I remember when the WWF started the XFL football league circa 2001. That league plummeted in interest level within weeks. But at least the organizers had an entertainment background and gave it a chance on week one. Those stands were packed and loud. It looked like the place to be and came across that way on television.
I was living in Las Vegas. That was the first televised game and nationally televised by NBC, way out on Boulder Highway at rickety Sam Boyd Stadium. There was a strategic giveaway. I didn't attend but lots of my friends did, guys who otherwise would never have bothered.
Michael Johnson's biggest failure was not understanding that type of thing. From sampling reaction last night and today, the empty stands is overwhelmingly the most frequent topic.
And it was hardly an unknown quantity. I knew what to expect months ago.
Contrast to the Diamond League telecasts. They aren't babbling for 40 minutes waiting for a late arriving crowd. Just the opposite. The meet has been underway for hours with the pre program. Once the global television window begins they are immediately upon the first diamond race, which is typically women's 400 flat or 400 hurdles.