Attendance at recent Men's Basketball "Senior Night" games:
2013 = 5,089
2014 = 1,901
2015 = 1,218
2016 = 1,288
2017 = 803
2018 = 614
Basketball Attendance
The 603 per home game attendance average for the season is the lowest in our DI era (since '81/'82). Our previous lowest was averaging 629 per home game in '07/'08 (when we finished 12-18 in the last season for Coach Derek Thomas).
The women averaged 638 this season, which is also disappointing, but not horrible compared to previous years...and especially considering the significant drop in attendance at football and men's basketball games this year.
The women averaged 638 this season, which is also disappointing, but not horrible compared to previous years...and especially considering the significant drop in attendance at football and men's basketball games this year.
Scott Lawson - Board Admin
Western Illinois University Alum/Fan/Employee
Member of the Marching Leathernecks - 1996-2000
Western Illinois University Alum/Fan/Employee
Member of the Marching Leathernecks - 1996-2000
- sealhall74
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- Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:18 pm
- Location: Wherever, Windblows
This is a chicken and egg problem that affects all sports. Lousy attendance means coaches are a bit hesistant to bring kids in for visits during the season. That means a lot of late commits or signees after the season is over. That means coaches ultimately are settling for more bottom of the barrel athletes. Then it starts all over again. Sorry for all of the lame as a duck euphemisms here but this is a very tough nut to crack. We must find a way to turn this around.
Embrace the pace of the race.
The crowds at the Women's games have been smaller than expected when you consider their past successful season.
I have heard people say that the ticket prices are "too high". Perhaps the pricing needs to be adjusted for next season.
Adult General Admission tickets are $10 for the Men and $8 for the Women.
Youth (18 and under) and Senior (60 and above) General Admission tickets are $7 for the Men and $5 for the Women.
Lowering the General Admission price to $5 might be a better option.