Attendance dips below 12 thousand...

[zipp_rivals]

U of L reported 11,973 for the Pitt game, or 54% of arena capacity. That's the lowest paid attendance for a game this season, and for a team that is now 4-0 in the ACC.

I've never advocated that fans should be staying away from games who don't support athletics generally and the direction things are going. Coaches are simply hired guns, and these players haven't done anything to try to drag down basketball or the University.

Full disclosure, I haven't regularly attended men's basketball games for years, but it's been because of my issues with the arena, not U of L. We buy season tickets in three sports and attend games in a fourth.

I do understand and respect fans talking with their feet. It's time for U of L to come to grips with that too...

 

[2330859]

Zipp, it is now obvious that you are aligning with Sullivan, Eaves, Bozich, Deener and other around this community that search for any negative to fit your own agenda.

Some of your points are fair and supported by facts, but your timing after a big win (yes it was a huge home conference win, as Pitt is going to beat some other ACC a teams before the season ends) is disappointing.

Our attendance is fair game, but last night comes with a legitimate excuse. Louisville is one of the “hot spots“ for Covid in America. I know, as I am in quarantine myself and I suspect there is a renewed concern right now about public gatherings, evidenced by other local activity.

 

[cards_rock]

Zipp, it is now obvious that you are aligning with Sullivan, Eaves, Bozich, Deener and other around this community that search for any negative to fit your own agenda.

Some of your points are fair and supported by facts, but your timing after a big win (yes it was a huge home conference win, as Pitt is going to beat some other ACC a teams before the season ends) is disappointing.

Our attendance is fair game, but last night comes with a legitimate excuse. Louisville is one of the “hot spots“ for Covid in America. I know, as I am in quarantine myself and I suspect there is a renewed concern right now about public gatherings, evidenced by other local activity.

I agree that COVID had to be a factor with last night’s game. I am on my second round of COVID (extremely mild) even though I have had IV antibodies when I had it last time and am fully vaccinated and have a booster. There is hardly a family I know right now who doesn’t have someone with it right now. If this trend continues after this wave crests then there is a real problem.

 

[Mayoman]

Zipp, it is now obvious that you are aligning with Sullivan, Eaves, Bozich, Deener and other around this community that search for any negative to fit your own agenda.

Some of your points are fair and supported by facts, but your timing after a big win (yes it was a huge home conference win, as Pitt is going to beat some other ACC a teams before the season ends) is disappointing.

Our attendance is fair game, but last night comes with a legitimate excuse. Louisville is one of the “hot spots“ for Covid in America. I know, as I am in quarantine myself and I suspect there is a renewed concern right now about public gatherings, evidenced by other local activity.

Are stats available for no-shows of tickets sold? IAW, what is the number of tickets sold for the game IRT how many actually came to the game?

That information would be much more revealing in assessing what the actual issue is vs just stating the number who were brave enough to make the effort to attend a week day game in frigid cold weather, etc., etc., with a pandemic disease spiking at the same time. Sheds a different light on the whole issue don't you think?

 

[KozmasAgain]

Every game I watch on TV has low attendance with the exception of a few. Duke has good attendance but they are on campus and have a small arena.

 

[Knucklehank1]

Every game I watch on TV has low attendance with the exception of a few. Duke has good attendance but they are on campus and have a small arena.

There is definitely a disconnect with fans that is unique to UofL. It makes sense given the scandals, NCAA pending sanctions, churn and distrust of school and athletics administration, fans pitted against each other and the underwhelming brand of basketball and football being played. That being said, arenas and stadiums are just too damn big. Things have changed. Students and younger alums in particular don’t want/need to attend the games. The extra expansion of Cardinal Stadium was asinine and unfortunately the Yum Center will likely only be filled for a couple games each year and big music concerts.

 

[CommodoreCard]

North Carolina at Notre Dame last night was half full at the most and their arena seats under 11,000.

 

[achilles992000]

ticket prices are too high, imo.
the school should get rid of Ticketmaster. silly to pay those crazy fees.
and Flight 23 student plans are sold out. give out more student ticket plans.

