Inside the (attendance) numbers
posted by LW, Wednesday, February 24, 2010
People are losing their jobs, having their pay cut and all sorts of other stuff that comes with a slumbering economy.
But college football is as close as you can get to religion, and that's evidenced in the number of people who filled the cathedrals of their favorite teams this past fall.
It was believed that the perilous economic conditions would wreak havoc with attendance at college football games. Supposedly, a deep recession combined with the rising costs to attend games would equal gobs of empty seats.
Well, the NCAA released its 2009 attendance numbers this week. And while the average attendance did drop, the rate of the drop -- about 1 percent -- leaves you with the following reaction:
Meh.
The NCAA reported Monday that almost 48.3 million fans attended games at the 630 NCAA schools, including home, neutral-site and postseason games. That's down about 1 percent from the 48.8 million in 2008.
NCAA associate director of statistics Gary K. Johnson said crowds were bound to level off after years of increases. He said the economic downturn could have been a factor.
The SEC, of course, drew the most fans at an average of 76,288 while dropping a whopping 556 fans per game.
The SEC's average was better than the best of the ACC: Clemson's 75,793.
The Tigers' total ranked 17th nationally, one spot ahead of South Carolina's 75,369.
Here's a link to the NCAA's numbers.
Despite the impressive numbers nationwide, there has to be some concern about attendance within this state. The economic decline has hit the Palmetto State harder than most, and you could see evidence of that in the aluminum that was present at home games in Clemson and Columbia.
While the Tigers' and Gamecocks' numbers are impressive relative to everyone else, it's important to note that both schools experienced a decline from 2008. Clemson 2009 average dipped from 78,001; South Carolina's dropped from 80,529.
The decreases can't solely be attributed to the economy; Clemson seemed certifiably cursed with rain on game days last season.
But even on the few good days, attendance was lacking. I remember being stunned at the number of empty seats that greeted Clemson's primetime clash with Florida State.
As the cost of doing business in big-time college football continue to rise at an exponential rate, the increases are being passed on to fans who have to continue shelling out more money to attend games.
The overall decrease is refreshingly miniscule, but the numbers closer to home have to create some concern.
John Adams of the Knoxville paper opines on the money Tennessee is saving by paying Derek Dooley and his staff, and he wonders whether the school is going to pass on those saving to its fans.
Interesting note from Tennessee's staff salaries. Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox is making $600,000 annually, which is less than the $800,000 Dooley offered to Kevin Steele, Ellis Johnson and others.
Wilcox received more than double the salary he was making at Boise State.
Gene Sapakoff writes about conference musical chairs and predicts the SEC will lose Arkansas and add West Virginia.
I ain't buying the SEC going after the Mounties. There are two or three more attractive candidates in the ACC.
I've always liked Tony Kornheiser. Now I like him even more.
Kornheiser was allegedly suspended for these priceless remarks about Hannah Storm's outfits:
Kornheiser, speaking on his Washington, D.C.-based radio show, said Storm was wearing "a horrifying, horrifying outfit" and a "very, very tight shirt."
Storm does look like she shops in the juniors department and likes to show off her slender figure. But TK obviously went too far, especially when he added, "She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body.
"I know she's very good, and I'm not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won't ... but Hannah Storm ... come on now! Stop! What are you doing?"
But there might be more to the story.
These comments were made about the 1:05 portion of Kornheiser's rant:
"I know I'm not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, like if I point out that people say that they lost 50 or 60 pounds have actually gained all the weight back..." (Co-host interrupts: "And then some. Gained the weight back, back, back, back.")
Good insight on Roy Williams from Tim Crothers, who spent a lot of time with Roy last summer while writing a book on him.
More on the Ed Davis situation in the ACC Sports Journal.
In The Post and Courier, Travis Sawchik writes about Jerai Grant soliciting advice from his famous uncle.
When Jerai Grant sees the California area code appear on his phone's caller ID, he answers and listens.
He knows that's his uncle Horace calling.
Horace Grant is the former Clemson standout of the 1980s. He has credibility with Jerai, having been a key defender on three NBA title winners with the Chicago Bulls, but is perhaps better known for his iconic eyewear.
Jerai knows Horace's message well now. Be confident. Stay aggressive.
"Those words are truer than any I've heard," Jerai said. "Stay aggressive, that's when I'm at my best."
More on Grant in the Greenville News.
Maryland has done a good job of protecting its house this season. Who'd a thunk that William & Mary would have more success at Comcast Center than ACC foes?
"I thought we could be a good team this year and if that translates into home-court victories, that's great," Gary Williams said. "Our fans have been tremendous. They've stayed with us through some tough times early in the season. I think our players know when they walk on the court, they've got a lot of people there with them."
New Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops talks about his new philosophy. In breaking news, Stoops says the Seminoles will be "multiple."
When was the last time a defensive coordinator didn't use that term when describing his approach?
LW
Click here for the "Eye On The Tigers" blog archive.
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
People are losing their jobs, having their pay cut and all sorts of other stuff that comes with a slumbering economy.
But college football is as close as you can get to religion, and that's evidenced in the number of people who filled the cathedrals of their favorite teams this past fall.
