Attendance

[bearcat jeff]

At this point I am scratching my head wondering why more people aren't getting behind this team. Yes, they've played a soft schedule, but even the Dayton game had more UD fans than locals.

This team is 9-0 and getting better. They play hard and as a team. So what's the problem? Go any direction for 150 miles and the surrounding high major colleges draw far better. The student turn out for UC games is an embarrassment.

I keep telling myself if the Cats win in Oklahoma City and at Millet Hall that it will be different. Somtimes I wonder if Xavier will be better represented at the Crosstown Shootout then the Bearcats.

I dont expect sellouts for these games. But it is ridiculous this program isn't drawing at least 7500 to 8500 a contest.

This team has done everything right and deserves better from the fans. This is a BEast team in the best league top to bottom in the country. It deserves better than mid major attendance.

 

[psax889906]

Just keep winning. It will happen. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the Shootout turnout Jeff- I just ordered two tickets last night (and there are still some decent ones to be had if you act NOW)...

 

[adrock]

I think it's obvious that fans aren't attending these OOC games. Let's not mistake that for fans not getting behind this team though. I think people are starting to get excited, and I'll bet a significant number of BEast game tickets have been sold. In Cincinnati we used to get psyched for the few OOC tests before heading into decent (or good even) conference play in C-USA. Now we wait patiently through a crappy OOC schedule before heading into phenomenally difficult conference play in the BEast. It's just a change in mentality that we are all adjusting to.

 

[Thegreatone]

I hope there are a ton of Xavier fans there for the crosstown shootout. Would love to see them shuffling out early.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I think it's obvious that fans aren't attending these OOC games. Let's not mistake that for fans not getting behind this team though. I think people are starting to get excited, and I'll bet a significant number of BEast game tickets have been sold. In Cincinnati we used to get psyched for the few OOC tests before heading into decent (or good even) conference play in C-USA. Now we wait patiently through a crappy OOC schedule before heading into phenomenally difficult conference play in the BEast. It's just a change in mentality that we are all adjusting to.

I would say after 4 years in the Big East those adjustments should be made Adrock. Again, most people thought that Dayton would be really good or at least a really good game and we couldn't draw a majority crowd in our own city. Let's stop making excuses for the fans and students.

I agree there are crappy seats in the upper level but this program should draw better than it has. Especially after a 9-0 start. Like I said, my hope is that we win in Oklahoma and Millet Hall and people will start coming out. A 2-0 league start and a win over Xavier would be huge!

 

[adrock]

I would say after 4 years in the Big East those adjustments should be made Adrock. Again, most people thought that Dayton would be really good or at least a really good game and we couldn't draw a majority crowd in our own city. Let's stop making excuses for the fans and students.

I agree there are crappy seats in the upper level but this program should draw better than it has. Especially after a 9-0 start. Like I said, my hope is that we win in Oklahoma and Millet Hall and people will start coming out. A 2-0 league start and a win over Xavier would be huge!

I wasn't referring to the fans at large with my "adjustment" comment. I was referring to you. What I mean is that OOC attendance is going to be crappy because it is pointless and insignificant to all but the die-hard fans. That's just the way it's going to be and we need to get used to it. It is not indicative of attendance for the rest of the season, and it's certainly not indicative of whether fans are "behind" the team this year.

 

[Red_N_Black_Attack]

It is unfortunate that a significant portion of the fan-base simply does not accept Mick as head coach. No amount of winning will sway most of those diehards.

The good news is a ticket to see a good UC B-Ball team will be hard to come by in the next few years and many of those diehards will be replaced by new and supportive fans of the program.

I personally only get to a few games per year now that it takes an hour each way to get to campus - though it is my own fault for listening to my wife in housing selection.

 

[JasonS]

The style of play that Mick wants to play (and finally can) will lead itself to more supporters as the wins come. This team is fun to watch and with the athletes they are adding next year, it will only continue to get better. This team is playing relentless and suffocating defense and just putting on a clinic of moving the ball on the offensive end. Patience will be rewarded.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I wasn't referring to the fans at large with my "adjustment" comment. I was referring to you. What I mean is that OOC attendance is going to be crappy because it is pointless and insignificant to all but the die-hard fans. That's just the way it's going to be and we need to get used to it. It is not indicative of attendance for the rest of the season, and it's certainly not indicative of whether fans are "behind" the team this year.