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Haters are juat piling on anything they can with U of L . And their points make know sense all you a=have to do is look around the country. And stop just focusing on Floyd street. In person attendance has been declining in all level of sports everywhere for years.

 

[CommodoreCard]

ticket prices are too high, imo.
the school should get rid of Ticketmaster. silly to pay those crazy fees.
and Flight 23 student plans are sold out. give out more student ticket plans.

I wish they would give the students better seating or more seating for football and basketball games. We have the weakest student sections in the ACC…

 

[CardsFirst]

Zipp, it is now obvious that you are aligning with Sullivan, Eaves, Bozich, Deener and other around this community that search for any negative to fit your own agenda.

Some of your points are fair and supported by facts, but your timing after a big win (yes it was a huge home conference win, as Pitt is going to beat some other ACC a teams before the season ends) is disappointing.

Our attendance is fair game, but last night comes with a legitimate excuse. Louisville is one of the “hot spots“ for Covid in America. I know, as I am in quarantine myself and I suspect there is a renewed concern right now about public gatherings, evidenced by other local activity.

I do not have season tickets for men and haven’t since 2012. But a friend called asking if I would like to use his tickets. He couldn’t attend because he too was under quarantine. I couldn’t go as I got my second shingles shot yesterday after noon. The first when made slightly sick. The second has knocked me on my A$$.

 

[nccardfan]

I wish they would give the students better seating or more seating for football and basketball games. We have the weakest student sections in the ACC…

I don’t know they get almost an entire endzone. I wish I had access to some of the seats they get.

 

[MikesMarbles]

The only fact we have is what attendance was at the game. For me, I think Covid is the primary reason, with our off-court issues also contributing. It's like a perfect storm. YMMV.

Also, I hope 233 and cards_rock have quick recoveries.

 

[2330859]

Thank you Mike’s Marbles!
I have very mild symptoms, just like what I experienced when I had my first bout in 2020. Already past my 5 day quarantine and already back to normal.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

Thank you Mike’s Marbles!
I have very mild symptoms, just like what I experienced when I had my first bout in 2020. Already past my 5 day quarantine and already back to normal.

Good to hear hang in there

 

[zipp_rivals]

I was just watching the South Carolina-LSU women's game in Baton Rouge. The WOMEN's game. Looked like a white-out, and they were shoulder-to-shoulder in the lower bowl.

Also just returned from the U of L women's game at the arena. In my group was a guy in his mid-80s who's usually wigged out about Covid. But you can't get him to stay home from a women's basketball game.

Our attendance on the season is now declining as the conference part of the schedule starts.

There are all sorts of reasons you can give about attendance nationally. Let's also try blaming the fans which always works well. All I know is we're down 33% in attendance the last four years through this point in the season. There's no evidence that trend is reversing.

Or let's try shooting the messengers who dare bring up the serious issues we have here. I could instead be talking about another nail-biter against a team at 150+ in the NET rankings...

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

Also just returned from the U of L women's game at the arena. In my group was a guy in his mid-80s who's usually wigged out about Covid. But you can't get him to stay home from a women's basketball game.

Zipp rolling some anecdotal evidence hell yeah.
I know a few people in their mid 80s that might have gone to these games if they weren't dead.

 

[Morgantown Card]

Zipp rolling some anecdotal evidence hell yeah.
I know a few people in their mid 80s that might have gone to these games if they weren't dead.

Yeah I'm not a "Corona-Bro" at all but common sense shows that covid is very very bad for older people. I know too many personally affected which bears this out.

 

[MikesMarbles]

Zipp, how do we fix it?

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

Yeah I'm not a "Corona-Bro" at all but common sense shows that covid is very very bad for older people. I know too many personally affected which bears this out.

Sure, there are a # of reasons why attendance is down across the board not putting it all on Corona.

Syracuse averaged 22k in 2020 they had 17k for their last home game vs UVA. Reportedly. Who knows if that's the truth. They don't have scandal so much, but they do have a program declining.

