A full Jones Stadium
Another gift that Texas Tech fans could give Wells is their presence throughout the entirety of the team’s home games next season. That became a problem this year when the home crowd made a habit of leaving at halftime regardless of the opponent.
Fans gave plenty of reasons that they believed justified their early departures but none should be satisfactory. Some blamed the September heat or the November cold while others pointed to uninteresting opponents like Lamar and Kansas while still others complained about Tech’s propensity for falling behind by double-digits.
Perhaps it was all a well-orchestrated attempt to send a message to Hocutt and the athletic department leadership. If that were the case, it worked perfectly.
In an attempt to try to appease fans, Tech has made significant game day changes including the sale of alcohol and reduced concession prices. Now, the onus falls on Red Raider fans to do their part and show up regardless of the kickoff time or the opponent and stay throughout the game, especially Big 12 contests.
There is no way to deny that the coaches and players noticed all the empty seats this season. Kingsbury even made some passive-aggressive remarks about fan departures following the home finale against Texas.
But while the football team certainly must handle its business on the field, the fans must also do their part. There is no denying the importance of fan engagement and support in college athletics. Just ask Chris Beard. Therefore, there may be no more satisfying present that we could give Matt Wells and the football program than that of a raucous home environment such as was was once the norm in Lubbock.