2015-2016 Home Attendance

[Rhody15]

This year, attendance is going to be CRITICAL for all aspects of the program. Creating a true home court advantage, showing Hurley the state supports him and his program, more money for the athletic department, nationally televised games where attendance will show recruits they can come to URI and play in front of a nearly sold out arena every night, and creating an athmosphere that The Ryan Center hasn't had in a very long time.

There is NO excuse why, at the very LEAST, there's 6000 plus each and every game. Now I know that's asking a lot, with several factors that could potentially affect attendance (weather, money, students on break), but we really need to show Hurley and the program how much we, the state of Rhode Island, support our state U and the outstanding job he has done turning around this program.

20 days. Go Rhody.

Let's go.

[RF1]

RYAN CENTER URI HOME ATTENDANCE BY YEAR
SEASON | GAMES | TOTAL | AVERAGE | CHANGE
2014-15 | 16 | 86,461 | 5,404 | 22%
2013-14 | 16 | 71,058 | 4,441 | 3%
2012-13 | 15 | 64,368 | 4,291 | 12%
2011-12 | 15 | 57,428 | 3,829 | -16%
2010-11 | 16 | 72,598 | 4,537 | -13%
2009-10 | 17 | 88,853 | 5,227 | -1%
2008-09 | 14 | 74,196 | 5,300 | -10%
2007-08 | 15 | 88,731 | 5,915 | 32%
2006-07 | 15 | 67,293 | 4,486 | -6%
2005-06 | 16 | 76,150 | 4,760 | 2%
2004-05 | 14 | 65,227 | 4,659 | -19%
2003-04 | 17 | 97,762 | 5,751 | 2%
2002-03 | 17 | 96,194 | 5,658 | N/A

[RF1]

URI has never averaged over 6k in a season. The closest it came was at 5,915 for the 2007-08 season. I would like to think this is the year where the 6k mark is broken given last year's average was at 5,404. The team however will have to start off strong. Success on the court translates into attendance momentum. Casual fans start showing up and many buy tickets in advance out of fear they might not easily get seats for prime games. By all reports, season ticket and mini-pack sales are doing very well. This is key to high attendance. Another needed component is student attendance. They need to show up in big numbers, even for the first three A-10 home games which are during break (only games between semesters).

[bigappleram]

No excuse not to average 6K+ this year, very attainable goal. Go Rhody!!

[CT Rhody]

This is the year you bring your friends, family, neighbors, etc to every game possible. No excuses this year, everybody has to do their part..

[ATPTourFan]

Agreed, anything less than 6000/gm would be a massive disappointment and Dan would certainly notice. This is put up or shut up time for the fanbase. GO TO THE GAMES!

[Tom98]

Just win baby and the fans will follow. The diehards on this board will be there no matter what but to get the casual fan to pony up money for tickets you have to win consistently. We should be more than capable of doing that this year. Beat PC or a top 25 program and then you start packing the house. Hurley has done a fantastic job getting our roster to where it is now. Now he has to start lighting teams up.

[ram1980]

The biggest win needed to boost attendance would be over those dastardly Friars... To get the casual fan to notice, we have to beat them...

[Running Ram]

I realize it's an early one, in the season and the particular day, but I think we really have to sell/pack the Valpo game. If we do, we win and its a good game, that should give us some nice wind in our sails/sales, great exposure and early consideration in the polls. I'm thinking, the hype needs to be solidified early, maybe we can be top 25 or flirting at least by the PC game, beat them down like we should and never look back. Then we get to the point of selling out or nearly selling out less attractive games, I'm looking at 6000+ for all home conference games.

[Billyboy78]

Individual game tickets go on sale starting on Wednesday. That will be an early indication of what kind of interest there is in the program prior to the season. We all know the PC game will sell out. That's a given. I wouldn't expect a game like Fordham to sell much at this point. I'm going to be looking at the Dayton game as the indicator as to the interest at this point, a marquee matchup between possibly the league's two best teams. The game is in mid-February. That's why I think that's a good gauge as far as interest. Are fans looking that far ahead? Time to start counting the green dots!!!

[adam914]

I think we'll end up disappointed if we're looking that far ahead at this point in terms of attendance. There will likely be some people that are still using a wait and see approach before scooping up tickets to those conference games. I also think since people are used to being able to just walk up and/or wait until last minute and still get decent tickets that they won't be as inclined to jump on it early. It will take some time to change that perception.

