It is really hard to believe that free student tickets to a basketball game is that big of a deal to some (I realize a the vast majority couldn't care less and therefor don't even bother to chime in) clone fans. I would think the majority of ISU fans understand how difficult it can be to get fans at a game when the team hasn't been doing well the last few years, and why an athletic department would do promotions such as this.
I know as a kid (early 90's) I went to numerous games at JTC and basically got to stretch out and recline in the stands. Been to a few games in the last few years with friends (mostly opening Thursday night games since Iowa hadn't started yet) and been in the student section. A lot of empty rows at the top despite being the first game of the season. Couldn't speak for this year as I didn't make a ISU game, but I would imagine student attendance picked up as the excitement and production for the team has picked up. It is really not that hard to understand, better team = better attendance 90% of the time.
And personally, you can put me in the column of people that believe the $40 for 4 general admission tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 pops (basically $10 tickets and free hot dog and pop) for a football game in the same ballpark as free student tickets and pizza to a basketball game. I would think Iowa's athletic department could eat the $7-8 ticket for the students to try and get them interested again.