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this. I will never get used to seeing an empty gym. It's an embarrassment when a 1/3 of your gym is full. Why would ESPN, FoxSports or anyone else want to televise a team that can't create an atmosphere thru it's fan base? It's all relative. Look across town.
Xavier vs. W. Mich - 10,250 attend
Xavier vs. IPFW - 9,949 attend (UC had 4,491 when we played IPFW)
Xavier vs. Wofford - 9,562 attend
Xavier vs. Butler - 10,250 attend

Attendance is part of what makes a great program. Having a huge homecourt advantage and extra energy you derive from a rabid fan base. Xavier fans live in the same city we do and have all the access to other diversions. They still support their team no matter who they're playing. It should be this way in Clifton as well. Xavier's student body shows up for their team. Cincinnati's doesn't. Xavier fans support their program by showing up. Cincinnati's doesn't. If you don't think this has an impact on recruits and television you're kidding yourself.

 

[JasonS]

We'll just have to agree to disagree on this. I will never get used to seeing an empty gym. It's an embarrassment when a 1/3 of your gym is full. Why would ESPN, FoxSports or anyone else want to televise a team that can't create an atmosphere thru it's fan base? It's all relative. Look across town.
Xavier vs. W. Mich - 10,250 attend
Xavier vs. IPFW - 9,949 attend (UC had 4,491 when we played IPFW)
Xavier vs. Wofford - 9,562 attend
Xavier vs. Butler - 10,250 attend

Attendance is part of what makes a great program. Having a huge homecourt advantage and extra energy you derive from a rabid fan base. Xavier fans live in the same city we do and have all the access to other diversions. They still support their team no matter who they're playing. It should be this way in Clifton as well. Xavier's student body shows up for their team. Cincinnati's doesn't. Xavier fans support their program by showing up. Cincinnati's doesn't. If you don't think this has an impact on recruits and television you're kidding yourself.

I have to agree with this, Jeff. There is no excuse for the entire student section to not be full every game at least (I'll give a pass over Christmas break but that's it). The tickets are freaking free for students for crying out loud.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Good article from NBE. It also mentions the low attendance from the fans.

Their win over Dayton opened some eyes, but the pollsters and fans have not seemed to buy into the impressive start yet. Last night a crowd of just 4,523 showed up to see the contest.

http://www.nbebasketball.com/w3/2010-1215/balanced-unselfish-cincinnati-continues-to-roll/

 

[ready2go]

Plain and simple....

People have not gotten over the Huggins thing and refuse to put money back into the program.

Also Jason hit on it and I've mentioned it in previous posts. The style of play has just not been exciting to watch in previous years. No transition game, no steals, no oops, no dunks, no blocks, little movement. It has gotten better this year or it seems, but until they are truly tested the fans that used to support the program are not going to believe.

 

[Thegreatone]

Plain and simple....

People have not gotten over the Huggins thing and refuse to put money back into the program.

Also Jason hit on it and I've mentioned it in previous posts. The style of play has just not been exciting to watch in previous years. No transition game, no steals, no oops, no dunks, no blocks, little movement. It has gotten better this year or it seems, but until they are truly tested the fans that used to support the program are not going to believe.

To hell with them.

I have always supported this program and respect the 5,000 that show up. I don't give a shit if we get back those posers. They can go watch their OSU football and talk shit about Mick Cronin. All of them are the same. Just like the good team and not the program. Same people who watch OSU football but like UC basketball. Can't stand that. I hope they go support OSU basketball honestly.

The only reason I would want them back is to boost the programs profit and to give a home court advantage.

*We do need the students though*

 

[ready2go]

To hell with them.

I have always supported this program and respect the 5,000 that show up. I don't give a shit if we get back those posers. They can go watch their OSU football and talk shit about Mick Cronin. All of them are the same. Just like the good team and not the program. Same people who watch OSU football but like UC basketball. Can't stand that. I hope they go support OSU basketball honestly.

The only reason I would want them back is to boost the programs profit and to give a home court advantage.

*We do need the students though*

Like it or not, thats how it is. College sports is a business.

And if youre refering to myself being an OSU Football and UC Bball fan. You are damn right. I was born and raised that way.

What would make me a poser is if I started cheering for UC Football and OSU BBall, the last couple years just because they were good. I hate OSU BBall and UC Football. I am a true fan and I stick to my roots

 

[MDW79]

I don't feel like searching for the articles, (I'll post them if I come across them) but this not entirely unique to UC. (Declining attendance)

Over the last two years, attendance as a whole as declined in the major conferences. Even the state school monster the Big 10. Now some will argue, well not like it has here. True, but consider this:

WVU drew 6.5k for a game last week. (I forget who they played but is was someone similar to what we've encountered this OOC) That's a team coming off a Final Four. A school in area/state with no other competition for entertainment $ in sports. (Marshall???) They had, I believe 12k for the season opener.