It was believed that the perilous economic conditions would wreak havoc with attendance at college football games. Supposedly, a deep recession combined with the rising costs to attend games would equal gobs of empty seats.
Well, the NCAA released its 2009 attendance numbers this week. And while the average attendance did drop, the rate of the drop -- about 1 percent -- leaves you with the following reaction:
Meh.
The NCAA reported Monday that almost 48.3 million fans attended games at the 630 NCAA schools, including home, neutral-site and postseason games. That's down about 1 percent from the 48.8 million in 2008.
NCAA associate director of statistics Gary K. Johnson said crowds were bound to level off after years of increases. He said the economic downturn could have been a factor.
The SEC, of course, drew the most fans at an average of 76,288 while dropping a whopping 556 fans per game.
The SEC's average was better than the best of the ACC: Clemson's 75,793.
The Tigers' total ranked 17th nationally, one spot ahead of South Carolina's 75,369.
Here's a link to the NCAA's numbers.
Despite the impressive numbers nationwide, there has to be some concern about attendance within this state. The economic decline has hit the Palmetto State harder than most, and you could see evidence of that in the aluminum that was present at home games in Clemson and Columbia.
While the Tigers' and Gamecocks' numbers are impressive relative to everyone else, it's important to note that both schools experienced a decline from 2008. Clemson 2009 average dipped from 78,001; South Carolina's dropped from 80,529.
The decreases can't solely be attributed to the economy; Clemson seemed certifiably cursed with rain on game days last season.
But even on the few good days, attendance was lacking. I remember being stunned at the number of empty seats that greeted Clemson's primetime clash with Florida State.
As the cost of doing business in big-time college football continue to rise at an exponential rate, the increases are being passed on to fans who have to continue shelling out more money to attend games.
The overall decrease is refreshingly miniscule, but the numbers closer to home have to create some concern.
John Adams of the Knoxville paper opines on the money Tennessee is saving by paying Derek Dooley and his staff, and he wonders whether the school is going to pass on those saving to its fans.
Interesting note from Tennessee's staff salaries. Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox is making $600,000 annually, which is less than the $800,000 Dooley offered to Kevin Steele, Ellis Johnson and others.
Wilcox received more than double the salary he was making at Boise State.
Gene Sapakoff writes about conference musical chairs and predicts the SEC will lose Arkansas and add West Virginia.
I ain't buying the SEC going after the Mounties. There are two or three more attractive candidates in the ACC.
I've always liked Tony Kornheiser. Now I like him even more.
Kornheiser was allegedly suspended for these priceless remarks about Hannah Storm's outfits:
Kornheiser, speaking on his Washington, D.C.-based radio show, said Storm was wearing "a horrifying, horrifying outfit" and a "very, very tight shirt."
Storm does look like she shops in the juniors department and likes to show off her slender figure. But TK obviously went too far, especially when he added, "She looks like she has sausage casing wrapping around her upper body.
"I know she's very good, and I'm not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, so I won't ... but Hannah Storm ... come on now! Stop! What are you doing?"
But there might be more to the story.
These comments were made about the 1:05 portion of Kornheiser's rant:
"I know I'm not supposed to be critical of ESPN people, like if I point out that people say that they lost 50 or 60 pounds have actually gained all the weight back..." (Co-host interrupts: "And then some. Gained the weight back, back, back, back.")
Good insight on Roy Williams from Tim Crothers, who spent a lot of time with Roy last summer while writing a book on him.
More on the Ed Davis situation in the ACC Sports Journal.
In The Post and Courier, Travis Sawchik writes about Jerai Grant soliciting advice from his famous uncle.
When Jerai Grant sees the California area code appear on his phone's caller ID, he answers and listens.
He knows that's his uncle Horace calling.
Horace Grant is the former Clemson standout of the 1980s. He has credibility with Jerai, having been a key defender on three NBA title winners with the Chicago Bulls, but is perhaps better known for his iconic eyewear.
Jerai knows Horace's message well now. Be confident. Stay aggressive.
"Those words are truer than any I've heard," Jerai said. "Stay aggressive, that's when I'm at my best."
More on Grant in the Greenville News.
Maryland has done a good job of protecting its house this season. Who'd a thunk that William & Mary would have more success at Comcast Center than ACC foes?
"I thought we could be a good team this year and if that translates into home-court victories, that's great," Gary Williams said. "Our fans have been tremendous. They've stayed with us through some tough times early in the season. I think our players know when they walk on the court, they've got a lot of people there with them."
New Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops talks about his new philosophy. In breaking news, Stoops says the Seminoles will be "multiple."
When was the last time a defensive coordinator didn't use that term when describing his approach?
LW
Click here for the "Eye On The Tigers" blog archive.
Link to this entry - Discuss this entry - Return to Blog Home
Donnie Patterson. Donnie Patterson is the founder of Patterson Tax Service, located in Easley, S.C. He has been active in tax preparation since 1970, and offers a full range of tax and bookkeeping services.
Larry Williams. Larry has covered the daily beat at Clemson since 2004. Williams, who worked for the Charleston Post & Courier from 2004-08, joined Tigerillustrated.com in November of 2008. He may be reached by email at ldubya08(at)gmail.com. Replace (at) with @.