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Message: [QUOTE="DefenseBB, post: 2548734, member: 7492"] As I was thinking about the minor media buzz on Geno and the comments made, none of which were overly concerning to me but did have some negative posts/comments, I was thinking about how his media presence has increased over the years and his comments after the game yesterday and on a thread about Sat/Sun afternoon games visa vi attendance. So, here are my findings: From 2008-17 UConn Women averaged 9,395 fans (and 4th overall in WCBB). Since SNY contract in 2013 ave attendance is 8,663 (and 5th overall in WCBB). So, as noted on threads on the board, UConn attendance has been dropping. The top attendance was in 2008 of 10,968 (#2 in WCBB). Attendance in 2017 was 8,888 (#4). Mildly concerning but not bad. Meanwhile SNY subscribers are 13 million+ with 5 million being outside the NY region. Viewership is up according to SNY Article from Nov 2017 ( [URL="http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/hc-sp-sny-uconn-women-20171106-story.html"]SNY Enjoying Partnership With Geno Auriemma, UConn[/URL] ). The article mentions the HBO 5 part special from last year as well (which was excellent). Geno is a named brand and money is good for the school, SNY and of course Geno. It talks about how "honest and trusting Geno has been" so that is the good, the bad and the ugly. Being in media and being unfiltered can create concerns. My point is, as games are so prevalent on TV for us living near NYC makes it easy to follow without having to drive to Hartford or Storrs so the hit of 2,100 fans per game (2008 #10,968 to 2017 #8,888) seems to be more than offset with viewership. Meaning the school is making significantly more money now despite the dip in attendance. I compared last years 8,888 average attendance to the 2017 MCBB and ironically enough, this would have place UConn Women at #52, just ahead of UConn Men who had 8,505. This season, so far 9,782 have been coming to the 9 home games. Sorry to say the UConn Men are at 7,506 in 10 home games this year-ouch. There is a fine line to walk as you want fans in stands for energy and you want to increase your revenue as you are competing with electronic content all the time. That competition creates pros and cons and figuring out the balance is an ongoing issue. What seems to clear is Geno and his team are universally watched and relevant in the media. Here are the #'s for those who are interested (Rk is the NCAA WCBB attendance rank, this yr is not complete): Year UConn Rk 2018 9,782 2017 8,888 4 2016 8,920 5 2015 8,216 6 2014 8,313 5 2013 8,977 6 2012 9,168 4 2011 9,788 3 2010 10,182 2 2009 10,529 2 2008 10,968 2 10 yr 9,395 4 5 yr 8,663 5 Max 10,968 Min 8,216 [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach