I disagree with the position that "football playoffs are cheaper" - sending the football team to playoff games requires also sending the full band, drill team, cheerleaders, and other spirit units. The cost of sending a band to San Antonio for a couple of days could be argued that less cost to the district than sending the "football team" to the playoffs. Even getting to keep part of the gate, the district is out a lot of money just to have a playoff game, some of which require the use of charters, hotels, etc.