Football Attendance for 2012

[bobbyake]

This is for the current season 2011-2012

I remember saying a year ago on here that it is going to be more expensive for UA to keep iCantcoach than to fire him due to loss in revenues from attendance.

Whether that statement is true or not has yet to be determined.

I plan on tracking Akron's football attendance here and comparing it to games 5 years back. I will also compare it to our soccer team. Remember when I said

ATTENDANCE: 5,216

I remember saying earlier in the season that the soccer team could beat the football team in attendance, there's the magic number.

here

Well, Akron Soccer has officially passed that number with 5,241.

Some will argue that the football attendance is actually a lot lower than the official number, but official is official.

First game results are in:

Results are 2nd worst since 2002

Game 3 Info

According to 'official' attendance, the Zips have improved over last year by 19% and are having their 5th best year over the past 10 years.

Game 4 Info

[GP1]

If Akron soccer averages around 4,800 a game over 10 games, we're looking at 48,000 from the regular season. Throw in 2 home playoff games for an additional 9,000 bringing the soccer total to 57,000.

Soccer is maxed out. If we could get good at football, the attendance would dwarf soccer even when adjusted for actual games.

[bobbyake]

If Akron soccer averages around 4,800 a game over 10 games, we're looking at 48,000 from the regular season. Throw in 2 home playoff games for an additional 9,000 bringing the soccer total to 57,000.

Soccer is maxed out. If we could get good at football, the attendance would dwarf soccer even when adjusted for actual games.

First Energy Stadium is maxed out, there wasn't much room for more than 5,241. It would be sad if they have to turn people away due to capacity limits. As long as iCantcoach runs things, getting 'good' at football isn't possible.

[bobbyake]

I am not trying to make this a football vs soccer thing, only comparing attendance because it makes Akron unique. It's not often in the US where soccer outdraws football. Whether you love soccer or not, you have to be a realist and understand the popularity of football in the US is much larger than soccer.

[skip-zip]

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby....haven't we been through this before?

I'm not going to predict what will happen with football attendance, but I will comment on your "lofty" soccer prediction.

4,8000.....AVERAGE? Per GAME?

1) Have you accounted for some of those games in late October and November, where last season the number typically dropped down around the 2,000 to 3,000 range?

2) Did you notice that even the MAC Title Game in November last year only drew 1,800 people?

3) Did you know that we even had a September game last year that drew only 2,600 people?

4) Have you even thought about what would happen if we don't end up looking like a National Championship favorite at some point?

You've shown that the LOWEST attended football game in recent years was exceeded by the record-setting, all-time single game attendance mark for soccer. Congratulations.

So, I guess you've proven that for a single game, when football is completely down in the dumps and it's snowing and freezing cold, the first home soccer game following a National Championship can rival that number?

I think that tells you everything you need to know if you are attempting to compare college football and college soccer fan interest.

[bobbyake]

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby....haven't we been through this before?

I'm not going to predict what will happen with football attendance, but I will comment on your "lofty" soccer prediction.

4,8000.....AVERAGE? Per GAME?

1) Have you accounted for some of those games in late October and November, where last season the number typically dropped down around the 2,000 to 3,000 range?

2) Did you notice that even the MAC Title Game in November last year only drew 1,800 people?

3) Did you know that we even had a September game last year that drew only 2,600 people?

4) Have you even thought about what would happen if we don't end up looking like a National Championship favorite at some point?

You've shown that the LOWEST attended football game in recent years was exceeded by the record-setting, all-time single game attendance mark for soccer. Congratulations.

So, I guess you've proven that for a single game, when football is completely down in the dumps and it's snowing and freezing cold, the first home soccer game following a National Championship can rival that number?

I think that tells you everything you need to know if you are attempting to compare college football and college soccer fan interest.

ok, I'll do soccer predictions

Cleveland State: 5,241

New Mexico: 5,100

Cal Poly: 4,500

Ohio State: 5,400

Northern Illinois: 4,150

Penn State: 4,850

Hartwick: 3,800

Bowling Green: 4,100

Wake Forest: 4,300

Michigan State: 4,400

= 45,841 which is 4,584 per game. You got me there.

