Let's be real here. What else is there to do in Eugene, Morgantown, or Stillwater???? There are way too many sporting options here, let alone outdoor/entertainment options for ASU to ever be the talk of the town. They may be the talk of the town for periods in the season, but will NEVER be the attention-getter in their own city that these other schools are. If they are consistently winning championships, they may attract more fans, but when your local school's sports are the only option in town, you can sell out every game and have the truly passionate fan base we are looking for.
I am failing to see your point. What you are saying is exactly what Doug is saying... if the last 30 years is full of 5 and 6 loss teams, than 9-3 is a great season. And because the stadium is 3/4 full, ASU can't buy out coaches, can't go get the huge name to turn it around. And before you accuse me of not knowing... I was there when ASU beat Nebraska 19-0 and I was there 3 years later when they lost to powerhouse New Mexico State.
Doug hasn't just strolled into town... Anyone can see the program SUCKS!!!! They have gone nowhere forever. EVERY year they pin their hopes on losing just on or two games. What big program does that? Does LSU hope they only lose one this year? Bama? Oklahoma? We HAVE to accept 9-3 or 8-4 because that is all we are capable of. Lisa Love is clueless and CDE must go now. Fans don't care.
I live 11 miles from D1 football and NEVER have received ANYTHING in the mail, any call, any door to door, nothing in the way of advertisement. NOTHING. I am a University of Michigan man but like the Sun Devils and go to games. But to never get anything at all? The marketing is poor, and the alumni are poor too. Why wouldn't you go to support your team? I would venture that the ASU alumni in the Phoenix area must top 250,000. (no proof, just an opinion). Where are they? The stadium, while old and hard to sit in, is not a total disgrace. The teams have been semi- competitive.