[Billyboy78]

Supposedly, season ticket and mini-plan sales are up. Does anybody know the numbers on those?

[ATPTourFan]

Top secret, but yes they are up.

[Obadiah]

While overall average attendance has never broken the 6k mark, the average for A-10 games has gone above that figure four times with the highest being 6,837 in the 2007-08 season.

RF1: I show slightly different averages than you, but that is because I do not include exhibition games or post season games in my averages which is the criteria used in the prediction contest.

[Rhody72]

When URI creates a buzz, then we will average > 6K/game. Not just average, but will be above 6K for every home game - even during break. The buzz will happen when we beat a top 25 team and stay there until we take a loss that drops us out of the top 25 rankings.

[RF1]

While overall average attendance has never broken the 6k mark, the average for A-10 games has gone above that figure four times with the highest being 6,837 in the 2007-08 season.

RF1: I show slightly different averages than you, but that is because I do not include exhibition games or post season games in my averages which is the criteria used in the prediction contest.

My numbers are from the URI athletics site and include all regular and post season home games. These are the official NCAA numbers. They do not include exhibition games but do include in season tournament home games (aka NIT Season Tip-off Tourney) as well as post season games (such as the NIT or CBI).

[Obadiah]

Thanks RF1, that is what I said. I have no intention to change the contest rules. Attendance will be based only on regular season games included in the season ticket base.

[Rhody15]

Winning early and often will hopefully push the attendance to 6000 per game. I just believe packing the Ryan Center will go a long way if/when Hurley is tempted to leave for a P5 program. Packing the arena will let him/the program know how much support there is.

Also, these are college kids we're dealing with. College basketball players probably feed off of the crowd more than any other sport, including college football.

[Obadiah]

URI will open its 14th season in the Ryan Center with the game against American U. The following is a history of the previous home openers on results and attendance. Obviously, the quality and familiarity of the opponent and season expectations play a big role in attracting fans. This year an opening crowd of 6,000 would give URI a good start in setting a new attendance record.

Code: Select all

                 History of Ryan Center Home Openers

	              Opponent	       Attendance	  Result	 Overall Record
				
2015	Nov. 13	American	
2014	Nov. 14	Pace	            4,210	     W, 94-54	    23-10
2013	Nov. 8	 Maine	           5,410  	   W, 92-77	    14-18
2012	Nov. 9	 Norfolk State	   5,045	     L, 55-67	     8-21
2011	Nov. 25	Hofstra	         3,220	     W, 85-73	     7-23
2010	Nov. 16	Brown	           4,711	     W, 92-67	    20-14
2009	Nov. 22	Holy Cross	      4,080	     W, 78-57	    26-10
2008	Nov. 14	Brown	           5,859	     W, 76-74	    22-9
2007	Nov. 9	 Florida Atlantic	4,610	     W, 90-63	    21-12
2006	Nov. 11	Stonehill	       4,341	     W, 86-62	    19-14
2005	Nov. 19	Sacred Heart	    4,331	     W, 56-50	    14-14
2004	Nov. 19	Brown	           5,220	     W, 72-62	     6-22
2003	Nov. 21	Northeastern	    5,685	     W, 89-77	    20-14
2002	Nov. 26	USC	             5,785	     W, 73-71	    20-11

[The Dude]

Going to be fun year to be a Rhody fan!

[TruePoint]

URI will open its 14th season in the Ryan Center with the game against American U. The following is a history of the previous home openers on results and attendance. Obviously, the quality and familiarity of the opponent and season expectations play a big role in attracting fans. This year an opening crowd of 6,000 would give URI a good start in setting a new attendance record.

