OPINION: Kalamazoo needs to become a football town

by Emily Wolfram
Bronco Sports First!


A dissection of any big college football town will reveal a bond like no other between team and community. You know the kind—towns like Columbus where just a similar looking M to that of U of M’s can create mass chaos and unfriendly banter. Members of the community will defend and honor their team like they can do no wrong and we love them for it.

So how does a city make that transition between a town with a football team and a football town?

Kalamazoo is working to build that platform and the 2008 season showed mass changes in the program.

Last year the CommUniverCity Night, an event that invites local businesses and groups to display tents and tables for tailgating before the first home opener, brought in its largest participation to date. More than 50 tents were placed throughout Haymes field and those numbers are growing annually.

Game attendance alone was something to marvel about when typically Waldo Stadium would look evacuated post-halftime. In 2008 the stands would remain nearly filled to the end. During the season Western Michigan University President John Dunn could be seen roaming through the stadium and even attending post-game conferences in support.

Perhaps it was the team’s strong start to the season or possibly the warm fall weather that was keeping the crowd in the stands. Maybe it’s the fact that Head Coach Bill Cubit has made every possible attempt to connect his boys to this community and it’s finally paying off.

Either way between the efforts of Cubit, Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard, President Dunn and Media Relations Director Mat Kanan more people than ever are talking about Bronco football in Kalamazoo.

With the possibility of a new downtown arena being built to house a few of WMU’s teams, the university needs the support of the community more than ever. The 2009 season will continue to build this bridge.

This Friday will mark the media’s chance to interact with a crop of new and old Broncos at the Donald J. Seelye Center. It will give an opportunity for members of the media to attended a press conference luncheon and follow with one on one interviews with players and coaches on the practice turf.

On August 23rd Waldo Stadium will host Fan Appreciation Night from 5:30-6:30 p.m. This free event will give Bronco fans an opportunity to meet the coaches and members of the team. Players will also be available for autographs.

An array of fun activities is planned for the evening including inflatable games and appearances by Buster Bronco and the Cheer and Dance Teams. Fans will also receive a free gift from Bronco Athletics at the gate and the first 300 attendants will be treated to free food and drink.

And to make things ever better, complimentary parking will be available in the lots behind the stadium.

Last year’s adopted theme was ‘Just Finish.’ Now it’s time to build and grow. This community needs this team and this team cannot thrive without the utmost support from this community. Now go buy some brown and gold.

For more WMU Broncos coverage head to the "Bronco Sports First!" section of WKZO.COM.