Remember that over 1,300 season tickets were sold so those count in the attendance whether or not the tickets are used.

Can you find me another D1 program where the soccer team attendance comes anywhere close to football attendance? Akron is unique in that aspect and worth noting.

[skip-zip]

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby....haven't we been through this before?

I'm not going to predict what will happen with football attendance, but I will comment on your "lofty" soccer prediction.

4,8000.....AVERAGE? Per GAME?

1) Have you accounted for some of those games in late October and November, where last season the number typically dropped down around the 2,000 to 3,000 range?

2) Did you notice that even the MAC Title Game in November last year only drew 1,800 people?

3) Did you know that we even had a September game last year that drew only 2,600 people?

4) Have you even thought about what would happen if we don't end up looking like a National Championship favorite at some point?

You've shown that the LOWEST attended football game in recent years was exceeded by the record-setting, all-time single game attendance mark for soccer. Congratulations.

So, I guess you've proven that for a single game, when football is completely down in the dumps and it's snowing and freezing cold, the first home soccer game following a National Championship can rival that number?

I think that tells you everything you need to know if you are attempting to compare college football and college soccer fan interest.

ok, I'll do soccer predictions

Cleveland State: 5,241

New Mexico: 5,100

Cal Poly: 4,500

Ohio State: 5,400

Northern Illinois: 4,150

Penn State: 4,850

Hartwick: 3,800

Bowling Green: 4,100

Wake Forest: 4,300

Michigan State: 4,400

= 45,841 which is 4,584 per game. You got me there.

Remember that over 1,300 season tickets were sold so those count in the attendance whether or not the tickets are used.

Can you find me another D1 program where the soccer team attendance comes anywhere close to football attendance? Akron is unique in that aspect and worth noting.

Listen...I will hope and dream along with you that Akron soccer becomes the biggest thing happening in this town. It will be good for the U, and will make me happy as heck.

But, I have to give you a reality check on this. Go back and look at last year's attendance. If you think the LOWEST attended game this year will be 3,800, you haven't noticed that the majority of our home games last year, during a National Championship run, had lower numbers than that.

Yes, I know that we automatically will have an announced attendance of at least 1,300 for every game because of season ticket sales.

[MaxZIP]

I can't believe I renewed my season tickets...idiot

[bobbyake]

I can't believe I renewed my season tickets...idiot

$60 to watch 6 D1 football games in a beautiful stadium is not a waste. It's just too bad that one of the teams has a D3 quality coach and the stadium will be 30% filled.

[bobbyake]

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby....haven't we been through this before?

I'm not going to predict what will happen with football attendance, but I will comment on your "lofty" soccer prediction.

4,8000.....AVERAGE? Per GAME?

1) Have you accounted for some of those games in late October and November, where last season the number typically dropped down around the 2,000 to 3,000 range?

2) Did you notice that even the MAC Title Game in November last year only drew 1,800 people?

3) Did you know that we even had a September game last year that drew only 2,600 people?

4) Have you even thought about what would happen if we don't end up looking like a National Championship favorite at some point?

You've shown that the LOWEST attended football game in recent years was exceeded by the record-setting, all-time single game attendance mark for soccer. Congratulations.

So, I guess you've proven that for a single game, when football is completely down in the dumps and it's snowing and freezing cold, the first home soccer game following a National Championship can rival that number?

I think that tells you everything you need to know if you are attempting to compare college football and college soccer fan interest.

ok, I'll do soccer predictions

Cleveland State: 5,241

New Mexico: 5,100

Cal Poly: 4,500

Ohio State: 5,400

Northern Illinois: 4,150

Penn State: 4,850

Hartwick: 3,800

Bowling Green: 4,100

Wake Forest: 4,300

Michigan State: 4,400

= 45,841 which is 4,584 per game. You got me there.

Remember that over 1,300 season tickets were sold so those count in the attendance whether or not the tickets are used.

