If Emens doesn't advertise rock shows well enough, if students don't know about the shows, it's hard to blame students for not showing up.
Emens is not actively asking questions. They're not seeking out student opinions. No wonder they don't have a sense of what students will actually go see.
The blame for unsuccessful rock shows doesn't fall solely on Emens, however. Students have to be willing to pay for what they ask for. Sure you only paid $20 to sit in the lawn and see Dave Matthews at Verizon Wireless Center. But students have to take into consideration the cost to the university and the size of the venue, among other factors.
Students might not understand what is within Emens' range of possibility. A useful course of action might be for Emens staff to select about a dozen, maybe 20, shows that Ball State could afford and accommodate. Then students could look through the list and rank what they'd go see.
A suggestion box is not enough. Emens needs to find more active ways to get student feedback. Send out university-wide e-mails. Send students messages via the Emens Facebook group.
Without some change, Emens won't be able to bring successful rock and pop shows to Muncie. The venue's administration will stick to what they know and continue to bring in country music and comedy acts.
Emens staff: Get on the ball and gather some real student input.
Students: Make your voices heard. Instead of telling your friends about the acts you wish would come to Ball State, tell the Emens staff.
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