Raleigh, NC __ In my opinion the Athletic Department needs to establish a firm policy on the "Stand vs. Sit" issue. Then administer it uniformly - to the visiting fans as well as the Carolina family. Which direction should the policy take?

Yes, we had a great atmosphere for the Texas game.  A ton of people were standing, including most of the Longhorn fans.  But many Carolina fans were asked to sit down.  And a few were escorted out of the stadium for standing?

How many of you have heard Bunting talk about "changing the culture" in trying to build a consistent Top 10 Carolina Football program?

OK, there are a few hands going up.  We don't need to discuss a "12th Man" here, but you know for sure he's referring to having a solid home field advantage: large crowd, wear Carolina blue, loud as hell on defense, and quiet on offense.

I think he believes in the team concept that consists of players, coaches, and fans.  If the players and coaches are busting their butts on the field, then the fans should be busting it in the "stands".  And that means be there when the team takes the field and stay until the team leaves the field.  Win or lose, we should be there as long as our team is out there fighting for Carolina.  And we should be there to stand and applaud as they leave the field.

OK, I know there are exceptions concerning the need to leave early.  But there should only be a few hundred at best, and not 20,000 by mid 4th quarter.


How many of you read Durant's quote on TarHeelBlue.com about his 12th Man?

"The big crowd is something that we feel we need to beat this team.  A lot of people call their crowd the 12th man.  Hopefully inside Kenan on Saturday our crowd can be the 12th man to help us".

Our players deserve that every game to have a better chance to beat every team.  Not just Texas.  Not just a big game.


How many of you have seen the players on the field and the sidelines wave their arms wildly with palms up?

They are asking for their 12th Man.  They are asking for support to help their fight on the field.  They are asking for home field advantage.  It's embarrassing for them to even have to think of doing that. That should be a given at a football game.  Can we respond as part of the team by sitting there with arms and legs crossed?


How many of you have heard "down in front"?

Need I ask?


How many of you want to win a lot of football games?

Need I ask?


How many of you want to be a Top 10 football program?

Well, 20,000 have answered by leaving early.


There is a small but growing core of avid Carolina Football fans that have heard Bunting's call to Answer The Bell.  Why is it that these fans are told to sit down, effectively not participate as well as possible to give the Heels home field advantage?  Why is it that we can't respond to Bunting's call?  Why is it that these fans are escorted out of the stadium? (sitting here, head shaking side to side)

Some say that if the Heels win more then the fans would stand and cheer more.  I say pooh-pooh! That's bass ackwards!  We know we can generate an electric atmosphere in Kenan, like the last game against Texas.  If we expect to win with the players we have then they deserve to have a home field advantage.

Another major advantage gained from great fan participation would be in the recruiting battles.  The top notch talent would want to come and play for top notch fans.  Or do you think they would rather play in a 60,000 seat stadium in front of 40,000 shows with 30,000 sitting and the security yellow jackets running around telling the other 10,000 to sit down.

So Baddour needs to seriously address this policy in the upcoming off-season and offer a Sit Only Section in the corners like the handicapped areas.  And with the season ticket order form, boldly state that Kenan is a "Fan Standing Friendly Stadium".  For those who don't want to move to the sit only area, then like it or lump it.  You had your chance.

Bunting has lost some players to establish his policies and expectations.  Moeser has stated that "At Carolina, we should aspire to the highest levels of excellence in everything that we do...".  Businesses are laying off dead-weight all across this country to meet their goals.  If Moeser wants excellence and Bunting wants a Top 10 football program, then Baddour should accommodate the fans who can and will make a difference.  In doing so, be prepared to lose some ticket sales.  Others will take those seats in no time at all.

In the long run the new culture, Bunting's culture change, will become the old traditions 50 years from now.  And Carolina will have a real shot to bring home a championship since we will dance in the Top 10 every year. Oh, the times they are a changin'.  Or will it be... the beat goes on?  Hey, down in front!