Can you find me another D1 program where the soccer team attendance comes anywhere close to football attendance? Akron is unique in that aspect and worth noting.

Listen...I will hope and dream along with you that Akron soccer becomes the biggest thing happening in this town. It will be good for the U, and will make me happy as heck.

But, I have to give you a reality check on this. Go back and look at last year's attendance. If you think the LOWEST attended game this year will be 3,800, you haven't noticed that the majority of our home games last year, during a National Championship run, had lower numbers than that.

Yes, I know that we automatically will have an announced attendance of at least 1,300 for every game because of season ticket sales.

You might think my numbers are aggressive, I think they're conservative. You have to factor in the National Championship boost. People who thought about going last year will actually go this year just because they are the champs.

Also something worth considering, as students become alumni, they'll continue to return for soccer games. It's becoming an experience everyone wants to be a part of. New students come, old students return as alumni. That's how you build something special.

I miss tailgating at the Rubber Bowl and going to games with people to cheer with. My best experience at the Info doesn't even come close to my worst experience at the Rubber Bowl. I love the new stadium and it has nothing to do with my experience, it's the product on the field. It's extremely frustrating to watch Akron football because I'm sitting there shaking my head the whole time questioning the things going on on the field. I'm one of those that thought Ianello should have been fired the second I found out he was hired. Zips football is a big let down. I long for the days when they gave me something to get excited about.

[MaxZIP]

Scoring Summary

Scoring Summary (Final)

2010 University of Akron Football

Buffalo vs Akron (11/26/10 at Akron, Ohio)

Buffalo (2-10,1-7) vs. Akron (1-11,1-7)

Date: 11/26/10 • Site: Akron, Ohio • Stadium: InfoCision Stadium • Attendance: 5216 Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

Buffalo 0 0 7 7 14

Akron 0 12 7 3 22

I was so cold and bored during last year's Buffalo game that we tried to count all of the people in the stands. We hit about 350 and i still have the program with the tallys by section to prove it. Infact one guy was able to pass out free hot beverage coupons to all present in about 20 in. Bottom line is that their couldn't have been more than 2000 season ticket holders last year and they managed to inflate the records to unconscionable levels. The invisible people will be out in full force this year. Hell, they reported that 7600 people showed for the Miami game.

[bobbyake]

Scoring Summary

Scoring Summary (Final)

2010 University of Akron Football

Buffalo vs Akron (11/26/10 at Akron, Ohio)

Buffalo (2-10,1-7) vs. Akron (1-11,1-7)

Date: 11/26/10 • Site: Akron, Ohio • Stadium: InfoCision Stadium • Attendance: 5216 Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score

Buffalo 0 0 7 7 14

Akron 0 12 7 3 22

I was so cold and bored during last year's Buffalo game that we tried to count all of the people in the stands. We hit about 350 and i still have the program with the tallys by section to prove it. Infact one guy was able to pass out free hot beverage coupons to all present in about 20 in. Bottom line is that their couldn't have been more than 2000 season ticket holders last year and they managed to inflate the records to unconscionable levels. The invisible people will be out in full force this year. Hell, they reported that 7600 people showed for the Miami game.

makes me wonder if they can give away free tickets during the season to corporate sponsors as a, 'hey, thanks for your support, here's tickets' and then they count those tickets they give away.

[MaxZIP]

makes me wonder if they can give away free tickets during the season to corporate sponsors as a, 'hey, thanks for your support, here's tickets' and then they count those tickets they give away.

I don't care what the "count" shows... the number is predetermined and still won't meet the 90,000 mark we need to not be in hot water.

[skip-zip]

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby....haven't we been through this before?

I'm not going to predict what will happen with football attendance, but I will comment on your "lofty" soccer prediction.

4,8000.....AVERAGE? Per GAME?

1) Have you accounted for some of those games in late October and November, where last season the number typically dropped down around the 2,000 to 3,000 range?

2) Did you notice that even the MAC Title Game in November last year only drew 1,800 people?

3) Did you know that we even had a September game last year that drew only 2,600 people?

