This article presents nothing new. What's the old story, there are more UGA alum in metropolitan Atlanta then there are GT alum across the U.S. --something like that anyway. The UGA fan base is comprised of scores of non-alum that not only did not attend UGA, they did not attend college period. Not only does GT not have the same size fan base in the area, they do not have near the same size of non-alum fans. Have to say I am surprised that the season ticket base sits at 24K right now --expected that number to be a bit higher.
I grew up a Tech fan, and even though I am not an alum (but a UGA alum no less) I am a season ticket holder. I have long-time friends who grew up Tech fans, are alum of other schools, still live in the area, but are not season ticket holders --and they rarely attend games.
There is a large potential fan base in Atlanta. Is location a problem? I more times than not take marta into games, which is convenient, but I don't get to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere and tailgating. Seriously thinking about driving in some this season.
I am friends with a couple of Tech alums in my neighborhood. Both have sons, families of four, attended the CFA bowl, attended no games @ BDS, and are well off financially. I was talking with one of them this past weekend, telling him about moving my season tix into a non-Tech fund area for this season. I was doing all I could to encourage him to get on RamblinWreck.com and order season tix. He and his son watch Tech on tv, but they don't go to games --I just don't get it.
I love the atmosphere @ BDS, it a great place for college football. Can you imagine the stadium being packed for each and every game? I'm confident that the product on the field will warrant such. Hopefully, giving it a couple of years, winning consistently (as well as beating the in-state rival) will not only draw from the potential non-alum fan base in the area, it will encourage Tech alum --like my two neighbors-- to buy tickets.