I agree that we have to look at what is economically better for the SWAC...but let's not just look short term. I feel that the 9 game mandate has an immediate economic impact for all teams, but in the long term it might cause our product to diminish in quality. The lack of flexibility in our schedules reduces our chances to get exposure in other markets for both the individual schools and the conference. Some might think that only Grambling benefits from the Classic appearances (we do seem to participate in more of them than others) but this gives other teams opportunities to play in neutral site games against other HBCU's.
We think in terms of promoters for these classics, but I would like to see our National Alumni getting involved in one of these Classics as a major revenue generator. What if the Grambling Alumni came together and sponsored a game in Shreveport each year to open the season? Imagine the draw if that opponent is BCC, FAMU, TnState, etc. Why couldn't the JSU Alumni open their season with a game in Chicago kicking off with some of the same teams mentioned in the previous sentence? AAMU's Alumni could sponsor something in the ATL against another OOC HBCU that could go over well.
Not only would the flexibility help us get potential payday games against D1's (something that Grambling definitely wants and should be allowed to pursue) but also games against regional D1AA's that could develop into increased season ticket sales. Grambling could sell it's season ticket package much better if the package included the Alumni Game and a yearly home and home with McNeese/Southeastern for two years then Northwestern/Nichols two years.
Anyway...here's a suggested permanent East/West pairings. The one or another of the other two teams would be on the schedule on an odd year/even year basis.
Grambling: Bama , Alcorn, AAMU
Pine Bluff: Bama, Jackson, Valley
Southern: Alcorn, Valley, Jackson
TSU: Jackson, AAMU, Valley
PVU: Alcorn, AAMU, Bama
Alcorn: Grambling, PVU, Southern
Bama: Pine Bluff, Grambling, PVU
AAMU:Grambling, TSU, PVU
JSU:TSU, Pine Bluff, Southern
Valley
ine Bluff, TSU, Southern