Fixing the Fan Experience

[Bobhaze]

I’ve been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys almost my entire life. I went to my first Cowboys game when I was 6 when my Dad took me to see the Cowboys play the Browns in 1964, at the Cotton Bowl. Got see the great Jim Brown and all the early Cowboys greats like Bob Lily, Dandy Don, Don Perkins, etc. I loved going to Cowboys games as a kid.

In fact, I was lucky enough to see multiple games at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium, and I’ve seen one at AT&T. By far, my favorite experience as a fan was at Texas Stadium. My Dad took my brother and I to see a game at Texas Stadium in 1971, the year it opened and several others over the years. You felt close to the field and it would get really loud. It felt like a real home field advantage.

To me, it’s harder to be a fan who comes to Cowboys games the last decade or two. BUT- I’m NOT one of these old guys who thinks everything was better in the past. Some things are better these days. The video screens, the access to restrooms, seating room, etc are certainly better today.

But let’s be honest- going to a Cowboys game today is an extremely pricey affair. I’m a middle class retired educator, and taking my family to a Cowboys game like my Dad did is simply not realistic for me. I went to a Cowboys home game back in 2018 vs Tampa Bay with my father in law and son and it was not a great experience. The cost of parking, the cost of food and drinks, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices and shopping mall feel to the stayjum made it much less enjoyable.

The saddest part of all this is I think too many Cowboys fans are being priced out of the experience. Being at an NFL game is so different than watching on TV.

So....here are some things the Cowboys organization could do to make going to a Cowboys game much more accessible and affordable to the average fan:

• Create a special section for about 5,000-10,000 Cowboys fans at much more affordable prices. Fans could apply to get tickets through a lottery system. They could have a lottery selection for each game that would determine who gets those tickets. It could be called the “Fan appreciation section” or something like that. Prices could be set much lower than other tickets.
  
• The Cowboys should buy some property for additional parking space at much lower prices- like $10. This would also include a shuttle service. There are several areas of property around the stayjum that could be purchased. The Cowboys can afford it! The parking and walk to the stayjum is one one of the worst in the entertainment experience IMO. Parking for nearby Texas Rangers games are waaaaay more accessible.
• Have a designated “throwback game” once a season. Tickets, parking and vendor costs could all be set at 1995 prices- the last time the Cowboys won a SB. It would give fans a special game at throwback prices.
  
• Have a fan appreciation game where there are special giveaways like jerseys, hats, etc. where “the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium”...Baseball, basketball and hockey all do this and it’s very popular.

What else? These are just a few ideas. And before someone says, “They will never do this because it gives up too much”, the Cowboys can certainly afford this. Besides, fans are under appreciated. The Cowboys are making money faster than it can be printed. Surely they can afford to thank the people that have made this organization be where it is today.

 

[JoeKing]

Keep dreaming. Jerry has no incentive to do anything that he's not already doing. The home games in Jerryworld are already the league's most attended games. As long as that remains true, don't expect there to be any changes.

 

[RodeoJake]

Love the ideas, but like Joe said, Jerry has absolutely no incentive to cater to the common fan.

 

[nyc-cowboy]

I have an idea to make the experience better........WIN! ; )

 

[Rockport]

I’ve been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys almost my entire life. I went to my first Cowboys game when I was 6 when my Dad took me to see the Cowboys play the Browns in 1964, at the Cotton Bowl. Got see the great Jim Brown and all the early Cowboys greats like Bob Lily, Dandy Don, Don Perkins, etc. I loved going to Cowboys games as a kid.

In fact, I was lucky enough to see multiple games at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium, and I’ve seen one at AT&T. By far, my favorite experience as a fan was at Texas Stadium. My Dad took my brother and I to see a game at Texas Stadium in 1971, the year it opened and several others over the years. You felt close to the field and it would get really loud. It felt like a real home field advantage.

To me, it’s harder to be a fan who comes to Cowboys games the last decade or two. BUT- I’m NOT one of these old guys who thinks everything was better in the past. Some things are better these days. The video screens, the access to restrooms, seating room, etc are certainly better today.

But let’s be honest- going to a Cowboys game today is an extremely pricey affair. I’m a middle class retired educator, and taking my family to a Cowboys game like my Dad did is simply not realistic for me. I went to a Cowboys home game back in 2018 vs Tampa Bay with my father in law and son and it was not a great experience. The cost of parking, the cost of food and drinks, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices and shopping mall feel to the stayjum made it much less enjoyable.

