More television coverage means it’s harder to sell those seats and concessions of course. It’s really amazing that NU tickets and attendance has lasted this long with all the options for fans to enjoy the games without the in person effort and expense. Adding more TV options is a net benefit for the financial and PR objectives. But buts in seats will be more challenging. Lowering prices can help spur demand and may not be necessarily an indication of a lack of interest or weakening of program support as a result.
Just as fewer in store shoppers does not mean product demand is slipping if on line or other remote buying is growing faster.
The important difference is the fans in the stadium can contribute to the goal of actually winning games and the stadium revenues are basically 100% NU money while TV and media revenue is shared by the group (big Ten for example). NU shares its brand values with its partners. At least until recent years, NU brand was quite highly valued relative to most opponents. Lately, it may be less so. A pro rata share of a huge and growing pot of $ may well be better than remaining more independent. That is essentially why NU joined the Big Ten initially and the Big Ten wanted Neb. And despite the losing seasons and long term mediocrity, that large national fan appeal has had some surprising duration. How much remains? That is hard to tell but it must be waning somewhat. An entire generation of fans don’t remember the teams and national power program of the past. A serious return to prominence is critical very soon or the brand valuation will be nearly lost altogether.
Keeping a full stadium is very good PR and brand supportive, so seat reduction with seat enhancement as the obvious reason is a great idea but it must be done wisely and readily apparent to the market.
