Attendance Update across P5 WCBB

[DefenseBB]

We have a changing of the guard happening! From a conference perspective the SEC has been dethroned! The Big 10 and it's 14 teams are averaging 5,588 fans per game this year (1,039,375 for 186 games) while the SEC and it's 14 teams are 5,124 (953,042 for 186 games).

Big 10 with 5.588 and Iowa at 14,998; Northwestern last with 2,186
SEC with 5,124 and SC at 16,219 (LSU at 11,390) and Florida last with 1,697
The PAC 12 is a distant 3rd at 3,820 with Arizona 7,257 and WSUs pathetic 1,143 fans per game!
The Big 12 at 3,472 with Iowa State at 9,830 and UCF last with 1,210
The ACC with 3,275 with Louisville 8,288 and BC dead last with 1,104
6th is the Big East 2,069 with UConn 11,092 and Xavier last with 755 (Seton Hall w/781; PC w/800 and Georgetown w/881).

The current top 6 are (last years attendance in parenthesis):
SC-16,219 (12,942) up 25.3%
Iowa-14,998 (11,143) up 34.6%
LSU-11,390 (8,733) up 30.4%
UConn-11.092 (10,255) up 8.2%
Iowa State-9,830 (10,323) down 4.8%
Indiana -9,303 (8,104) up 26.6%

Three things jump out to me:
1. SC had a huge increase despite all the talent they lost-really impressive
2. Iowa despite the huge increase is still 2nd
3. Kim Mulkey, while controversial has seen the attendance jump from 2,036 with Fargas to 7,167 (yr 1), 8,733 (yr 2) to 11,390 in year 3!

The current average for UConn is their highest average since 2005-06 when they averaged 11,521, 18 years!!!

 

[visitingcock]

Take a look at total attendance (home and away). I don't have the numbers at hand but Iowa leads SCar and has a shot at the all-time total attendance records. Big 10 fans are really turning out to see Clark. SEC fans are tired of seeing SCar come to town.

 

[azfan]

The PAC 12 is a distant 3rd at 3,820 with Arizona 7,257 and WSUs pathetic 1,143 fans per game!
The Big 12 at 3,472 with Iowa State at 9,830 and UCF last with 1,210
The ACC with 3,275 with Louisville 8,288 and BC dead last with 1,104
6th is the Big East 2,069 with UConn 11,092 and Xavier last with 755 (Seton Hall w/781; PC w/800 and Georgetown w/881).

The current top 6 are (last years attendance in parenthesis):
SC-16,219 (12,942) up 25.3%
Iowa-14,998 (11,143) up 34.6%
LSU-11,390 (8,733) up 30.4%
UConn-11.092 (10,255) up 8.2%
Iowa State-9,830 (10,323) down 4.8%
Indiana -9,303 (8,104) up 26.6%

Three things jump out to me:
1. SC had a huge increase despite all the talent they lost-really impressive
2. Iowa despite the huge increase is still 2nd
3. Kim Mulkey, while controversial has seen the attendance jump from 2,036 with Fargas to 7,167 (yr 1), 8,733 (yr 2) to 11,390 in year 3!

The current average for UConn is their highest average since 2005-06 when they averaged 11,521, 18 years!!!

ASU is in the pathetic realm with an average attendance of 1800. When you consider the metropolitan areas is I think you could establish that ASU's home draw is much more pathetic than Washington State.

Also my untrained eye leads me to believe that some of the reported home attendance at 50-year-old Desert Financial Arena are actually empty seats.

I did finally cancel my ASU season tickets but continue to hold season tickets to NAU and Grand Canyon. One thing I found amusing when thinking about pathetic is that single game tickets for the latter two schools are $5 while ASU are $21.

In comparing the arenas Grand Canyon has a wonderful 4500 seat arena that'ideal for viewing basketball. NAU of course plays in the dome a completely unsuitable venue. So this is The Good The Bad and for ASU the ugly in terms of arenas.

The Jacks and Lopes are on their way to 20 win seasons while the Sun Devils are lining up for a second consecutive 20 loss season. I suspect the new AD and whoever coaches the women's team down the road may be in the process of establishing a streak of 20 loss seasons ....could it hit 10?

