["R" i "]

First lets get this off on the right foot. I dont care what other schools do, or what big time program's traditions are.

Our team has dinner before games at the hotel. They will arive back at the FOC at 5:00. Most players that I talk to say that this time is pretty percise. SO..... the people that i tailgated with last week and i (about 20 of us) are considering goin to the FOC around 4 :45 and forming some sort of walk way or tunnel into the building, for the players as they get off the bus. Is there any intrest from any of you, LUnaics, and Sothern Fried Chikens, or anyone else.

[Hold My Own]

Good idea RI...I think a simple greeting with the encouragement from fans would go over very well and be appreciated

[bozlady]

I LOVE it! Count me in.

In years past I've also wanted to see them off when they left for an away game. Usually it was just us office ladies. Dave Williams told me once that he really appreciated it.

[JDUB]

sounds like a good idea. let them see our support from the time they step off the bus.. literally

[SuperJon]

Something I like better than that, just from a logistic standpoint, is lining the road and greeting them that way. They always drive up University and then turn by the stadium by tailgate row. I think lining the row and greeting them that way would work better, simply because it means people could stay closer to their tailgate spot but still greet the team. I think you'll see a lot of people not want to leave and walk to the FOC to cheer the team walking into a building. I would, but I'm trying to think in terms of most people.

[Fumblerooskies]

That is a pretty good point, SJ. At Tech, the parade of players is right by the main tailgate row and where folks can line up, greet the team, and then go back to their spots.

[SuperJon]

People at Liberty complain about walking to class, that's why I don't know if they would walk to watch guys walk in the FOC.

[JDUB]

or... everyone on tailgate row could greet the bus coming in, and everyone at the ice center and by the practice field could go to the FOC. that way no one has to walk far

[SuperJon]

That could work. The other thing you have to take into consideration, and I don't think it would be a problem, is the limited access around the FOC during games.

[JDUB]

I'm sure they would work with us if we wanted to greet the players getting off the bus. The administration is good about helping to establish new traditions and doing all they can to encourage fan support, and I think that this is a great way to show fan support so it shouldn't be a problem.

[SuperJon]

I agree, and I really don't think it'll be a problem since you wouldn't be parking or trying to go in the building. I was just saying that's something you have to think about as well.

[Stew Dent]

Great ideas...count us in.

[flafan]

We won't be there this week, but this is a GREAT idea!!!! If it takes off, we'll participate when we return in a few weeks.
Go Flames.

[RagingTireFire]

Great ideas...count us in.

Are you going to ask each player where they go to church as they get off the bus? Just curious.

[Obiwan]

I will be coming up from Florida, stopping in Jax to pick up my daughter (Mike Connolly's sister). We'll also be at the FOC to greet the team.

The following request doesn't pertain to this thread, but if SuperJon could change Mike's number on the roster page to 11 from 99, that would be great, because there are several folks in Sarasota from his high school watching the game (on Family Net on Verizon) who will be looking for him as 99, and obviously won't see him with that number. If SJ can't make the roster number change, then possibly pass the request to whoever has the authority. Thanks! See you all on Saturday.

[SuperJon]

That's something Todd can take care of. If I remember I'll make the call tomorrow if it isn't updated.

[BJWilliams]

I voted never but that is because I am running around doing 15 different things for the band and trying to squeeze dinner in at the same time before we march to the stadium

[BurningFlame11]

sounds like a great idea to me. i'll be there =)

[Sly Fox]

We've brought this idea of several times in the past and it never seemed to grow legs. But I'd love to see it happen. Count me in for Homecoming.

["R" i "]

thanks for the feedback, i think that i will be going from tailgate to tailgate recruiting members of the "greet squad". My thought was to start the tunnel under the stairs in front of the main entrance ( i am told this is where the players will be entering the locker room) and extend the "tunnel" out towards davids place. But i definately think that being there to meet them in person will give the players a huge boost of confindence before entering the locker room.

[SuperJon]

This week may be hard to start it because of the weather. If it's pouring, we're not tailgating.

[phoenix]

We've brought this idea of several times in the past and it never seemed to grow legs. But I'd love to see it happen. Count me in for Homecoming.

I should be there too. With the fam.

[JDUB]

This week may be hard to start it because of the weather. If it's pouring, we're not tailgating.

if its pouring we'll still be out there, at least some of us will. maybe not cooking, but theres more fun stuff to do in the rain than when its dry

[jcmanson]

Is anyone going to do this?

[Hold My Own]

I voted never but that is because I am running around doing 15 different things for the band and trying to squeeze dinner in at the same time before we march to the stadium

Thank you....keep us updated Benjamin