Finding ways to draw more fans

Since it’s not possible to move the stadium closer to campus or lower the temperature in August or September, we're offering eight ways to make a day of Bruins football more enticing.

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BETTER kickoff times and possibly bringing in a live baby bear could draw more UCLA fans to Pasadena.

Some of these suggestions might seem as realistic as moving the San Gabriel Mountains, but who ever imagined that UCLA would play in the Big Ten?

Give freebies: The best way to help fans stretch their entertainment dollar is to let them keep it.

Tickets are reasonably priced given they sometimes go for next to nothing on the secondary market and currently can be bought for as low as $43 for some games through UCLA, but how about offering free parking? Even if this is a cost the school has to subsidize, free parking would be a tremendous lure and goodwill gesture.

Students also should get in free. While student attendance has been robust since athletic director Martin Jarmond and his staff implemented several initiatives, it would make sense to have even more of the stadium packed with a segment of fans who tend to make the most noise and create the best atmosphere. It would also build lifelong loyalty and help pack the Rose Bowl with alumni in future seasons.

Eliminate six-day selection: Just tell us the kickoff times already. People need to plan their lives.

As of early August, the only home games with known kickoff times are the opener against Utah on Aug. 30, which starts at 8 p.m. (yikes), and a Friday game against New Mexico on Sept. 12 that starts at 7 p.m. (good luck getting to the Rose Bowl in weekday evening traffic).