCH bigger issue than it it!

September 22, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

dagger108 (anonymous) says...

IMO - it is sad (and obviously very short sighted) that the Red Lyon people have taken a negtive approach to dealing with the game being moved. Hopefully, they can learn from the opinions listed and channel their efforts into some of their more constructive thoughts.

There will be plenty of people that won't be able to make it to the game in KC. Do get with the tailgating places near MS or constructively work with the downtown to arrange a huge tailgate party and watch the game on a big screen. Create a positive reason for people to patronize your establishment.

tjayhwak00 - thanks for the small buisness owner perspective.

bmcmich1 - anything on The Hill is a magical, but the university is still bigger than The Hill.

September 22, 2007 at 4:22 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

seattlehawk_78 (anonymous) says...

Ideally I'd like to see this game played on campus and I'm all in favor of preserving the unique downtown of Lawrence.

My question to Lawrence businesses, is one lost day of business that occurs every other year really that critical to your financial bottom line.

September 22, 2007 at 4:46 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

JBurtin (anonymous) says...

well said seattlehawk

I understand what they are getting at and I want the game played in lawrence again after these two years, but to suggest that we should do something to punish the team for their crappy completely expendable and replacable bar is just selfish.

Screw you Red Lyon

I will spend my money in Lawrence before and after the game, but it won't be at your business!

September 22, 2007 at 5:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

justanotherfan (anonymous) says...

Florida-Georgia is played in Jacksonville, Florida. It is one of the greatest tailgaiting experiences in all of college football.

Army-Navy is typically played in Philadelphia. Even when both teams are bad, it's an enthusiastic, packed house and a national tv audience.

Oklahoma-Texas is in Dallas, as has been mentioned.

Colorado-Colorado State is played in Denver. Huge gameday atmosphere as both fan bases get to basically descend on Denver for the weekend.

I have consistently believed that the move to KC is ultimately in the best interests of the growth of the KU football program. KU has struggled to get the top players in the KC area. Too long, MU and K-State have outrecruited us in the KC metro. A couple wins in Arrowhead may remedy some of that.

September 22, 2007 at 6:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jimjhawk1 (anonymous) says...

The real concern should be: why would any TRUE Jayhawk fan Boycot their own school? It is sad that the Red Lion owners have chosen to do this, they will surely lose business over this. Opinions can be made for both sides on the issue of playing the game or not in KC, and thats fine. But boycotting your own school, thats just sad, and people need to rethink what they are doing.

September 22, 2007 at 6:07 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ku_bringback_danny (anonymous) says...

Get a Grip, Georiga-Florida do it... so does Oklahoma-Texas. This great for Kansas. Infact this game will mean more for the big 12 then the game that will be played the day before of Nebraska-Colorado!!!!! I will be down @ Arowhead I hope you all follow.

September 22, 2007 at 7:36 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

KS (anonymous) says...

This is a great idea. Keep the game local. MU merchants will be doing the same next year. Too bad KU can't support their own town.

September 22, 2007 at 9:10 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

yovoy (anonymous) says...

"This is not the 1970's where everything revolves around the isolated group of businessmen who funnel everyone's money and special interest into their overpriced stores."
______________________________________________
WHAT?! no, this is not the 70's - this is the naughties (decade years beginning w/ 0). i left that town behind in the naughties partly because i got sick of cry-baby, money-grubbing businessmen.

fwiw - i'm not going to the game because i don't want to drive there, nor fight crowds, for what will be a lack of atmosphere for a college game.

September 22, 2007 at 10:40 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

milehighhawk (anonymous) says...

The Red Lyon should NEVER have called it a "boycott," because it sounds anti-KU.

They should have spun it as "pro-Lawrence" or "KU First" or something like that. A little thought before the drama would have helped damage control.

September 22, 2007 at 10:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkfan20 (anonymous) says...

To the people worried about the students, it's Thanksgiving....most will be home visiting their familes. The dorms, fraternities, etc. shut down.

Any KU ticket holder that boycotts the game to stay in Lawrence is effectively a MU supporter, and I guess if that makes you feel good, then congrats.

September 22, 2007 at 11:39 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Kirk (anonymous) says...

You know the saying, "There's no such thing as bad publicity?" -- Yes, there is. Sorry, Red Lyon. Not smart!

