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| Where is everyone? |
Sitting at the USF vs. DePaul game, I couldn't help but realize too things. One, I can't believe we won a game (still very critical of this team) and secondly, where is everyone? USF basketball, both men and womens' programs, have the lowest attendance numbers in the Big East, which raises the questions, where the hell is everyone? [Keep reading]
USF basketball has always had low attendance numbers and ever since joining the Big East, it has always been towards the bottom, but this still makes no since. USF Tampa has over 40,000 students, a majority either live on campus or in the nearby apartment complexes that surround the campus. USF students are allowed free admission to all home USF games, including basketball, so where are the students. The USF fan section in the Sun Dome is simply a joke (sorry, had to be said). It is only a small section behind the scorers' table that is often empty and great seats available. For USF football season, the university actually expanded the student section, so it could be done for the basketball programs if fans actually showed up! So what are the excuses, let's go down the list and see what reasons there are.
Bad facilities: The Sun Dome is awful, we can all agree on that. But the university is transforming it at the end of this year and the start of next season. It'll have new seating, new entrances, and will finally look like it belongs in Division 1. So there are going to be no excuses for attending a game next year, it'll be brand new, but fans need to start attending now!
Bad play: Both programs are having down years, but still show your pride. The men's program competes in the toughest conference in America. Coach Heath has young talent and is working on recruiting, give him a chance. Women's basketball has been successful for years, yet no one seems to remember (they won the WNIT, only postseason tournament championship in school history). Both teams are going to fight hard and will win more, so come out an show your support already.
Can't make the game: This is a bunch of Bull ****. A big majority of students live on or near campus. The Bull runners run till late at night and for on campus living, it is a short walk, no excuses. Tickets are free and for those who are alumni, tickets are as low as $8, kids under 17 are free, so why not come to the games? Game times are usually after everyone has class and weekend games are open to everyone's schedule, so where are the fans? There is really no strong excuse not to attend a game other than lack of pride and support for the Bulls.
No promotions: This is where I agree with some of the fans. Driving on I-275, I see plenty of Holtz signs for the football program (rightfully so) but there are little or no signs for basketball. USF plays against top ten programs and aside from the Oracle, Youtube, and the website, how many promotions are all over the campus? Maybe a flimsy sign on the crosswalk near the Rec center, but not enough to get the student body amped up for games and truly make the Dome our OWN!
This is such a small vent about the attendance problems for USF basketball. Attendance and school pride seem to be complacent around the campus and this needs to change. Where is the energy and pride about USF athletics? I will have more about this issue later next week.
Please check out: http://www.voodoofive.com/
They are an awesome site, great guys, and have a new piece about the attendance woes of USF. Make sure to check it out!
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