Let's see.  Huge line and lots of people showed up who don't normally show up.

I think that marketing professionals would count that as a 100% success since  it may 1) make those who are somewhat interested think that there's something going on here and, so, come again and 2) convert a few of the 'non-fans' since the best way to convince them is having them there to see us play well and win.

I am a current senior, and I must say the enthusiasm for athletics is much higher in the new coming students. The recent success in athletics travels through the hallways of the high schools that send students to OHIO. It builds anticipation, a very strong emotion that increases the likeliness that the freshman show up. 

I happened to sit next to a freshman at last nights NIU game. I assumed it was her first game, but in fact it was her 5th basketball game, and she attended all home football games. Not that her story alone is extraordinary, but she had many friends with her that felt the same way. As you look around the convo, many lanyard-toting freshman seem to share the same sentiment.  

Agreed. It's a big problem that's one of the many reasons that hold this league back.

Even Kent State and Akron, both of which have had great success and lots of W's recently, struggle mightily to get anyone to games. Akron averages 2,815 and Kent 2,128.

For those curious about current MAC average attendance:

Ohio- 6,050
Buffalo- 3,500
Toledo- 3,084
Ball State- 3,059
Akron- 2,815
WMU- 2,696
Kent- 2,128
BGSU- 2,026
CMU- 1,734
NIU- 1,232
Miami- 1,213
EMU- 959

League Average: 2,541

Just because you're not screaming your head off or yelling obscenities at the visiting team doesn't mean you could care less. Some just prefer to sit back, talk with friends, and enjoy the game. And that's just fine - if they're at the Convo, I'm happy.

Consider this.  Should the game get intense/exciting, if they're there they'll get into it.  100% guaranteed.  It's human nature to react that way to emotional circumstances.

But, they can't get into it personally if they aren't there in the first place.*


Look, soccer is stupid.  (No dingers in soccer.)  But if I was at a good contest, I'm sure i'd love it.



*Once again, my M.O. comes in handy.