As Michael Crow takes time from real estate development to focus on hiring a new AD one wonders if the Desert Financial arena debacle will appear on the horizon for athletic planning in the next 10 to 20 years. I know Crow has a firm plan for real estate development over that time horizon so it'll certainly be interesting to see what happens to the home of the Sun devils basketball programs, wrestling programs and gymnastics. I should mention that Sun devil wrestling has moved to a local high school for their home matches.

 

[JstVisiting]

Kim Mulkey isn't actually that controversial. She's not controversial at all within her fanbase. There's a tendency online for people to label someone as "controversial" because the speaker dislikes or disagrees with them, but everyone has someone who disagrees with them.

 

[TheFarmFan]

Kim Mulkey isn't actually that controversial. She's not controversial at all within her fanbase. There's a tendency online for people to label someone as "controversial" because the speaker dislikes or disagrees with them, but everyone has someone who disagrees with them.

With the exception of Muffet McGraw, I actually can't think of a coach who's made more headlines for "controversy" in the past decade than Kim. Think Brittney Griner's coming out after college. Think her bizarre remarks on Baylor's sexual assault scandal. Think Kim's silence about Griner's captivity in Russia. Think Kim's stonewalling about Reese's absence. Think her jackets and her jacket tossing. Love her or not, there's no one more controversial in WCBB.

 

[bennyskid]

Kim Mulkey isn't actually that controversial. She's not controversial at all within her fanbase. There's a tendency online for people to label someone as "controversial" because the speaker dislikes or disagrees with them, but everyone has someone who disagrees with them.

Kim Mulkey stepped into it deep when at Baylor. She made some comments which downplayed the rape scandal created by the football team and the subsequent cover-up. In this case, pretty much the entire sports world disagreed with her, vehemently.
There is a tendency online for people to label someone as "non-controversial" because the speaker likes or agrees with them . . .

 

[Bjbod]

We have a changing of the guard happening! From a conference perspective the SEC has been dethroned! The Big 10 and it's 14 teams are averaging 5,588 fans per game this year (1,039,375 for 186 games) while the SEC and it's 14 teams are 5,124 (953,042 for 186 games).

Big 10 with 5.588 and Iowa at 14,998; Northwestern last with 2,186
SEC with 5,124 and SC at 16,219 (LSU at 11,390) and Florida last with 1,697
The PAC 12 is a distant 3rd at 3,820 with Arizona 7,257 and WSUs pathetic 1,143 fans per game!
The Big 12 at 3,472 with Iowa State at 9,830 and UCF last with 1,210
The ACC with 3,275 with Louisville 8,288 and BC dead last with 1,104
6th is the Big East 2,069 with UConn 11,092 and Xavier last with 755 (Seton Hall w/781; PC w/800 and Georgetown w/881).

The current top 6 are (last years attendance in parenthesis):
SC-16,219 (12,942) up 25.3%
Iowa-14,998 (11,143) up 34.6%
LSU-11,390 (8,733) up 30.4%
UConn-11.092 (10,255) up 8.2%
Iowa State-9,830 (10,323) down 4.8%
Indiana -9,303 (8,104) up 26.6%

Three things jump out to me:
1. SC had a huge increase despite all the talent they lost-really impressive
2. Iowa despite the huge increase is still 2nd
3. Kim Mulkey, while controversial has seen the attendance jump from 2,036 with Fargas to 7,167 (yr 1), 8,733 (yr 2) to 11,390 in year 3!

The current average for UConn is their highest average since 2005-06 when they averaged 11,521, 18 years!!!

True that Iowa is still 2nd (Nice job Gamecocks), but they can't draw more than 14,998....that's capacity for Carver.

 

[DefenseBB]

ASU is in the pathetic realm with an average attendance of 1800. When you consider the metropolitan areas is I think you could establish that ASU's home draw is much more pathetic than Washington State.

Also my untrained eye leads me to believe that some of the reported home attendance at 50-year-old Desert Financial Arena are actually empty seats.