There's no "there" there in the topic really. UofL traditionally #3 now #7. UNC, Creighton, and WI jumped the Cards. Show of hands who knew Creighton was packing 'em in? Or cares? Me neither.

 

[Guardman]

The Pitino / UofL / McGee men's basketball scandal and subsequent loss of the NCAA 2013 trophy cost Louisville 19% of its attendance in just one season. (from 20,846 in 2017 to 16,883 in 2018).

There was no Covid and no "social unrest" at that time.

The largest drop in attendance was a one-time cliff-drop due to the first major scandal.

 

[chevelle99]

Going to guess next Wednesdays 9:00 game won't set any attendance records either. 9:00 on Wednesday.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

The Pitino / UofL / McGee men's basketball scandal and subsequent loss of the NCAA 2013 trophy cost Louisville 19% of its attendance in just one season. (from 20,846 in 2017 to 16,883 in 2018).

There was no Covid and no "social unrest" at that time.

The largest drop in attendance was a one-time cliff-drop due to the first major scandal.

there it is.

G man clearing the air for the OP.

Here's a link that seems to support the G man position.

Loading…

fs.ncaa.org

 

[2330859]

Guardman: the data you shared is both appreciated and quite legitimate. However, with all due respect, the 2017-18 season finished 9-9 in the ACC and the 2018-19 season was 10-8. Neither Padgett or Mack's first year's team were remotely as competitive or attractive to the fans as the last Pitino season.

Zipp is not totally wrong with his concerns either, but it is a mistake to minimize the changes going on in our country's culture and specifically Louisville right now. The SEC schools (like the USC Jr vs LSU Women's game in Baton Rouge) are in a world of their own when it comes to their support of Men's Baseball, Basketball and Football, and Women's Basketball is catching up as well. The relationship and support from ESPN towards the SEC is intentional, and is based on the rewards that ESPN expects based on that incredible fan support. Watch UGA and the TIDE take over Indy for an indication of just how serious those SEC schools support their respective schools.

 

[chevelle99]

Complain about attendance when you can see the arena from your house, but said you stopped going because...

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

Complain about attendance when you can see the arena from your house, but said you stopped going because...

Basing this situation on the information provided ITT.

The obvious fix to all this.

We need Zipp to attend Bingo. His connection with the elderly is unparalleled. We will then get more fans to go to the games, once Zipp makes more friends.

@zipp your civic duty awaits you.

 

[rentalman]

Zipp, it is now obvious that you are aligning with Sullivan, Eaves, Bozich, Deener and other around this community that search for any negative to fit your own agenda.

Some of your points are fair and supported by facts, but your timing after a big win (yes it was a huge home conference win, as Pitt is going to beat some other ACC a teams before the season ends) is disappointing.

Our attendance is fair game, but last night comes with a legitimate excuse. Louisville is one of the “hot spots“ for Covid in America. I know, as I am in quarantine myself and I suspect there is a renewed concern right now about public gatherings, evidenced by other local activity.

Agree with this. I think Covid is having an impact especially amongst older fans like myself.

 

[zipp_rivals]

Zipp, how do we fix it?

Starts at the top. Gotta have people in leadership that fans trust. This isn't just my opinion, I hear it every week.

And the longer that solution is resisted, the worse our situation will get. That doesn't make me stubborn, a hater, or anti-U of L (as the resistors like to claim). More than likely it just makes me right...

 

[zipp_rivals]

Basing this situation on the information provided ITT.

The obvious fix to all this.

We need Zipp to attend Bingo. His connection with the elderly is unparalleled. We will then get more fans to go to the games, once Zipp makes more friends.

@zipp your civic duty awaits you.

I'm afraid that my influence with fans is not gonna help U of L much. But then you knew that...

 

[birdie king]

Zipp, how do we fix it?

Mike, you usually put good stuff out here, but you should be BANNED for this post !

 

[BPGhost]

Starts at the top. Gotta have people in leadership that fans trust. This isn't just my opinion, I hear it every week.

