Karaban not happy with the fan attendance

[Yanksrock615]

 

[UConnTrumbull]

A few hours before game time tickets were, not even exaggerating, listed for $1 WITH FEES INCLUDED. Wasn’t at the game so I can’t comment on attendance

 

[CTBasketball]

Probably 80-85% filled. I can see Alex’s frustration but at the same time you have to schedule real teams…

 

[AtlantaHusky]

Probably 80-85% filled. I can see Alex’s frustration but at the same time you have to schedule real teams…

or have at gampel... agreed.

 

[CTBasketball]

or have at gampel... agreed.

Not necessarily, Gampel would not have sold out tonight either.

 

[Huskyforlife]

He shoulda told folks to stop leaving with 8 minutes left too.

 

[Tyler2Rings]

He makes a fair point, but this is LeMoyne in November. There's always going to be a smattering of empty seats at these type of games

 

[gsmooth]

I completely understand Alex's frustration. If I was living in Connecticut I would go to every home game, but living in Boston I have to be more selective about the games I go to as I don't have as much time with the logistics. Le Moyne is not going to make the cut. But I went to the St. John's game in MSG last year, 2 home games (GTown in Hartford, Providence in Gampel), the road game at Providence, and then both the Sweet 16 games and the Elite Eight games here in Boston.

Anecdotally speaking when my father had season tickets, not proving this with any data, it seems like in the 1998-1999 season the stands were filled no matter who the opponent was. Each game was treated like the Super Bowl. I know 1999 and 2024 are so different now with the technological advances and more entertainment options. UConn has a lot of hardcore fans like the people on the Boneyard, but not limited to just the Boneyard. But I wonder if the multiple national championships have neutered the fans. I say this because I have seen it here in Boston with the Red Sox. The passion is still high and still there for the Red Sox, just like it is for UConn Basketball, but just not quite as high as before they won in 2004 and 1999, respectively.

Now, let's revisit this after December 4th when they play Baylor. If they don't sell out that game, then I will PO'ed along with Alex. But I do wish they could sell out the games against the cupcakes. Having said that I am not sure if other college basketball teams sell out against the cupcakes. Even the Ohio St. football game this last week, I saw a ton of open seats, not at the start of the game, but by the 10 min mark of the 4th quarter when they were blowing out Purdue 45-0.

 

[AtlantaHusky]

Not necessarily, Gampel would not have sold out tonight either.

Damn, Gina. I wish I could have stayed in CT to make a living. Would be Season ticket holder. Coulda shoulda woulda.

 

[jibsey]

At the XL Center it was pretty much the highest section behind the baskets. To be fair when you are that high up you don’t see much well and it’s better on tv. It’s not like people are not attending in the 100 sections or even 200’s, and some of those seats are very far away.

 

[uh-no]

At the XL Center it was pretty much the highest section behind the baskets. To be fair when you are that high up you don’t see much well and it’s better on tv. It’s not like people are not attending in the 100 sections or even 200’s, and some of those seats are very far away.

yeah love AK, but there's nothing here. way up top at the XL sucks...even on the sidelines up behind the boxes is pretty claustrophobic.

 

[ScottCT]

Probably 80-85% filled. I can see Alex’s frustration but at the same time you have to schedule real teams…

If any other school of our caliber won back to back championships, they would be selling out no matter who they play.

 

[UCann]

I know people will say this is easy to say, but I’ll say it anyways: I also don’t live in CT anymore (moved to CA) but if I was still there I’d be at all the games I could get to, no matter the opponent. This team has delivered so much and meant to much the last two seasons, how can you not want to be there to support them? No offense to my home state, but what else could possibly be going on in central CT on a Wednesday night that’s better than getting to watch this team in person?? Even if you’re a casual fan. And not only should it be sold out it should be louder. Where’s the passion? Have we become complacent after all the recent winning? Just remember back to the AAC days…we know what its like to be irrelevant. We should not be taking this for granted. I agree with the poster who said any other fan base with our success would be selling out no matter who they played. Let’s go Husky Nation, step up for your team like they have for you!

 

[TheHorde]

Schedule UMass not LeMoyne next year please if UMass is willing. I get the thinking behind beating the brakes off teams this time of the year for ranking and seeding purposes, but come on.

 

[Travelman6]

But who really cares about....

checks notes

East Texas A and M.

Really? For real?

Schedule better more relevant teams. YALE or if you need a cupcake CCSU, Fairfield, Sacred Heart (they did this year to be fair) or BC, or Quinnipiac.

 

[husky8273]

the games are pretty much sold out. AK's post concerns how many show up.

 

[StllH8L8ner]

If any other school of our caliber won back to back championships, they would be selling out no matter who they play.

Unless it’s a Top 10 opponent or rival (whoever that is these days), XL is the worst home court advantage in college hoops. I obviously can’t stand Duke, but that place is always rocking no matter who they’re playing.

 

[Kenny11]

XL is good for any decent game and great for any top conference game. I think the multiple games of cupcakes will eventually have to stop with the sport becoming less popular overall and the players being compensated pros now. Is there another sport that schedules that many of such games? It really should be 2 at max.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Professor Cooley is right. Arrogant and spoiled

 

[DRBackup]

View attachment 104762

To be fair, we're talking about a recently D2 team on a Wednesday night.

 

[CL82]

Attendance was listed at15,684. It looked good on TV and in the picture below.

 

[DRBackup]

I know people will say this is easy to say, but I’ll say it anyways: I also don’t live in CT anymore (moved to CA) but if I was still there I’d be at all the games I could get to, no matter the opponent. This team has delivered so much and meant to much the last two seasons, how can you not want to be there to support them? No offense to my home state, but what else could possibly be going on in central CT on a Wednesday night that’s better than getting to watch this team in person?? Even if you’re a casual fan. And not only should it be sold out it should be louder. Where’s the passion? Have we become complacent after all the recent winning? Just remember back to the AAC days…we know what its like to be irrelevant. We should not be taking this for granted. I agree with the poster who said any other fan base with our success would be selling out no matter who they played. Let’s go Husky Nation, step up for your team like they have for you!

Same here, but I'd be sitting in my season ticket seats that my mother (Uconn alum) uses. I wouldn't be sitting in the upper nosebleeds for a game of this caliber.

 

[MrSec224]

The emptiest sections were the upper student sections. I get in 2024 its tough to get kids to trek to Hartford. But thats on the school to figure out. Give em pizza or something a college kid would jump at.

But I also agree its not a big deal. The kids will be there when games get into conference at XL

 

[Sphinx]

Alex's critcism might be better reserved for the start of the season. These buy games are glorified pre-season exhibitions. 15,000+ is a remarkable turnout. Have people nothing else to do?

 

[HuskyHawk]

Probably 80-85% filled. I can see Alex’s frustration but at the same time you have to schedule real teams…

I mean, LeMoyne? I've never even heard of LeMoyne. I'm ok with the rotating local schools like Sacred Heart, Fairfield, URI, UNH, Maine but why not add Vermont if they'd play us? Tough game, sure, but would also sell out. Even the Ivies would be a bigger draw. We need to schedule better.