Earlier this week, Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt announced a plan to allow 25 percent capacity at home games this year, leaving many fans to wonder what it’d be like to watch their Red Raiders in a mostly empty stadium.
I imagine the atmosphere will be somewhat similar to that of a spring game—quiet lulls with the occasional tennis-match applause after a nice play. Spring games are a generally relaxing affair and understandably so, with so little at stake. But when Texas comes to town Sept. 26, what will the energy level be like? Do we need to bring out the vuvuzelas from the 2010 South Africa World Cup to turn up the intensity on third downs?
At any rate, perhaps the thing I’m most curious about is whether or not Tech fans would really want to go to a game in a stadium devoid of three-fourths of its typical attendance. Is it better than the alternative of watching the games from the comfort of your own homes? Sure, it’s going to look just as weird on TV, but at least you’ll feel some level of normalcy with the actual presentation of the game, the commentators, pregame and halftime shows and all the other accouterments that make televised football the enjoyable experience it is.
So, I ask you, fellow Red Raiders...
Poll
Is the idea of attending a game with just 25 percent capacity appealing to you?
Keep in mind, I have nothing negative to say about Hocutt or the decisions he’s made. He’s been dealt a tough hand, and is doing the best with what he’s got. This is simply just a thought exercise.