Code: Select all

                 History of Ryan Center Home Openers

	              Opponent	       Attendance	  Result	 Overall Record
				
2015	Nov. 13	American	
2014	Nov. 14	Pace	            4,210	     W, 94-54	    23-10
2013	Nov. 8	 Maine	           5,410  	   W, 92-77	    14-18
2012	Nov. 9	 Norfolk State	   5,045	     L, 55-67	     8-21
2011	Nov. 25	Hofstra	         3,220	     W, 85-73	     7-23
2010	Nov. 16	Brown	           4,711	     W, 92-67	    20-14
2009	Nov. 22	Holy Cross	      4,080	     W, 78-57	    26-10
2008	Nov. 14	Brown	           5,859	     W, 76-74	    22-9
2007	Nov. 9	 Florida Atlantic	4,610	     W, 90-63	    21-12
2006	Nov. 11	Stonehill	       4,341	     W, 86-62	    19-14
2005	Nov. 19	Sacred Heart	    4,331	     W, 56-50	    14-14
2004	Nov. 19	Brown	           5,220	     W, 72-62	     6-22
2003	Nov. 21	Northeastern	    5,685	     W, 89-77	    20-14
2002	Nov. 26	USC	             5,785	     W, 73-71	    20-11

I can't belive we only had 5800 for the USC game that opened the building. Also didn't realize that the only home opener we've lost at the Ryan was Hurley's debut - something that I think will be an ironic historical footnote years down the road.

[Billyboy78]

A little info here on how season tickets and mini-plans are selling.

http://gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/2015 ... 1019vkyo4d

[ATPTourFan]

That is awesome news. 25% increase in season tix essentially guarantees that our average reported game attendance will exceed 6000 for the first time ever. Student attendance will probably also be at overflow levels this year.

[Billyboy78]

So, let's do the math. How many season tickets were sold last year?

[RF1]

So, let's do the math. How many season tickets were sold last year?

My guess is that season tickets total somewhere around 3k. A 25% increase would translate to 750.

[Rhody74]

So 4k season tickets and miniplans and 1k students gives 5k to start. Yeah we should be able to average 6k a game.

[TruePoint]

So, let's do the math. How many season tickets were sold last year?

My guess is that season tickets total somewhere around 3k. A 25% increase would translate to 750.

We should keep in mind, too, that assuming that your numbers are right we can't just add 750 to the per game average because surely at least some of the new season ticket holders bought tickets to individual games last year. But it certainly bodes well.

[Billyboy78]

So 4k season tickets and miniplans and 1k students gives 5k to start. Yeah we should be s bn le to 6k a game.

I hope we get a lot more than 1000 students. That's a key, getting between 1500-2000 students rocking the place. That's the kind of environment Dan wants.

[Blue Man]

So 4k season tickets and miniplans and 1k students gives 5k to start. Yeah we should be s bn le to 6k a game.

I hope we get a lot more than 1000 students. That's a key, getting between 1500-2000 students rocking the place. That's the kind of environment Dan wants.

I dont think we'll have a problem hitting the 1500 students. He's grown a fan base here. All the kids who were here last year will be back, and the freshman coming in will get that basketball is the thing to do in the winter, because there's a student fanbase that exists.

[Rhody83]

Hopefully the Athletic Dept continues the aggressive promotion to students it did last year. Coach Hurley went above and beyond to get involved in the student promotion. They shouldn't assume anything with the students. Their hard work will pay off.

[Rhody74]

EZBuckets should have an easier time this year getting the crowd revved up ....

[CT Rhody]

I heard we have just under 2k season ticket base. Which is half of the 4k number being bantered around here. Does anybody have any firm numbers to prove my source wrong? I would of guess 3k before I heard it was much lower.

[bigappleram]

The should move the Students to sideline seating behind the benches....CMON!!!

[bigappleram]

no that 2K number is wrong

[CT Rhody]

no that 2K number is wrong

So what is the correct number?

[Obadiah]

Last year, season ticket subscribers ran about 900+. That is the number of individual accounts, not seats. On average the subscribers hold 2-3 seats which puts the total number of season ticket holders at about 2500+.

[rambone 78]

So a 25% increase should equate to about 1200 individual accounts, or about 3250 total seats.

That's your 750 increase.....

I don't see any game with a total paid attendance under 5000 this season, except for an extreme weather issue....

[RF1]

Individual Men's Basketball Tickets Go On Sale on Wednesday, Oct. 21

http://www.gorhody.com/sports/m-baskbl/ ... 1019vkyo4d


Includes the PC game.

[RF1]

If a URI student REALLY wanted to make certain they got a ticket to the PC game, I would suggest you actually buy a ticket today to the game. This is one game where waiting to get in for the reserved student seating may not work out. My student nephew did not get in two years ago as many were turned away. I have him covered with a ticket this year. I would suggest that students not take any chances and get down to the Ryan Center box office today and buy a ticket for this game if they want to be there.