The saddest part of all this is I think too many Cowboys fans are being priced out of the experience. Being at an NFL game is so different than watching on TV.

So....here are some things the Cowboys organization could do to make going to a Cowboys game much more accessible and affordable to the average fan:

• Create a special section for about 5,000-10,000 Cowboys fans at much more affordable prices. Fans could apply to get tickets through a lottery system. They could have a lottery selection for each game that would determine who gets those tickets. It could be called the “Fan appreciation section” or something like that. Prices could be set much lower than other tickets.
  
• The Cowboys should buy some property for additional parking space at much lower prices- like $10. This would also include a shuttle service. There are several areas of property around the stayjum that could be purchased. The Cowboys can afford it! The parking and walk to the stayjum is one one of the worst in the entertainment experience IMO. Parking for nearby Texas Rangers games are waaaaay more accessible.
• Have a designated “throwback game” once a season. Tickets, parking and vendor costs could all be set at 1995 prices- the last time the Cowboys won a SB. It would give fans a special game at throwback prices.
  
• Have a fan appreciation game where there are special giveaways like jerseys, hats, etc. where “the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium”...Baseball, basketball and hockey all do this and it’s very popular.

What else? These are just a few ideas. And before someone says, “They will never do this because it gives up too much”, the Cowboys can certainly afford this. Besides, fans are under appreciated. The Cowboys are making money faster than it can be printed. Surely they can afford to thank the people that have made this organization be where it is today.

Those Cowboys Browns games back in the day were great. Good rivalry at one point.

 

[jazzcat22]

Someone will always pay the current prices and rates.
For every fan that "boycotts' for prices, there is someone else to pay it. Rather tickets, parking, food/ beer at the game, or a jersey being sold in a mall.

Also the parking services is contracted out, so purchasing extra land may not be feasible. As well, what is that property asking price just because it is near the stadium.
Now Jerry makes his money on parking, and probably is in on the rates as to increase or decrease. But the concessions and parking are contracted out. So there is more involved than Jerry saying what the prices are. Though I am sure he is part owner of these vendors.

Yes the average family is priced out, unless as a planned vacation, but they have been far longer than any current owner, since before the 2000's started actually. It is not just Jerry, it is ALL sports venues, as well as concerts. Heck take a family of 4 to the movies, see those costs lately.

Try taking a family of 4 to Disney. Cheaper to go to a ballgame. But not as good of an experience, unless winning the SB.

 

[blueblood70]

Keep dreaming. Jerry has no incentive to do anything that he's not already doing. The home games in Jerryworld are already the league's most attended games. As long as that remains true, don't expect there to be any changes.

um most of the league has stadiums and do things the exact same way,,,its sports, its the nfl, its way things have become. Blaming the Jonses for everything is stupid. come on man ,look around fans have changed they want stadiums to be comfortable and well they are not cheap to maintain..

16 well now 17 games 8 -9 at home well its not 82 or 168 like other sports, its expensive only if you see it in a different view..8 home games man this is why its so expensive compared to other sports..

 

[blueblood70]

I have an idea to make the experience better........WIN! ; )

yup this for sure..host an NFCCG and things will change for your expereince

 

[Bobhaze]

Love the ideas, but like Joe said, Jerry has absolutely no incentive to cater to the common fan.

Other than just doing the right thing.

 

[fivetwos]

Those Cowboys Browns games back in the day were great. Good rivalry at one point.

That's tough to imagine for someone my age, and I consider myself old!

I can recall getting a beat down on MNF is those bright blues on the road in like '79.

Brian Sipe and Ozzie and Co.

Guess the merger changed things w that rivalry.

 

[fivetwos]

I’ve been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys almost my entire life. I went to my first Cowboys game when I was 6 when my Dad took me to see the Cowboys play the Browns in 1964, at the Cotton Bowl. Got see the great Jim Brown and all the early Cowboys greats like Bob Lily, Dandy Don, Don Perkins, etc. I loved going to Cowboys games as a kid.

In fact, I was lucky enough to see multiple games at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium, and I’ve seen one at AT&T. By far, my favorite experience as a fan was at Texas Stadium. My Dad took my brother and I to see a game at Texas Stadium in 1971, the year it opened and several others over the years. You felt close to the field and it would get really loud. It felt like a real home field advantage.

To me, it’s harder to be a fan who comes to Cowboys games the last decade or two. BUT- I’m NOT one of these old guys who thinks everything was better in the past. Some things are better these days. The video screens, the access to restrooms, seating room, etc are certainly better today.

