Things I'll be watching with interest following this hire:
Will CU's relation with the Denver-Boulder media outlets improve? The Buffs get table scraps from the Broncos in Denver, except for when stories run that highlight petty crime perpetrated by "ex-Buffs". I would like to see the CU brand be stronger amongst high school kids and large donors.
What changes will we see with new media? And what changes will there be to CU's net presence in the Pac12 network era? Will CUBUFFS.com get an overhaul? It would be nice to see an evolution towards web and apps design that favors hand held mobile devices and a continued focus on video content.
The role that radio broadcasters play in the web experience should expand so that fans can get pregame and post game analysis, plus have an option to hear the voice of the CU buffaloes instead of some annoying dummy in the broadcast booth. Wireless coverage in the arenas and stadium must improve to minimize dropped calls and limited internet connectivity. Anyone who wants to stream an audio feed, a chatroom, the media guide or game stats have that option.
What type of relationship does CU want to foster with sites like CUATTHEGAME, RalphieReport, Scout, Rivals, ESPN, Allbuffs, Buffbackers, Netbuffs and Facebook? Are these communities a welcome platform that can be leveraged, or are they to be discouraged, controlled, and outside the CUAD fortress walls?
How will gameday be impacted? Will the issues of parking assignment, tailgating and entry to to stadium improve in Boulder and at the Rocky Mountain Beatdown? I want to hear fewer stories about long lines to get past Argus security checkpoints and mixed messages involving the enforcement of alcohol policy at tailgates that borders on police harassment. Ticket renewals and parking assignments should be seemless and not involve clumbsy messaging and misfires. The marketing and gameday experience at Denver needs a major overhaul on issues of ticket assignments, tailgating and basic fan experience.
Will gameday at alumni functions throughout the country improve at away games and at watch parties? Its nice to be able to share a piece of Boulder with fellow Buffs who happen to be in California, Texas, Illinois, DC, and anywhere else Buffs fans gather to mix with fellow alumni and cheer on the school.
Merchandising should expand. Liscenced apparal need not be limited to a modest selection of golf shirts, t-shirts, hats, hoodies, and a few novelty items.