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Recent Attendance Trends (2013–2023)
Early 2010s Highs (2013–2015): Attendance peaked in 2013 and 2014, with averages around 25,000 per game, possibly reflecting strong fan engagement and favorable seasons. Attendance began to decline after 2014, suggesting a possible decrease in interest or external factors impacting attendance.
Steady Decline (2016–2019): From 2016 to 2019, attendance averaged between 17,000 and 20,000. The decline coincided with mixed performance seasons, although 2018 and 2019 showed some stabilization with winning records, likely helping to maintain attendance.
Pandemic Break and Brief Resurgence (2021): After the 2020 season, attendance sharply increased in 2021 to an average of 22,493, which could reflect a combination of pent-up demand post-pandemic and a successful 7-0 season. This year stands as an outlier given the unusual context.
Recent Decline (2022–2023): In 2022 and 2023, attendance averages dropped to 14,997 and 16,664, respectively. While still showing a modest increase in 2023, these are among the lowest averages of the decade, suggesting challenges in drawing large crowds. This may be due to average team performance, with both years finishing with 3-3 home records, and possibly shifts in fan engagement trends.
Overall, attendance over the last decade shows a trend of decline from earlier highs, with occasional bumps during successful seasons. The recent decline suggests a need for strategies to re-engage fans and enhance attendance stability.
I then asked if our trending data aligned with national trends:
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Yes, the recent decline in attendance at Cajun Field from 2022 to the present aligns with national trends observed in college football. Many programs across the U.S. have reported similar patterns, driven by several factors:
Increased Streaming and Broadcast Options: With more games available through streaming and on-demand services, fans have more convenient options to watch games from home, which may reduce the incentive to attend games in person.
Rising Ticket Prices and Event Costs: Higher costs associated with attending games, including ticket prices, parking, and concessions, have been a barrier for many fans. For some, the expense of a game-day experience doesn’t match up with the cost-effective option of watching from home.
Changes in Fan Engagement: College football attendance, especially among younger fans, has shifted. Gen Z and millennial fans often prioritize convenience, social interactions, and the overall experience rather than committing to full-length in-person games. This trend has impacted attendance figures nationally.
Team Performance Influence: Like Cajun Field’s attendance figures, performance has a direct impact on attendance, with strong records typically boosting in-person support. However, attendance is also sensitive to general engagement trends and the strength of the fan culture within each program.
Post-Pandemic Shifts: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person attendance in many sports sectors, including college football, has struggled to fully rebound. Some fans have adopted new habits or reassessed leisure priorities, leading to slightly lower attendance than pre-pandemic levels.
To counter these trends, some schools have begun enhancing game-day experiences, offering fan engagement activities, introducing flexible ticketing options, and working to boost fan support during rebuild years.
