RM 08-06-93 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Will the College Football Hall of Fame Draw Fans to "Rallies," "Festivals," and "Alumni Weekend Getaways "? In a news release of July 18, 1993, I emphasized that the recently - released report on the CFHF by Economic Research Associates of Chicago at a cost of $40,000 was a "two -edged sword." That is, it could also be used to argue against the Hall project. I wrote that phrase before a close reading of the passage quoted below on the "Events Market!'(pp. 22 -23). That market is expected to draw 42,500 fans the first year, which is 26% of total attendance. That percentage is fairly constant throughout the decade, ending at 28% for years 6 -10. As I read this section, I continually asked, "Will these ideas work in South Bend ?" They seem most unrealistic. Your reaction? Below is the complete text. Numbers in parentheses are added for detail and come from Table 3 -1 of the ERA report. Events Market This market consists of three separate submarkets: the weekly college football rallies, the College Football Festivals and the College Alumni Weekend Getaways. The College Football rallies are weekly events at the proposed College Football Hall of Fame and the Century Center that take place while games are being played on Saturdays. It is expected that the rallies will feature many large screen TV's that will show games underway across the country. We anticipate an admission fee, and that food and beverages will be available for sale. (12 C 2,000 = 24,000) Three College Football Festivals are anticipated each year. Like the College Football Rallies, it is expected that these will take place at the proposed College Football Hall of Fame and the Century Center. The first festival of the year would be a larger New Years day "Bowl Games" version of the weekly College Football Rallies. (4,500) The focus of the second festival would be the annual enshrinement of new members into the Hall of Fame. (7,000) The theme and timing of the third festival is unprogrammed at this time. (4,500) (Total of three festivals: 16,000) The College Alumni Weekend Getaways would be weekend getaways to South Bend co- sponsored each weekend by a different large midwestern college football program and alumni program. The weekends could be timed, when possible, to coincide with games that pit a school against Notre Dame. While attendance at the Alumni Weekend Getaways could come from all over, it is expected that they will primarily come from the Chicago alumni clubs of large midwestern universities. (10 @ 250 = 2,500) None of these events currently exist. Attendance estimates are based on typical attendance at similar events.... Total visitation from these three submarkets is 42,500.