The #TXHSFB #UILSTATE Attendance War

In the middle of the greatest state for high school football looms a war, The State Championship attendance Wars. Thanks to the NFL bouncing the UIL State Football Finals from Jerry's World in 2015 and the NRG catching the bid the war was on. Greater Houston dropped the ball and didn't have the interest that DFW area had garnered previously and thus the return to ATT stadium and a return to 200,00 plus for the weekend. But this was still down from even NTFB attendance in previous years. Add to it the fact they added a day and two finals and it makes me curious if it's really in the best interest of the schools to continue with the one location format.

I am an old school Texas playoff purist that has come to enjoy the one roof format. However this years four day schedule does present some challenges. If you're the class A, 2A, 3A do you just start your holiday early and ask the TEA for an exception? If you are the two early games on Friday does the TEA give you special dispensation for the day you're missing? If you happen to be a coach and want to attend all the games, do you take personal days?

Here's a suggestion that could boost attendance for the smaller classifications & make the rotation more appealing.  Each year reserve two of the three acceptable venues and have the odd number classifications play at one and the even at the other. Play two games Friday and four on Saturday at each site. For example 1AD1 with 5AD1 on Friday at 5:00 & 9:00. Saturday 1AD2, 3AD1, 5AD2, and then 3AD2, starting at 9:00 am.  At the other site 4AD1 & 2AD1 at 5 & 9, respectively. Saturday 2AD2 early with 6AD1 at noon  followed by 4AD2 and the late game 6AD2.

By alternating start times of 5A & 6A it allows for those games to be streamed live on FOXSW. For the others Fox could show conflicts on FS1. In addition have all the games streaming live at both venues. 

Okay, so maybe this format isn't just about the schools, but I think it might warrant consideration and truly improve revenue for all UIL member teams.  Who knows you might see new attendance records as the three Texas metropolitan areas square off to show who really is the best venue and city for Texas High School Football Championships.