I did finally cancel my ASU season tickets but continue to hold season tickets to NAU and Grand Canyon. One thing I found amusing when thinking about pathetic is that single game tickets for the latter two schools are $5 while ASU are $21.

In comparing the arenas Grand Canyon has a wonderful 4500 seat arena that'ideal for viewing basketball. NAU of course plays in the dome a completely unsuitable venue. So this is The Good The Bad and for ASU the ugly in terms of arenas.

The Jacks and Lopes are on their way to 20 win seasons while the Sun Devils are lining up for a second consecutive 20 loss season. I suspect the new AD and whoever coaches the women's team down the road may be in the process of establishing a streak of 20 loss seasons ....could it hit 10?

As Michael Crow takes time from real estate development to focus on hiring a new AD one wonders if the Desert Financial arena debacle will appear on the horizon for athletic planning in the next 10 to 20 years. I know Crow has a firm plan for real estate development over that time horizon so it'll certainly be interesting to see what happens to the home of the Sun devils basketball programs, wrestling programs and gymnastics. I should mention that Sun devil wrestling has moved to a local high school for their home matches.

The trend for ASU is definitely down. I have all the years from 2012-13 and it is not pretty. My concern as I point out WSU over ASU is WSU is significantly better so you would think more people would come. But in general WSU is pretty pathetic as the numbers below show.

Here are the ASU numbers compared to WSU since 2012-13
1,588...986
2,041...1,046
3,064...985
2,452...923
2,296...798
2,863...872
3,062...702
3,095...755
2,686...836
2,545...902
1,865...1,143

As far as @Bjbod comment goes, not sure what your point is-yes, your arena is now at capacity this year, kudos to the SID and Caitlin but you still are 2nd-limits or none. Jeesh....

 

[azfan]

The trend for ASU is definitely down. I have all the years from 2012-13 and it is not pretty. My concern as I point out WSU over ASU is WSU is significantly better so you would think more people would come. But in general WSU is pretty pathetic as the numbers below show.

Here are the ASU numbers compared to WSU since 2012-13
1,588...986
2,041...1,046
3,064...985
2,452...923
2,296...798
2,863...872
3,062...702
3,095...755
2,686...836
2,545...902
1,865...1,143

As far as @Bjbod comment goes, not sure what your point is-yes, your arena is now at capacity this year, kudos to the SID and Caitlin but you still are 2nd-limits or none. Jeesh....

The Devils are also located in the Phoenix metroplex.....soooooo much larger population (and potential fans) than than the eastern Washington metroplex.

The kitties down in the dirty T have a much smaller population but ...... It goes to show what a successful program can do and the results of a disintegrating and incompetent program and the impact on attendance regardless of population.

 

[Bjbod]

The trend for ASU is definitely down. I have all the years from 2012-13 and it is not pretty. My concern as I point out WSU over ASU is WSU is significantly better so you would think more people would come. But in general WSU is pretty pathetic as the numbers below show.

Here are the ASU numbers compared to WSU since 2012-13
1,588...986
2,041...1,046
3,064...985
2,452...923
2,296...798
2,863...872
3,062...702
3,095...755
2,686...836
2,545...902
1,865...1,143

As far as @Bjbod comment goes, not sure what your point is-yes, your arena is now at capacity this year, kudos to the SID and Caitlin but you still are 2nd-limits or none. Jeesh...

The trend for ASU is definitely down. I have all the years from 2012-13 and it is not pretty. My concern as I point out WSU over ASU is WSU is significantly better so you would think more people would come. But in general WSU is pretty pathetic as the numbers below show.

Here are the ASU numbers compared to WSU since 2012-13
1,588...986
2,041...1,046
3,064...985
2,452...923
2,296...798
2,863...872
3,062...702
3,095...755
2,686...836
2,545...902
1,865...1,143

As far as @Bjbod comment goes, not sure what your point is-yes, your arena is now at capacity this year, kudos to the SID and Caitlin but you still are 2nd-limits or none. Jeesh....

My point is that IF Iowa had a larger capacity, THIS year they definitely would have sold more tix. Perhaps would have led the nation in attendance. My qualifier...(Nice job Gamecocks) is that I realize they were the leaders...no question they are #1. Jeesh...