4) Have you even thought about what would happen if we don't end up looking like a National Championship favorite at some point?

You've shown that the LOWEST attended football game in recent years was exceeded by the record-setting, all-time single game attendance mark for soccer. Congratulations.

So, I guess you've proven that for a single game, when football is completely down in the dumps and it's snowing and freezing cold, the first home soccer game following a National Championship can rival that number?

I think that tells you everything you need to know if you are attempting to compare college football and college soccer fan interest.

ok, I'll do soccer predictions

Cleveland State: 5,241

New Mexico: 5,100

Cal Poly: 4,500

Ohio State: 5,400

Northern Illinois: 4,150

Penn State: 4,850

Hartwick: 3,800

Bowling Green: 4,100

Wake Forest: 4,300

Michigan State: 4,400

= 45,841 which is 4,584 per game. You got me there.

Remember that over 1,300 season tickets were sold so those count in the attendance whether or not the tickets are used.

Can you find me another D1 program where the soccer team attendance comes anywhere close to football attendance? Akron is unique in that aspect and worth noting.

Listen...I will hope and dream along with you that Akron soccer becomes the biggest thing happening in this town. It will be good for the U, and will make me happy as heck.

But, I have to give you a reality check on this. Go back and look at last year's attendance. If you think the LOWEST attended game this year will be 3,800, you haven't noticed that the majority of our home games last year, during a National Championship run, had lower numbers than that.

Yes, I know that we automatically will have an announced attendance of at least 1,300 for every game because of season ticket sales.

You might think my numbers are aggressive, I think they're conservative. You have to factor in the National Championship boost. People who thought about going last year will actually go this year just because they are the champs.

Also something worth considering, as students become alumni, they'll continue to return for soccer games. It's becoming an experience everyone wants to be a part of. New students come, old students return as alumni. That's how you build something special.

I miss tailgating at the Rubber Bowl and going to games with people to cheer with. My best experience at the Info doesn't even come close to my worst experience at the Rubber Bowl. I love the new stadium and it has nothing to do with my experience, it's the product on the field. It's extremely frustrating to watch Akron football because I'm sitting there shaking my head the whole time questioning the things going on on the field. I'm one of those that thought Ianello should have been fired the second I found out he was hired. Zips football is a big let down. I long for the days when they gave me something to get excited about.

I didn't put any numbers up here.

I'm just pointing out that your lowest predicted attendance figure this year would exceed the number of people who attended the majority of our home games last year. I hope you are right, but once we have a game where less that 3k show up, which happened several times last year, we'd have to break attendance records in nearly every remaining game to make up the difference, and even get remotely close to a 5k average.

It looks like the average you are predicting is roughly a 60% increase over last year. I'm quite certain I am not being "too conservative" in saying that this will not happen.

I share your enthusiasm for the Zips, and your disappointment over football. I get excited at the soccer games too, but I'm afraid I'd have to do a lot of this before I'd come even remotely close to predicting this kind of monumental average attendance increase. Even praying for 70 degree sunny weather for every home game probably wouldn't be enough.

[bobbyake]

we'll have to wait and see. The experience at an Akron soccer game is something to be proud of as an alumni. Hoping that experience translates into word-of-mouth marketing by those that go to the game.

The following probably deserves another thread but if Akron Football loses to VMI at home and does worse than 1-11 this year, then Akron better only schedule pay-day games next year for OOC games. Ianello has cost this program a lot of money and it doesn't look like there's any hope during his reign. 4 pay-days in one year could help mitigate the financial damage.

[skip-zip]

we'll have to wait and see. The experience at an Akron soccer game is something to be proud of as an alumni. Hoping that experience translates into word-of-mouth marketing by those that go to the game.

The following probably deserves another thread but if Akron Football loses to VMI at home and does worse than 1-11 this year, then Akron better only schedule pay-day games next year for OOC games. Ianello has cost this program a lot of money and it doesn't look like there's any hope during his reign. 4 pay-days in one year could help mitigate the financial damage.

Nice post. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed I am about football right now too.