But let’s be honest- going to a Cowboys game today is an extremely pricey affair. I’m a middle class retired educator, and taking my family to a Cowboys game like my Dad did is simply not realistic for me. I went to a Cowboys home game back in 2018 vs Tampa Bay with my father in law and son and it was not a great experience. The cost of parking, the cost of food and drinks, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices and shopping mall feel to the stayjum made it much less enjoyable.

The saddest part of all this is I think too many Cowboys fans are being priced out of the experience. Being at an NFL game is so different than watching on TV.

So....here are some things the Cowboys organization could do to make going to a Cowboys game much more accessible and affordable to the average fan:

• Create a special section for about 5,000-10,000 Cowboys fans at much more affordable prices. Fans could apply to get tickets through a lottery system. They could have a lottery selection for each game that would determine who gets those tickets. It could be called the “Fan appreciation section” or something like that. Prices could be set much lower than other tickets.
  
• The Cowboys should buy some property for additional parking space at much lower prices- like $10. This would also include a shuttle service. There are several areas of property around the stayjum that could be purchased. The Cowboys can afford it! The parking and walk to the stayjum is one one of the worst in the entertainment experience IMO. Parking for nearby Texas Rangers games are waaaaay more accessible.
• Have a designated “throwback game” once a season. Tickets, parking and vendor costs could all be set at 1995 prices- the last time the Cowboys won a SB. It would give fans a special game at throwback prices.
  
• Have a fan appreciation game where there are special giveaways like jerseys, hats, etc. where “the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium”...Baseball, basketball and hockey all do this and it’s very popular.

What else? These are just a few ideas. And before someone says, “They will never do this because it gives up too much”, the Cowboys can certainly afford this. Besides, fans are under appreciated. The Cowboys are making money faster than it can be printed. Surely they can afford to thank the people that have made this organization be where it is today.

The group of billionaire owners today don't care at all about nostalgia or the good of the game.

All about bottom line.

If the team was ever called out on this they would spin it into claiming it already exits......a seat that's as high as the Statue of Liberty, or parking that is two miles away and only $40.....

 

[Ranching]

I’ve been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys almost my entire life. I went to my first Cowboys game when I was 6 when my Dad took me to see the Cowboys play the Browns in 1964, at the Cotton Bowl. Got see the great Jim Brown and all the early Cowboys greats like Bob Lily, Dandy Don, Don Perkins, etc. I loved going to Cowboys games as a kid.

In fact, I was lucky enough to see multiple games at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium, and I’ve seen one at AT&T. By far, my favorite experience as a fan was at Texas Stadium. My Dad took my brother and I to see a game at Texas Stadium in 1971, the year it opened and several others over the years. You felt close to the field and it would get really loud. It felt like a real home field advantage.

To me, it’s harder to be a fan who comes to Cowboys games the last decade or two. BUT- I’m NOT one of these old guys who thinks everything was better in the past. Some things are better these days. The video screens, the access to restrooms, seating room, etc are certainly better today.

But let’s be honest- going to a Cowboys game today is an extremely pricey affair. I’m a middle class retired educator, and taking my family to a Cowboys game like my Dad did is simply not realistic for me. I went to a Cowboys home game back in 2018 vs Tampa Bay with my father in law and son and it was not a great experience. The cost of parking, the cost of food and drinks, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices and shopping mall feel to the stayjum made it much less enjoyable.

The saddest part of all this is I think too many Cowboys fans are being priced out of the experience. Being at an NFL game is so different than watching on TV.

So....here are some things the Cowboys organization could do to make going to a Cowboys game much more accessible and affordable to the average fan:

• Create a special section for about 5,000-10,000 Cowboys fans at much more affordable prices. Fans could apply to get tickets through a lottery system. They could have a lottery selection for each game that would determine who gets those tickets. It could be called the “Fan appreciation section” or something like that. Prices could be set much lower than other tickets.
  
• The Cowboys should buy some property for additional parking space at much lower prices- like $10. This would also include a shuttle service. There are several areas of property around the stayjum that could be purchased. The Cowboys can afford it! The parking and walk to the stayjum is one one of the worst in the entertainment experience IMO. Parking for nearby Texas Rangers games are waaaaay more accessible.
• Have a designated “throwback game” once a season. Tickets, parking and vendor costs could all be set at 1995 prices- the last time the Cowboys won a SB. It would give fans a special game at throwback prices.
  