[Rhody15]

Already barely any tickets left for PC game. This will sell out quick.

[Rhody Guy]

I remember the tents and line in 07-08 starting the night before the game. It was frigid the day of the game and luckily I was a manager at the time. Got booed walking past the line and in the door while the rest of the students froze. That's what I hope we see again this year.

[Shaolin Swat]

If a URI student REALLY wanted to make certain they got a ticket to the PC game, I would suggest you actually buy a ticket today to the game. This is one game where waiting to get in for the reserved student seating may not work out. My student nephew did not get in two years ago as many were turned away. I have him covered with a ticket this year. I would suggest that students not take any chances and get down to the Ryan Center box office today and buy a ticket for this game if they want to be there.

Definitely a good idea to do buy a ticket just in case. I remember my freshman year I was a member of the mob (RIP best student section name ever) and there was such a demand for tickets to the PC game that year that there was a large group of us who were supposed to be turned away from the game for a lack of space. The group outside was so large that everyone rushed the doors and we spent the game jumping from open seat to open seat. Thank God we won that year...

[Justns11]

Rhody Guy...that was a cold night. I'm pretty sure I was one of the students that booed at you. Man I miss college.

[twisted3829]

If a URI student REALLY wanted to make certain they got a ticket to the PC game, I would suggest you actually buy a ticket today to the game. This is one game where waiting to get in for the reserved student seating may not work out. My student nephew did not get in two years ago as many were turned away. I have him covered with a ticket this year. I would suggest that students not take any chances and get down to the Ryan Center box office today and buy a ticket for this game if they want to be there.

Definitely a good idea to do buy a ticket just in case. I remember my freshman year I was a member of the mob (RIP best student section name ever) and there was such a demand for tickets to the PC game that year that there was a large group of us who were supposed to be turned away from the game for a lack of space. The group outside was so large that everyone rushed the doors and we spent the game jumping from open seat to open seat. Thank God we won that year...

there was no mob at that point (other than a couple handful of students) it was just starting up again. I too was in the crowd that rushed the door. I made it in for the game but had no ticket, found seats and just stayed there for the game

[Shaolin Swat]

Wow, didn't realize that I was in at the very beginning of the mob. I could be wrong twisted, but didn't the mob begin its recruiting efforts that year beginning with the football games? That whole first few weeks of college was such as blur that I could be mixing up my memory.

[twisted3829]

the first year was a handful of kids (no more than 75 or so) and we only went to basketball games, Blue Man can probably tell you more he started it up. In 08-09 it grew larger and was more organized (shirts, emails, etc)

[Blue Man]

the first year was a handful of kids (no more than 75 or so) and we only went to basketball games, Blue Man can probably tell you more he started it up. In 08-09 it grew larger and was more organized (shirts, emails, etc)

That PC game was right after we had talked with the athletic department about starting it up, but we didn't get it moving until the February games. I still had to camp out for the GW game that January before the students came back. So we can call Feb '09 the soft opening of the mob, before the grand opening that Fall. Good times.

[bressler3south]

So 4k season tickets and miniplans and 1k students gives 5k to start. Yeah we should be s bn le to 6k a game.

I hope we get a lot more than 1000 students. That's a key, getting between 1500-2000 students rocking the place. That's the kind of environment Dan wants.

I dont think we'll have a problem hitting the 1500 students. He's grown a fan base here. All the kids who were here last year will be back, and the freshman coming in will get that basketball is the thing to do in the winter, because there's a student fanbase that exists.

That's a lot free burgers the Coach has got to handle.

[Obadiah]

Assuming this team meets the pre season expectations, this will be a banner year for URI home attendance. This will be exceptional since the home schedule does us no favors this year. Fully 5 of the 17 contests will be played with students away and this includes the Rider game played on the Sunday afternoon after Thanksgiving, the Iona game near the end of the exam period, and three games, the most ever, to be played in the intercession - Saint Louis, Richmond and La Salle. These games will have to be hyped to the general public to offset the missing students, but it can be done!!

[RhowdyRam02]

Probably why the Richmond game was included in every five game package and I'm sure when it gets closer they'll do a holiday plan like last year.