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

The Devils are also located in the Phoenix metroplex.....soooooo much larger population (and potential fans) than than the eastern Washington metroplex.

The kitties down in the dirty T have a much smaller population but ...... It goes to show what a successful program can do and the results of a disintegrating and incompetent program and the impact on attendance regardless of population.

2 other factors to take into account - there are a lot of other things to do in Phoenix, better (and certainly more) entertainment than Tucson (although certainly Tucson has good entertainment as well), plenty of other sports, etc.

And Tucson is a college town, it is all about U of A. They did have to put a decent program on the floor to attract the fans (that's true everywhere) but it was an easy sell. Its all about UA.

By the way, spoke briefly with CTT yesterday, she had the color commentary on the broadcast and we sit next to the table. After the game as she was packing up, we went over and thanked her for her support of Rutgers during the Imus controversy, very short exchange, but she seemed very appreciative of our remarks.

 

[sharris25]

My point is that IF Iowa had a larger capacity, this year they definitely would have sold more tix. Perhaps would have led the nation in attendance. My qualifier...(Nice job Gamecocks) is that I realize they were the leaders...no question they are #1. Jeesh...

Thing is South Carolina has led the nation the last 9 years and their attendance is growing this year. The key for an Iowa will be if you can sustain the attendance post Caitlyn. Programs like SC, UCONN have shown they can as stars have left out and others have come in

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

Thing is South Carolina has led the nation the last 9 years and their attendance is growing this year. The key for an Iowa will be if you can sustain the attendance post Caitlyn. Programs like SC, UCONN have shown they can as stars have left out and others have come in

Iowa draws quite well, but like most programs it will be dependent on a product folks want to see. Post Caitlyn there will probably be a drop; that said, they should continue to be in the upper echelon of attendance.

 

[visitingcock]

Thing is South Carolina has led the nation the last 9 years and their attendance is growing this year. The key for an Iowa will be if you can sustain the attendance post Caitlyn. Programs like SC, UCONN have shown they can as stars have left out and others have come in

Well, Iowa State has always had very good attendance. I expect Iowa will remain strong. Maybe not AS strong but strong

 

[azfan]

Good

2 other factors to take into account - there are a lot of other things to do in Phoenix, better (and certainly more) entertainment than Tucson (although certainly Tucson has good entertainment as well), plenty of other sports, etc.

And Tucson is a college town, it is all about U of A. They did have to put a decent program on the floor to attract the fans (that's true everywhere) but it was an easy sell. Its all about UA.

By the way, spoke briefly with CTT yesterday, she had the color commentary on the broadcast and we sit next to the table. After the game as she was packing up, we went over and thanked her for her support of Rutgers during the Imus controversy, very short exchange, but she seemed very appreciative of our remarks.

Well taken point regarding the 4 magir sport options in the PHX metro. My wife's family are rabid husker fans and clearly that does impact attendance in Lincoln particularly on point given the decline in quality of football and continued to sell outs.

CTT is a class act. Not certain if competent sports leadership at ASU would have retained her but she's always been a breath of fresh air. She combines knowledge and institutional history with an innate kindness.

 

[Rb335]

My point is that IF Iowa had a larger capacity, this year they definitely would have sold more tix. Perhaps would have led the nation in attendance. My qualifier...(Nice job Gamecocks) is that I realize they were the leaders...no question they are #1. Jeesh...

It should also be noted that although they won’t get credit for it, Iowa is filling the stadiums for road games. The draw to see Caitlin is reminiscent of all of the years where when Uconn played on the road, their opponent had their highest attendance game of the season when Uconn came to town. Just look at the crowd for their Nebraska game. I desperately hope her marketability translates to the WNBA. They would benefit greatly from a player than can draw those quantities of fans regardless of location.

 

[visitingcock]

It should also be noted that although they won’t get credit for it, Iowa is filling the stadiums for road games. The draw to see Caitlin is reminiscent of all of the years where when Uconn played on the road, their opponent had their highest attendance game of the season when Uconn came to town. Just look at the crowd for their Nebraska game. I desperately hope her marketability translates to the WNBA. They would benefit greatly from a player than can draw those quantities of fans regardless of location.