• Have a fan appreciation game where there are special giveaways like jerseys, hats, etc. where “the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium”...Baseball, basketball and hockey all do this and it’s very popular.

What else? These are just a few ideas. And before someone says, “They will never do this because it gives up too much”, the Cowboys can certainly afford this. Besides, fans are under appreciated. The Cowboys are making money faster than it can be printed. Surely they can afford to thank the people that have made this organization be where it is today.

I've coached about 300 games from the sidelines, most as the HC. That ruined my stadium experience. I got season tickets to the Longhorns the year after I retired, and while I enjoyed the overall experience, I hated sitting in the stands and listening to all the fans pitch and moan about every play. I prefer to watch at home, by myself and focus on the game. Just me....

 

[Bobhaze]

I have an idea to make the experience better........WIN! ; )

Great point. Should’ve listed that one FIRST!

The group of billionaire owners today don't care at all about nostalgia or the good of the game.

All about bottom line.

If the team was ever called out on this they would spin it into claiming it already exits......a seat that's as high as the Statue of Liberty, or parking that is two miles away and only $40.....

Truth.

 

[Forneymike]

I’ve been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys almost my entire life. I went to my first Cowboys game when I was 6 when my Dad took me to see the Cowboys play the Browns in 1964, at the Cotton Bowl. Got see the great Jim Brown and all the early Cowboys greats like Bob Lily, Dandy Don, Don Perkins, etc. I loved going to Cowboys games as a kid.

In fact, I was lucky enough to see multiple games at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium, and I’ve seen one at AT&T. By far, my favorite experience as a fan was at Texas Stadium. My Dad took my brother and I to see a game at Texas Stadium in 1971, the year it opened and several others over the years. You felt close to the field and it would get really loud. It felt like a real home field advantage.

To me, it’s harder to be a fan who comes to Cowboys games the last decade or two. BUT- I’m NOT one of these old guys who thinks everything was better in the past. Some things are better these days. The video screens, the access to restrooms, seating room, etc are certainly better today.

But let’s be honest- going to a Cowboys game today is an extremely pricey affair. I’m a middle class retired educator, and taking my family to a Cowboys game like my Dad did is simply not realistic for me. I went to a Cowboys home game back in 2018 vs Tampa Bay with my father in law and son and it was not a great experience. The cost of parking, the cost of food and drinks, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices and shopping mall feel to the stayjum made it much less enjoyable.

The saddest part of all this is I think too many Cowboys fans are being priced out of the experience. Being at an NFL game is so different than watching on TV.

So....here are some things the Cowboys organization could do to make going to a Cowboys game much more accessible and affordable to the average fan:

• Create a special section for about 5,000-10,000 Cowboys fans at much more affordable prices. Fans could apply to get tickets through a lottery system. They could have a lottery selection for each game that would determine who gets those tickets. It could be called the “Fan appreciation section” or something like that. Prices could be set much lower than other tickets.
  
• The Cowboys should buy some property for additional parking space at much lower prices- like $10. This would also include a shuttle service. There are several areas of property around the stayjum that could be purchased. The Cowboys can afford it! The parking and walk to the stayjum is one one of the worst in the entertainment experience IMO. Parking for nearby Texas Rangers games are waaaaay more accessible.
• Have a designated “throwback game” once a season. Tickets, parking and vendor costs could all be set at 1995 prices- the last time the Cowboys won a SB. It would give fans a special game at throwback prices.
  
• Have a fan appreciation game where there are special giveaways like jerseys, hats, etc. where “the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium”...Baseball, basketball and hockey all do this and it’s very popular.

What else? These are just a few ideas. And before someone says, “They will never do this because it gives up too much”, the Cowboys can certainly afford this. Besides, fans are under appreciated. The Cowboys are making money faster than it can be printed. Surely they can afford to thank the people that have made this organization be where it is today.

The 5,000-10,000 fan appreciation tickets would be purchased for 10 and scalped for 60 at least, same with parking. 1995 tickets would be scalped for twice what they are purchased for. Whether you like it or not, Jerry went after the secondary market with his pricing. He still didn’t go high enough, I’m a season ticket holder and can resell for a decent markup depending on the game. Law of supply and demand. We live in a capitalistic economy.

 

[The Fonz]

Great ideas Bob but ain't gonna happened as you know the sport industry is about money and more of it....
when morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses

 

[Diehardblues]

I’ve been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys almost my entire life. I went to my first Cowboys game when I was 6 when my Dad took me to see the Cowboys play the Browns in 1964, at the Cotton Bowl. Got see the great Jim Brown and all the early Cowboys greats like Bob Lily, Dandy Don, Don Perkins, etc. I loved going to Cowboys games as a kid.

