Empty Seats...

[billyjack]

The Big East has had great attendance over the past few years. The only exception is DePaul for obvious reasons, and Georgetown during their struggles, which is also understandable, though surprising.

Anyway, there's a website that focuses on empty seata and low attendance. Over the past half year, they've shown photos of Miami Hurricanes football, Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey (weird, 2 hurricane teams), the AAC Tournament in Hartford, and so on.

Recently they've shown The Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. I know the Reds suck, but their history and fanbase has always been great. New beautiful ballpark.

Do any Xavier fans have any insight into the Reds' attendance struggles?

Opening pitch on a 72-degree Sunday at Great American Ballpark. #Reds #Rockies @EmptySeatsPics https://t.co/l1R7WBpzfF
(https://twitter.com/RobConnett1/status/ ... 09248?s=03)

[xavierfano8]

It's kind of always been like that for the Reds. If they're good fans will start showing up, but if they don't have expectations no one will go. I think it also has to do with the fact that there are 81 home games a year and most people aren't going to more than a few per year (unless they are in playoff contention).

[Fieldhouse Flyer]

The Big East has had great attendance over the past few years. The only exception is DePaul for obvious reasons, and Georgetown during their struggles, which is also understandable, though surprising.

2016-17 Average Home Attendance

Creighton – 17,413
Marquette – 13,716
Xavier – 10,282
Villanova – 10,048
BE Average – 9793
Georgetown - 8497
Providence - 8493
Butler - 8358
St. John's - 8147
Seton Hall -7954
DePaul – 4923

Big East average home attendance excluding DePaul = [(10 x 9793) – 4923]/9 = 10,334 per game.

Chicago could become a key market for the Big East if DePaul can move up to the top half of the Big East Standings, and help is on the way.

DePaul Hopes Wintrust Arena Will Boost Ticket Sales – The DePaulia - February 20, 2017

Downsizing from over 11,000 seats at Allstate to 10,387 at Wintrust, spectators will feel closer to the action with seating better designed for basketball.

From a basketball perspective, the combination of a new location and a more alluring atmosphere promises to help with recruits. Chicago has a rich basketball history, and many of the top high school prospects in the country but offers almost zero competitive Division One men’s basketball. DePaul’s athletic department believes a greater spotlight for college players in the city of Michael Jordan will bring fresh, young talent into the program.

WinTrust Arena Coming Along – HLOH thread - April 24, 2017 to May 9, 2017

Illinois will play DePaul in men's basketball for first time since 1957 – The Chicago Tribune - May 20, 2017

Illinois and DePaul are working to reclaim some prestige in the state. Under new coach Brad Underwood, Illinois signed the state’s Mr. Basketball award winner Mark Smith. DePaul, under coach Dave Leitao, recently signed five-star guard Tyger Campbell, who will enter the program in 2018.

[ToddMill]

From a basketball perspective, the combination of a new location and a more alluring atmosphere promises to help with recruits. Chicago has a rich basketball history, and many of the top high school prospects in the country but offers almost zero competitive Division One men’s basketball. DePaul’s athletic department believes a greater spotlight for college players in the city of Michael Jordan will bring fresh, young talent into the program.

Yep there's always been quite a few empty seats. Maybe they should comp people to fill them.

[EMT]

There is no greater buzz kill than Fieldhouse Flyer in a thread....