Akron Soccer is indeed a great experience, which I enjoy as well. Trust me.... I'll be hoping for those big attendance numbers right along with you.

[MaxZIP]

Location: Akron, OhioAttendance: 15,156Weather: CloudyTemperature: 73Wind: NNE 5 Wow...at least three times the actual attendance

[bobbyake]

Location: Akron, OhioAttendance: 15,156Weather: CloudyTemperature: 73Wind: NNE 5 Wow...at least three times the actual attendance

as long as they have some way to justify that number somehow through inflation methods, have to go with it. I put the first game result comparisons up on first post. Today's game is the 2nd worst attended home opener since 2002.

[Lee Adams]

Location: Akron, OhioAttendance: 15,156Weather: CloudyTemperature: 73Wind: NNE 5 Wow...at least three times the actual attendance

I was there. No way that place was half full.

[bobbyake]

Location: Akron, OhioAttendance: 15,156Weather: CloudyTemperature: 73Wind: NNE 5 Wow...at least three times the actual attendance

I was there. No way that place was half full.

Each game could get an allotment from students, whether they go or not. Take the Buffalo game last year, there was maybe 200 people in the crowd. It could be that each game gets a 5,000 student boost because they allocate 5,000 tickets to students a game. Makes my initial argument that Akron Soccer draws more fans than Akron Football look more legit.

[Roo]

Location: Akron, OhioAttendance: 15,156Weather: CloudyTemperature: 73Wind: NNE 5 Wow...at least three times the actual attendance

I was there. No way that place was half full.

Each game could get an allotment from students, whether they go or not. Take the Buffalo game last year, there was maybe 200 people in the crowd. It could be that each game gets a 5,000 student boost because they allocate 5,000 tickets to students a game. Makes my initial argument that Akron Soccer draws more fans than Akron Football look more legit.

I didn't go to the opened. Glad I didn't after seeing what happened to the team. I go with my father to the games, but after a long work week and having to work a half day on Saturday, sketchy weather, I can't blame him for saying "I really dont feel like going to watch them play, especially after going to Columbus last week."Working til 5 myself, it's just not worth it.

[Buckzip]

I don't understand why more students aren't at the games. There is no more excuse of having to drive to the RB. A nice fall afternoon in a nice stadium on campus was my dream when I was in school.Yes, the team sucks, but their is no atmosphere like a college Saturday afternoon.

[ZachTheZip]

I don't understand why more students aren't at the games. There is no more excuse of having to drive to the RB. A nice fall afternoon in a nice stadium on campus was my dream when I was in school.Yes, the team sucks, but their is no atmosphere like a college Saturday afternoon.

Because they have more entertaining things to do than sit and watch a team they don't connect with practice against a bunch of scrubs.

[Buckzip]

I don't understand why more students aren't at the games. There is no more excuse of having to drive to the RB. A nice fall afternoon in a nice stadium on campus was my dream when I was in school.Yes, the team sucks, but their is no atmosphere like a college Saturday afternoon.

Because they have more entertaining things to do than sit and watch a team they don't connect with practice against a bunch of scrubs.

Like I said, I don't understand that at all. They need to learn to connect. When I was in school, I never missed a game and that included driving my POS Pinto to the RB.Something needs to be done. Obviously winning will cure most of this, but just getting the students to tthe game will help.Maybe a University wide extra credit for students that attend games, or something like that. Get the students there, they have a good time and want to come back.

[jem101]

I don't understand why more students aren't at the games. There is no more excuse of having to drive to the RB. A nice fall afternoon in a nice stadium on campus was my dream when I was in school.Yes, the team sucks, but their is no atmosphere like a college Saturday afternoon.

You have to remember that something like 90% of students commute. I have to drive whether it's at the RB or on campus. Personally, I came to the game with a few friends and was planning on staying about a half and then going home and shelling out the $10 to stream the soccer game. Thanks to the ridiculous weather delay, I only saw the first 9 minutes of the game before I went home to watch a team that can actually win and puts up a solid product. I'll be back for a few more games this year, but it really is painful to watch...