The will get credit for it.

I expect them to set the all time total attendance (home, road and neutral) record this year!

 

[Darwin]

Take a look at total attendance (home and away). I don't have the numbers at hand but Iowa leads SCar and has a shot at the all-time total attendance records. Big 10 fans are really turning out to see Clark. SEC fans are tired of seeing SCar come to town.

Feel better now?

 

[BigTenGuy]

With 4 games left, South Carolina is on the brink of the single-season home average attendance record. South Carolina is currently at 16,392 for home games this season, trailing only Tennessee in 1999 at 16,565. With home games left against Alabama, Tennessee, and then 2 tourney games, the tourney games might be the stumbling block. Last year's 2nd round game at home drew 10,335, because the fan base rightly assumed a non-competitive game.

 

[visitingcock]

Feel better now?

No better. No worse. Just reporting. Not
Feeling.

 

[bballnut90]

With 4 games left, South Carolina is on the brink of the single-season home average attendance record. South Carolina is currently at 16,392 for home games this season, trailing only Tennessee in 1999 at 16,565. With home games left against Alabama, Tennessee, and then 2 tourney games, the tourney games might be the stumbling block. Last year's 2nd round game at home drew 10,335, because the fan base rightly assumed a non-competitive game.

Would love it if the university advertises this to get fans to come out and break the record during first 2 rounds. If Dawn publicizes it, SC fans will show up. If Pat Summitt was here today I am sure she would be proud to see this record get broken.

 

[Darwin]

Would love it if the university advertises this to get fans to come out and break the record during first 2 rounds. If Dawn publicizes it, SC fans will show up. If Pat Summitt was here today I am sure she would be proud to see this record get broken.

Don’t tell visitingcock that, he will blow up the thread with more news on Iowa total attendance dominance. Review the past parade of his responses in many threads to any mention of SC being first in attendance and the interjection is always the same, “but Iowa, total attendance…” It’s as sure as the sun rising. A Hawk in Gamecock clothing.

 

[Viallanelle]

Highest attendance in program history yesterday against Georgia (18,478). Season average now 16,392 - 2nd highest average for WBB ALL TIME. Doubt SC is losing the attendance contest this year.

 

[visitingcock]

Don’t tell visitingcock that, he will blow up the thread with more news on Iowa total attendance dominance. Review the past parade of his responses in many threads to any mention of SC being first in attendance and the interjection is always the same, “but Iowa, total attendance…” It’s as sure as the sun rising. A Hawk in Gamecock clothing.

Sorry that you can’t see that TWO different attendance records may fall this year. First, we may break the average HOME attendance record. Second, Iowa may break the average TOTAL attendance record for home AND road games.

Two different concepts and records. Our fans are to be applauded if we break the home attendance record ( or even if we come up a bit short. Iowa (Caitlin) and the BIG fans are to be applauded if they break the total attendance record.

I’m a Gamecock but not a total Homer. I can recognize both our accomplishments and those of others. I hope both records fall.

On a related note SCar and Iowa are to be applauded if the record for TV viewership of games over 1 million is broken this year because both will have contributed heavily in drawing those eyeball to the game of wbb.

“A Hawk in Gamecock clothing?” From a supposed gamecock Johnny come lately of about 1 year supporting our school on this board?

 

[Darwin]

Sorry that you can’t see that TWO different attendance records may fall this year. First, we may break the average HOME attendance record. Second, Iowa may break the average TOTAL attendance record for home AND road games.

Two different concepts and records. Our fans are to be applauded if we break the home attendance record ( or even if we come up a bit short. Iowa (Caitlin) and the BIG fans are to be applauded if they break the total attendance record.

I’m a Gamecock but not a total Homer. I can recognize both our accomplishments and those of others. I hope both records fall.

On a related note SCar and Iowa are to be applauded if the record for TV viewership of games over 1 million is broken this year because both will have contributed heavily in drawing those eyeball to the game of wbb.

“A Hawk in Gamecock clothing?” From a supposed gamecock Johnny come lately of about 1 year supporting our school on this board?

Key words there: “on this board”.