Not terribly surprising - I mean that’s how echo chambers work…

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

Didn't peg OP as a purveyor of anecdotal evidence but here we are.

 

[Rollem Cards]

I went to all the FB games except one. (Anniversary trip).

But I have admit that the older I get, and with the mediocre product, the less I care.

I’ve paid my dues. It’s up to this younger, “me me me”, instant gratification bunch to carry forth.

And they ain’t doing it.

These people, when they are at a game, are on their phones, in the concourse on their phones, or just shooting the bull. Other seats around us have different people, who worry more about getting beer than the game, at every game.

One woman a few rows in front of us stood with her back to the field THE WHOLE FRIGGIN GAME and talked with the woman behind her. Think she really wanted to be there?

Times and attitudes are changing. This type of “fan” is not going to carry us into the future.

What might help some is, due to the phone “pandemic”, it would be wise for UofL to find the money to seriously upgrade the WiFi. At least they could come to the game while communicating with people where they would rather be.

 

[zipp_rivals]

Not terribly surprising - I mean that’s how echo chambers work…

Didn't peg OP as a purveyor of anecdotal evidence but here we are.

Shootin' the messenger is always a good strategy. Let's start blaming fans which is an even better one.

All evidence has some relevance, and no one here--maybe with the exception of G-man--brings more data to a debate than I do.

If anyone wants to continue this discussion Wednesday nite, I"ll stop by again before midnight which is when 7 or 8 thousand fans in my estimation should be getting home from the NC State game...

 

[Thecycle27]

There is a serious disconnect with the fans and the University. The fans are basically saying they don’t like the coaches, pricing is too high and play isn’t good enough. Neither coach has done much to embrace the fans. Then you add in Covid and the scandals it makes attendance a problem for the administration. The only way to fix it is winning and that isn’t happening enough or in a way you would expect especially in basketball.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

Shootin' the messenger is always a good strategy.

I laughed at your messages that referenced anecdotal evidence, I didn't get personal with you in any way and "attack the messenger."

You said you got an 85 year old friend that never misses a Women's game, and you said you "hear every week" people telling you whatever it is you are claiming they tell you.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood_rivals307205]

If anyone wants to continue this discussion Wednesday nite, I"ll stop by again before midnight

Local and national media have been notified. Wear your favorite top there could be a photo session after the event.

 

[BPGhost]

Shootin' the messenger is always a good strategy. Let's start blaming fans which is an even better one.

All evidence has some relevance, and no one here--maybe with the exception of G-man--brings more data to a debate than I do.

If anyone wants to continue this discussion Wednesday nite, I"ll stop by again before midnight which is when 7 or 8 thousand fans in my estimation should be getting home from the NC State game...

1. Highlighting that when it comes to discussions regarding UofL athletics, you gravitate towards others that share your views (the aforementioned “echo chamber) and dismiss those with opposing views, is not shooting the messenger - it’s simply telling the truth.

2. No one can dispute that you post lots of financial data however many / most dispute your conclusions regarding causation and how future events will unfold.

Lots of smart fans on here - some with significantly better university contacts than you, or the people you sit next to at the women’s volleyball games. The board would be better served, were you to recognize that fact.

 

[zipp_rivals]

I understand what anecdotal information is and how it's weighted. The only "facts" I recognize have sources. I'm fine with unnamed sources because not everyone wants to be linked to their information. If we start calling out people with anecdotal evidence or unnamed sources, I guess a lot of people start getting called out.

When your "facts" start flying in the face of what most of us can see and witness, there's more pressure on you to prove them. And I always welcome other posters to take the data and give me a different and logical interpretation. Few take me up on that offer.

I'll also remind people that older fans tend to be the ones who die the soonest with the most money and who are looking for other people and places to send it. That's an unfortunate reality of life that may be lost on U of L and some of its fans who are satisfied with the course we're on...

 

[zipp_rivals]

By the way, when older disenfranchised fans die off, their money is lost forever. It ain't coming back around...