Wait…there is some doubt about the lack of fan interest and the lack of fundraising ?
If the Bob were packed, and there was a buzz about UD’s athletic teams, we’d see movement with fundraising, both from a fan perspective and an insitutional one. UD would certainly feel more empowered to attach a student fee to help provide regular support. UD, and the local/state politicians, would also feel empowered to provide more funding (read taxpayer money) for UD athletic endeavors.
And it isn’t just the support form the local fans that can attend games that is the problem. UD isn’t going to fund many multi-million dollar sports expansions from a group of locals. UD students, almost across the board, don’t care about UD sports…and haven’t for a long, long time. That, of course, means the alumni, as a whole, have many decades of not linking their happy/impactful UD experiences specifically to UD sports.
Why would a successful or regular UD alum ever think to donate their money to UD sports if they have not attended many games? Why would someone give money to something that hasn’t given them “thrills” to remember? Given the choice between donating to sports versus their school/major, people normally give to what they believe gives them the best value/memories for their money.
The magic money machine of using other people’s money (except int he case of taxes) only works if other people are emotionally and/or financially invested in providing that money.
UD killed the golden goose when they spit on generations of emotionally invested fans and their families. If UD had implemented increased fundraising in a slow, more managed way, they would have much better success. Unfortunately, we are left with a very hard road to get back to where people (locals, alumni, sponsors, etc.) are emotionally and financially willing to invest in UD athletics. It can be done, but it isn’t going to happen overnight.