In fact, I was lucky enough to see multiple games at the Cotton Bowl and Texas Stadium, and I’ve seen one at AT&T. By far, my favorite experience as a fan was at Texas Stadium. My Dad took my brother and I to see a game at Texas Stadium in 1971, the year it opened and several others over the years. You felt close to the field and it would get really loud. It felt like a real home field advantage.

To me, it’s harder to be a fan who comes to Cowboys games the last decade or two. BUT- I’m NOT one of these old guys who thinks everything was better in the past. Some things are better these days. The video screens, the access to restrooms, seating room, etc are certainly better today.

But let’s be honest- going to a Cowboys game today is an extremely pricey affair. I’m a middle class retired educator, and taking my family to a Cowboys game like my Dad did is simply not realistic for me. I went to a Cowboys home game back in 2018 vs Tampa Bay with my father in law and son and it was not a great experience. The cost of parking, the cost of food and drinks, not to mention the exorbitant ticket prices and shopping mall feel to the stayjum made it much less enjoyable.

The saddest part of all this is I think too many Cowboys fans are being priced out of the experience. Being at an NFL game is so different than watching on TV.

So....here are some things the Cowboys organization could do to make going to a Cowboys game much more accessible and affordable to the average fan:

• Create a special section for about 5,000-10,000 Cowboys fans at much more affordable prices. Fans could apply to get tickets through a lottery system. They could have a lottery selection for each game that would determine who gets those tickets. It could be called the “Fan appreciation section” or something like that. Prices could be set much lower than other tickets.
  
• The Cowboys should buy some property for additional parking space at much lower prices- like $10. This would also include a shuttle service. There are several areas of property around the stayjum that could be purchased. The Cowboys can afford it! The parking and walk to the stayjum is one one of the worst in the entertainment experience IMO. Parking for nearby Texas Rangers games are waaaaay more accessible.
• Have a designated “throwback game” once a season. Tickets, parking and vendor costs could all be set at 1995 prices- the last time the Cowboys won a SB. It would give fans a special game at throwback prices.
  
• Have a fan appreciation game where there are special giveaways like jerseys, hats, etc. where “the first 10,000 fans who enter the stadium”...Baseball, basketball and hockey all do this and it’s very popular.

What else? These are just a few ideas. And before someone says, “They will never do this because it gives up too much”, the Cowboys can certainly afford this. Besides, fans are under appreciated. The Cowboys are making money faster than it can be printed. Surely they can afford to thank the people that have made this organization be where it is today.

Bob, they already have the Party Pass for endzone access . Only about $30. Granted it’s standing room only but no other stadium provides such affordable access.

And there’s free shuttles from several locations . Some if you don’t want to eat at the establishment as low as $6. Drops you off right in front of the stadium.

 

[Rockport]

That's tough to imagine for someone my age, and I consider myself old!

I can recall getting a beat down on MNF is those bright blues on the road in like '79.

Brian Sipe and Ozzie and Co.

Guess the merger changed things w that rivalry.

I barely remember them and seem to remember they beat us most of the time.

 

[Bobhaze]

Bob, they already have the Party Pass for endzone access . Only about $30. Granted it’s standing room only but no other stadium provides such affordable access.

And there’s free shuttles from several locations . Some if you don’t want to eat at the establishment as low as $6. Drops you off right in front of the stadium.

Good point Greggo. I’m just adding the idea of an affordable section where fans can actually sit down. One of my nephews, who’s in his 20s, bought a “party pass” one time and hated it. He said half the people there are just getting drunk and not even watching the game. Plus he said you can’t see the field hardly at all.

I’m talking more about an actual seating area.

 

[RS12]

Could maybe win some playoff games. Just a thought.

 

[Bobhaze]

That's tough to imagine for someone my age, and I consider myself old!

I can recall getting a beat down on MNF is those bright blues on the road in like '79.

Brian Sipe and Ozzie and Co.

Guess the merger changed things w that rivalry.

I barely remember them and seem to remember they beat us most of the time.

Most younger fans don’t know that the Browns were a force in the 1950s and 60s. They beat us pretty regularly throughout most of the 60s. They had arguably the greatest RB in NFL history in Jim Brown, and HOF WR Paul Warfield before he was traded to the Dolphins. They didn’t turn into a perennial stinker until the early 2000s.