People want to make this about 2 things here: 1.) Fans being pissed about Huggs leaving 2.) Cincinnati being fairweather fans

Those might be true, but there's much more. For one, I don't think our fans are any more fairweather than most teams, save the freaks of the UK's and such, who a fan base of literally millions.

The economy stinks. Period. With the advent of HDTV and numerous sports stations it has become easier, and in some cases, preferred to watch a game at home. Hell, even the NFL is seeing declining attendance. You have the holiday season right now. Students have had not only exams, but have breaks coming. Add to all this, the average fan is becoming lazier and lazier. Not just UC fans, ALL fans. This all makes for a perfect storm, which means 5k a night for our Cats right now.

Yeah it has to do with Huggs and us not being good for awhile to an extent. But is not unique to us. We do not have horrible, bad fans. And if you take the time to research attendance around the country, and factor in our market,you'll see there's not a whole lot that should surprise anybody regarding attendance right now.

When we win, and we play better teams, attendance will improve. Just like WVU won't draw 6k for a game against Seton Hall, we won't draw 4k either. Just win baby, plain and simple. I'd bet we get close to the 8-10k figure if get ranked during league play, which is a huge step in 1 season I think.

 

[MDW79]

To hell with them.

I have always supported this program and respect the 5,000 that show up. I don't give a shit if we get back those posers.

Then you don't care enough about your program. Those dollars that pay for facilities, that pay to keep out program and competitive, and our employees compensated spend whether it comes from "posers" or not.

I'm always shocked at people who take this attitude. Frankly, it's sad. Successful college athletics is not about getting on a high horse and comparing "fandom". That's bs. You've always supported them? Well how long has that been?

You may call these people out and call them trash and posers. Many may be Alums, they may have children who were alums, they may have supported the team for 40 years. How would you like to be criticized? You want your fandom called into question?

Didn't you say you just bought season tickets? What if they scoffed at you b/c they had them longer? Don't you go to a different school? What if they scoffed at you b/c they went to UC and you didn't/don't? What if they have thousands to pledge and perhaps you or I don't? What if they scoffed at your age, and said you can't relate? what if, what if, what if...

None of it matters. By not branding others, not wanting to pat yourself on the back for your support, and allowing any and all people back, you are supporting the school. Cuz it needs money anywhere it can get it. It's doesn't matter who's right and who's wrong, who's the bigger fan and who's not.

Cash is cash. Period. A kid in his early 20's, that just plopped down for some cheap seats wants to say some can go to hell. Shat son, you were like 4 when we went to the Final 4. Like 9 when K-Mart was here. And ya gonna preach. Gonna tell some of the people, many I've known to be great fans and were great supporters to hit the road? Please.

Sorry hit a nerve. Proceed to hit the ban button now.

 

[Thegreatone]

Then you don't care enough about your program. Those dollars that pay for facilities, that pay to keep out program and competitive, and our employees compensated spends whether it comes from "posers" or not.

I'm always shocked at people who take this attitude. Frankly, it's sad. Successful, college athletics is not about getting a high horse and comparing "fandom". That's bs.

Tou may call these people out and call them trash and posers. Many may be Alums, may have children who were alums, may have supported the team for 40 years. How would you like to be criticized?

Didn't you say you just bought season tickets? What if they scoffed at you b/c they had them longer? Don't you go to a different school? What if they scoffed at you b/c they went to UC and you didn't? What if they have thousands to pledge and perhaps you or I don't?

None of it matters. By not branding others, and not wanting to pat yourself on the back for support, allowing all people back, you are supporting the school. Cuz it needs money where it can get it. It's doesn't matter who's right and who's wrong, who's the bigger fan and who's not.

Cash is cash. Period. A kid in his early 20's, that just plopped down for some cheap seats wants to say some can go to hell. Shat son, you were like 4 when we went to the Final 4. Like 9 when K-Mart was here. And ya gonna preach. Gonna tell some of the people, many I've known to be great fans and were great supporters to hit the road? Please.

Sorry hit a nerve. Proceed to hit the ban button now.

Why would I ban you. I don't disagree with your points. In fact, if you quote my entire post you would see I post why we need these fans back and the benefit of having them.

I am just saying I don't want these people back. I have been on the message boards reading everyone crush UC and Mick Cronin for 4 years while I defended the program. It wasn't easy to support the program when it needed to be supported.

Again, I know why it is important but I still don't want these people back.

To say you can't compare fanhood.... yes i can.

If you want to be there when they are good you should be there when they are bad. Fans stick with a PROGRAM no matter what happens. These are the people who can eat dirt and never come back.

I am sure Mike Thomas and Mick disagree and I know it is important but still hacks me off.

