Greg Christopher's Responses

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Aug. 8, 2007

Each week, Bowling Green State University Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Greg Christopher answers questions that have been submitted to BGSUFalcons.com. Here is the latest installment...

Q: Are there any plans to rearrange the concession areas in The Doyt? With these areas right near the entrance tunnels, there seems to always be traffic jams with people trying to get up to the seats. Also, are there plans to have TV monitors under the stands so fans can watch the game while getting concessions? I know Miami and Western Michigan, among others, have TV's away from the seating areas.
Michael in Akron
Concessions in all of our venues will undergo significant changes this year as we move to a new partner, V/Gladieux out of Toledo. V/G handles several athletic accounts, most notably in this area the Toledo Mud Hens. While the permanent concession areas in The Doyt aren't easily moved, V/G is upgrading the areas with new signage and equipment among other things. We'll take some pressure (and crowds) off the stands by adding several roving carts and stands with specialty items like ice cream and an on-site grill.

As for TV's, they would be a nice addition, but they aren't high enough on our priority list right now to allocate resources in that direction.

Q: I noticed that Army is playing three MAC teams in football this year. Has there been any discussion by conference officials to invite Army to join the MAC? This would appear to be an excellent move for several reasons: it would bring the conference to 14 teams; allow BG to move back to the west and provide more exposure for BG and the conference in the east.
Ron in Parsippany
Regarding Army, there have not been any conversations about inviting West Point into the MAC. Regarding expansion, yes, it has been a recent topic at MAC meetings - although no specific institutions were discussed. The conversation centered on a handful of points: (1) tracking what happens with Temple over the next few years related to football and their other sports; (2) the same point made in your question - an even number of schools would be helpful with two divisions; (3) any talk of expansion needs to be centered on finding an institution that is a "right fit." The MAC was used as a stepping stone by a couple of schools and nobody wants a repeat of that.

My understanding is that the MAC and Western Kentucky engaged in discussions about the Hilltoppers joining the conference a couple of years ago. In the end, WKU joined the Sun Belt as a full member. Ultimately, I don't think you will see anything related to expansion occur in the immediate future. It's prudent for the conference to be ready, though, for opportunities that arise from the changing landscape and have a set of options ready if certain scenarios play out. A number of factors will play into potential expansion, including actions by other conferences, TV contracts and the NCAA's stance on schools migrating to I-A football.