Peak Attendance

[LaCajunsFan]

Had the chance to ask a few folks in D1 & D2 that I didn't recognize about their thoughts on the game. One group of 5 were from the St Martinsville area, graduated in the Baldwin / Bustle years, and a couple who had followed this season thru tv games. The CCG compelled them to come in person. I would surprised if some of them dont attend some next year. They were really in to the game.

I had a similar conversation with 2 other small groups.

Also we brought 3 couples who regularly follow the Tigers. They had a ball.

Obviously not a scientific poll, but I wouldn't consider this a disappointment. We exposed a lot of additional folks to the cULture.

We had several of the same experience…mostly with local people who it had been years since they had been to CF. There was also a group from near ruston, who are related to someone in our group. One son goes to laturd, and a daughter just started at UL….the son was there with 3 of his frat buddies. The parents are in LOVE with the dorm the daughter is in…the rose garden, cuz it’s so close to the Union etc., so they feel she is safe. The bro’s were in love with all the women, lol. But they were all blown away with game, the fans, the tailgating under the oak and in the Tigue, the excitement, etc.

I’m telling y’all yesterday was a huge day for us, on a bunch of levels.

[Boomer]

This! It wasn’t just a big crowd, but a really engaged one….loud throughout the game, esp on 3rd downs. Just made my day, as much for myself and the city, but especially for the team.

…..I love to ask these questions to our RP herd…..is the crowd noise actually louder because of the stadium being bowled and so low?

[CajunFun]

And sounded like 60k!

For those who couldn't make the game and had to listen on the radio*, Jay & Gerald were loving it.

*I had the TV on mute... it was fun, I knew what was going to happen from the tube, so got a kick out of their reactions. And BTW, they got a bit emotional in the post-game.

[Grantvb]

Perhaps in this coming decade we will start to average over 30K per home game with peaks at 40K+.

[CajunFun]

…..I love to ask these questions to our RP herd…..is the crowd noise actually louder because of the stadium being bowled and so low?

Maybe a bit, but face it, people here are just more demonstrative than at other places. Cajuns & Creoles ain't WASPs, they just love cuttin' up.

One guy who was a manager in the '80's said that once when we were hosting LTU, we were defending against a goal-line stand. He was down on the field, said it was like people beating on his chest. He thought that if we ever get 60K, we'll put Huey P. Long dormitory to shame.

[IHateLaState]

I think last night raised the baseline a few thousand.. I think now a "small crowd" will be 21-22000.... As many have stated last night was fun. "Casual fan" may have walked out thinking this is something I want to do more often... And we had some newbies who maybe felt the same way.
Continuing to win is important. Casual fan and newbie fan will stop coming if we don't. I think we need a 40k seat stadium. Just a more attractive environment will entice casual fan. 2k visitors ( thats you So Miss) will add to the numbers.
Billy started something. We have not yet seen our full potential

[HoustonCajun]

If we focus on what we've accomplished, we'll be grateful, and continue working.

If we focus on our shortcomings, we'll be resentful, and resigned.

I think yesterday we won more than a game. We won over the community who saw how special UL is.

[CajunEXPRESS]

I do to I understand ! I don’t think we have reached our peak! We just started winning once people start going I think attendance will grow. If we continue these 9 to 10 win seasons. I think we can average 28 to 30k a game and for big games 40 to 45k. In the Sunbelt that to me is the peak.

I agree with the stadium renovation being at 35k, if push comes to shove and we start getting more we can start expanding if need be.

We can’t have great attendance with midweek games, noon games in early September. Just ain’t going to happen. And that’s a problem because it breaks momentum and habit. Also one Saturday in October is horrible.

[CajunFan3406]

UTSA had 41 plus. SDSU had 13. Both big markets, but two different levels of support.

MAC championship had 10, but it was a neutral site.

MWC championship was essentially neutral site. I've said this before on this board, but SDSU gets a pass for any low attendance numbers this year and last year. Once they start playing in San Diego again, then we can make comparisons.

[CajunEXPRESS]

UTSA has shown an ability to draw fans. Especially for big events.