September 23, 2007 at 12:04 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

Hey guys, how about the #1 rivalry in college football- Alabama/Auburn? Where do you think the title of Iron Bowl came from? The city of Birmingham was founded because of its iron stores. If Im not mistaken that rivalry was played in Birmingham for over 50 years! That rivalry and the students of those schools have done just fine, even though, god forbid, a football game was played off campus!

There are plenty other rivalries that play off campus but I think I got my point across. I think some people here need to get in touch with reality, seriously.
In 1A college football many rivalries are played on neutral fields for many reasons, and yes, one of those reasons is money. If that bothers you guys that bad than maybe you should go support the local middle school football team.

September 23, 2007 at 1:57 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

actorman (anonymous) says...

"The bad thing is that KU gives up 2 home games and MU only gives up 1 for this deal."

I have NO idea what that means. How is KU giving up one more home game than Mizzou???

As for the game being moved, I have mixed feelings about it. It does seem to fit in with the many other rivalry games that are played at neutral sites, and I think there's no doubt that it will be a great recruiting tool to tell prospects that they'll get to play in an NFL stadium every year. On the other hand, there was always a tremendous atmosphere when the Mizzou game came to Lawrence. I still like the idea I had earlier: that they play in all three places, so one year it's at Arrowhead, the next in Lawrence, the next in Mizzou, and so forth. That way you can still have the recruiting advantage as well as having the home atmosphere.

As for the "boycott," one word sums it up: clueless.

September 23, 2007 at 5:11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HillbillyHick (anonymous) says...

Boycott a KU football game?? Red lyon surely you jest!!!!

I never liked that bar anyway and I will definately make a point to boycott any and every company in Lawrence that supports this absurd idea!!!!

Bleed Crimson and Blue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

September 23, 2007 at 10:24 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

jhox (anonymous) says...

I live in Overland Park and it takes me maybe 5 to 10 minutes longer to drive to Lawrence than to Arrowhead. I would much prefer seeing a game in Memorial Stadium to Arrowhead. I was a Chiefs season ticket holder for 17 years and I eventually gave those tickets up because, frankly, I enjoyed the atmosphere of a game in Lawrence much more than the atmosphere at Arrowhead, so I chose KU football. Looking out over the hill on a beautiful fall day beats looking at orange and yellow seats in the end zones in Arrowhead any day. Not to mention the fact that there's a legitimate chance that the Big 12 North title could be hanging in the balance this year, and I would like our chances much better in front of a partisan crowd at Memorial Stadium.

I also hate to see KU help Carl Peterson make the Hunts richer with the inflated ticket prices and $20 parking. I won't boycott the game because I love KU football and the kids deserve our support, but I also understand that the only way we're likely to ever get these games moved back to Lawrence is if we make Perkins and company aware of the fact that we don't like the game moved, so from that standpoint I can understand the boycott. I have a lot of KU football season ticket holding friends, and I don't believe I've heard a single one express to me that they prefer having the game at Arrowhead. That's the frustrating part from my standpoint. Make no mistake, the vast majority of season ticket holders want these MU games in Lawrence. If you took a vote of the students, there may be more sentiment to have the game at Arrowhead from them, but I don't believe there's any doubt that the alumni prefer it to be in Lawrence (by a large margin.)

September 23, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

HillbillyHick (anonymous) says...

I would like to propose the notion that after we beat MU and win the big 12 north.

Everyone should take there "used" tickets to the red lyon and throw them in the door and than go drink somewhere that supports KU sports.....

September 23, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

fabio (anonymous) says...

hillbilly- Great idea, Im doing it on my way home after the game. Hopefully though, we wrap up the north before the KU/Mizzou game.

September 23, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

jimbo4584 (anonymous) says...

I don't know if anyone has mentioned that it is Thanksgiving weekend and many like me (students) are not in Lawrence for holidays although many would come back in town. Also think about next year we don't have to play at MU which is an advantage...any way i think the people need to stop complaining there are so many home games this year and its fun to do something different like playing in KC but it will never be like Texas/OU which is the greatest neutral site game and environment.

September 23, 2007 at 11:17 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkfan20 (anonymous) says...

Jimbo, stop it, you're talking too much sense!

September 24, 2007 at 3:19 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

hawkman1031 (anonymous) says...

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nerve,
You have a lot of it.
Regarding your boycott, don't count on it.
Do your special promotions, but aim at the people who will not be at the game, or do after game promotions. Attacking KU makes you a profiteer, not a supporter.

September 25, 2007 at 8:40 a.m. ( | suggest removal )