 

[Thegreatone]

Like it or not, thats how it is. College sports is a business.

And if youre refering to myself being an OSU Football and UC Bball fan. You are damn right. I was born and raised that way.

What would make me a poser is if I started cheering for UC Football and OSU BBall, the last couple years just because they were good. I hate OSU BBall and UC Football. I am a true fan and I stick to my roots

I am not referring to you specifically. I don't know you, just your brother. Cheer for whoever you want.

I will never understand the people who will cheer for UC bball and laugh at UC football when BK left.

To me you go to choose one. Who is your favorite college team, OSU or UC?

 

[MDW79]

I am not referring to you specifically. I don't know you, just your brother. Cheer for whoever you want.

I will never understand the people who will cheer for UC bball and laugh at UC football when BK left.

To me you go to choose one. Who is your favorite college team, OSU or UC?

100% agree, with that. (Although I will take their $) Fwiw, the people I was referring to up above are NOT these types of fans. I don't know many former season ticket holders that were big OSU fans.

BIG time UC supporters, and by big time, I mean people who shell out the dough. People who know their shit, WAY MORE THAN ME, freakin HATE O$U. Especially the older ones. All knowledgeable UC fans should probably hate them or at the very least, not freaking root for their football program over ours.

To each their own, but that's not how it's supposed to work. Pick a team. Otherwise start rooting for Duke basketball and Alabama football. No one can change by opinion that is impossible to 100% support the basteball program if you root against the football program. There are about a millions reason why that is wrong, and is the most illogicial thing you could ever do.

True story, I ended up getting into a fight years ago (I swear he threw he threw the first punch) with a moron who was UK basketball fan and a OSU football fan, of all things, over this very debate. Whooped that grit's arse, too.

 

[MDW79]

Why would I ban you. I don't disagree with your points. In fact, if you quote my entire post you would see I post why we need these fans back and the benefit of having them.

I am just saying I don't want these people back. I have been on the message boards reading everyone crush UC and Mick Cronin for 4 years while I defended the program. It wasn't easy to support the program when it needed to be supported.

Again, I know why it is important but I still don't want these people back.

To say you can't compare fanhood.... yes i can.

If you want to be there when they are good you should be there when they are bad. Fans stick with a PROGRAM no matter what happens. These are the people who can eat dirt and never come back.

I am sure Mike Thomas and Mick disagree and I know it is important but still hacks me off.

I did not see the last sentence, my apologies. I really think you are over-simplifying some of the fans who walked away as simply Huggs lovers and deserters. I know a lot of people, good people, who I think you yourself would welcome back, and probably have a beer with and talk hoops There is a lot more involved than just that he's gone, and Cronin's here. Many didn't leave immediately. Hell some aren't even as mad as they are apathetic. Losing can do that to you.

And for some of you younger posters, I wonder if you realize how big of a deal UC was here through the 90's. You think the Bengals are bad this year, try every year. X was a joke (more so than even know) UC was all this town had. And Huggs was the face of the town. (Kinda like a Pete Rose, yeah I know that's lame) I don't know if Cronin can ever be that, and that's to know fault of his own.

It was the way Huggs left, the way Kennedy was treated, the way some of the fans took the increases the years after, and top that off with 6 years now of sub par results for this program.

Think about if you, in this economy, and as big time fan of Huggs, wouldn't be the least bit pressed about shelling out 2, 3, 4 THOUSAND a year to go to games, that many you could watch on TV.

I think the misconception is these people HATE UC now, or HATE Mick Cronin, when the reality is that's people like Doss and Billy Don, I'm not even sure they're "real life". Most just hate losing and are tightwads like most the country. They're probably not happy right now, but I don't think their horrible fans either. At least not most. Just like any business in life, make a good product and it will sell.

Many, myself included, have held on to their seats, but I can't blame those that bailed. I know we thought about it, and may next year. It all depends . As much as I like to support the team, to be completely honest the years prior have not been fun and at least half of my seats are given away or unused, b/c I'd rather watch on TV than make the trek down there, unless it's in conference or a decent OOC game. Ex. Just this past Sat I had two extra seats and called about 8 different people to see if they would wanna go down. Nobody wanted to, so rather than go down annd sit with my uncle and his wife, the tickets went unused.

That will hopefully change this year, and it's been ok so far, and I've only missed a couple of games. But can you blame if I don't want to pay my share for dues and all those tickets for a handful of BE games, if somehow they trip up? To watch a product that pissed me off more than makes me happy? Not to mention, I gotta make sure the other 4 family members still want to throw down. If we don't, can I still consider myself a pretty big UC fan? I would think so. Just one that might occasionally buy walkups.