Non-Conference Scheduling

[pafan]

Pretty much every one who follows hoops in Evansville would like to see UE and Southern Indiana (D2) play every year. Hasn't happened since a 2OT thriller in 2008 I'm told both coaches / ADs are reluctant to pull the trigger.

Of course, the three game series in the 2000s was always an exhibition -- an exhibition with 8000+ fans.

[DoubleJayAlum]

Who the heck has a 5000 seat student section? Half, HALF!!! of the teams didnt even average 5000 total fans for home games last year.


ATTENDANCE Home Avg
Bradley 16-135148 8447
Creighton 22-297161 13507
Drake 15-63456 4230
Evansville 16-78553 4910
Illinois State 18-83441 4636
Indiana State 13-72822 5602
Missouri State 17-129118 7595
Northern Iowa 18-85814 4767
Southern Illinois 16-67008 4188
Wichita State 18-187711 10428


http://www.mvc.org/mbb/stats/CONFLDRS.HTM

Right. And that is extremely unfortunate.

[unipanther99]

We've had the attendance discussion before, and we all know several things besides enrollment factor in.

My point was to say that at least as many fans would show up for D2 Upper Iowa (yes, north of Cedar Falls) as would show up for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, etc. The local connection makes it interesting for the media, some of our students will have friends attending the other school, and occasionally there is a UNI connection (former Panther on the coaching staff, etc.).

Again, I'm talking about ONE of these games each year at a point in the schedule that makes sense. And who wants to pay an extra $50k for a guarantee that is only guaranteed to drop your RPI?