Like many students at the University, I have attended nearly every football game that has been played at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium since my freshman year.
I have witnessed all the great plays, all the great moments and have even been around to see some drastic changes in scenery. Beginning in fall 2007, our beloved stadium underwent many modifications, including the addition of the “Godzillatron,” the installation of a new playing surface and an increase in seating capacity.
But being the spoiled Texas Longhorn fan that I am, I’ve recognized in the last couple of home games that there is something else that can, and should, change. Part of the excitement that allows fans to interact more with the team and the game is the animations and videos that are played on the jumbotron. In this department, we are way past due for a major facelift.
To start, the video that is played directly before the team enters the field is nothing more than juvenile. I know, I know. I am talking about a college-football entrance video. But hear me out.
Fans pay a lot of money, travel long distances and sometimes sit through unbearable heat to watch their Longhorns play football. The least the athletic department could do is make the entertainment aside from the game as excellent as the team.
The entrance video has been slightly altered since last year. Instead of being electrocuted by Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams, the half-student-athlete, half-Super Bevo (not PsychoBevo, although that would be pretty funny) players are now lasered by the national championship trophy.
While I still go absolutely nuts when the video is played, it could be more professionally done. To quote a Facebook group formed last year in hopes of making a new entrance video, “We need a video that showcases the great history and tradition of Texas football and the University of Texas as well.”
Can you even imagine how amped up everyone would get if the video actually reflected the quality of the University, its history and its traditions?
Like my roommate said at the beginning of the year, “People would be jumping off the stadium they would be so excited.” Well, not literally, but you know what I mean.
In addition, the animations during the game and slew of “greats,” such as “Great Run” and “Great Pass,” are undeniably unworthy of the football team and the University itself.
But how do we go about solving this trivial problem, if we can even call it that?
Involving students in the creation of new videos and animations would be a great way to not only improve the quality of the on-screen entertainment at games, but alsoto provide a way for the University to utilize its students’ diverse talents and abilities.
I propose that for next year the athletic department host a competition and allow students to submit videos for consideration as the pregame teaser. The University could also employ the radio-television-film department to create and draw some newer, better animations to be played during the game. The animation quality can be improved, and students will have an opportunity to play a larger role in the athletic department.
How can we get this much-needed change? First, let the athletic department know that you are a proponent of changing the entrance video by sending an e-mail or making a phone call. Next, join the Facebook group and invite your friends. It is called “Texas Football- New Entrance Video for 2009, YOU CAN HELP!” There are helpful links on the page that show better versions of what the video could be as well as links to e-mail feedback to the athletic department and a petition to sign.
There are more than 700 signatures on the petition already, but if something is going to happen, it needs even more to get the athletic department’s attention.
Like the Facebook group says, you can help, so why not? It’s a win-win.
Earnest is a finance senior.
11 comments
This is The University of Texas, for crying out loud. We're Texas; surely Belmont can give us something better than the current boring entrance video. The animation is so lame - like something out of a high school science fair project. Minotaur player/longhorn hybrid whatever thing...seriously?
Could you please post the email address to which we should direct our inquiries? I'm an alum who found this picked up on ESPN and agree 100%. Thanks for bringing this up.
Only when ticket sales decline will they want to improve the in-stadium experience and get more people to go.