07-20-2021, 11:23 AM
(07-20-2021, 12:13 AM)Whatever Wrote: You may be right, and I was a kid in the '80's, but it seems odd when you look at it from a historical perspective. The '80's were the Bengals golden age, but they only had 4 winning seasons and 3 playoff berths during the decade and one of those was during the '82 strike year. They broke a string of 3 straight losing seasons with the '81 AFC Championship team, went one and done in the strike year, then were mediocre to bad until '88.
I'm apparently odd because when I go to a sporting event, I go to be entertained by watching the game. Stuff like the playoff win drought doesn't really enter my mind. Similarly, the whole "stadium experience" stuff doesn't really bug me, either, as long as the seats are reasonably comfortable and the food and drinks aren't ridiculously overpriced. But apparently that stuff really does matter to some folks, which is why I assume I'm in the vast minority.
A few things to consider...
1.) The Two Superbowl appearances. I don't think you're doing it justice when these are somewhat lost in the description of "3 playoff berths".
The 2nd Super Bowl especially was noteworthy. That team with their no-huddle offense, the Icky shuffle, their rap, they were culturally important. I won't go so far as to say they're like the '85 Bears, or the 90's Cowboys or something like that. But that was a very entertaining Super Bowl team.
2.) Not as much competition. There of course was no FC Cincinnati. UC football wasn't really a thing. UC and XU basketball were in the dumps for most of the decade. All you really had was Reds and Bengals.
3.) The economy/the cost. The economy was strong through most of the decade. Also, ticket prices (and parking, food, beer) were much more reasonable then. Prices have been steadily rising ever since.
Some people simply can't afford to go to a game anymore. It would cost a family of 4 probably a minimum of $300 to go a single game and that doesn't even leave all that much for food and drinks. You're talking over $500 dollars if everyone wants a couple things to eat and a drink, and dad has a few beers, and maybe you buy a souveneir.
4.) TV quality at home. Back in the day most people had a 19 inch TV at home, now they most likely have a 50 inch tv at home. In full high definition, with better sound quality and a TV broadcast that does a much better job of presenting the game.
