Hilton atmosphere during womens' game has deteriorated.

**ByronRiceAlum** · 01-16-2013, 12:59 PM

Congrats to a very nice start for the ISU women. I've been going to their games at Hilton for over 20 years and must say am very disappointed in the crowd last night! The lower bowl was 2/3 full at best and there were VERY FEW folks in the balcony. Secondly the crowd was very much un-involved. ISU got on a few runs and no one but me stood up to cheer the team on during the following defensive possession. The heck is going on???

**ISpyCy** · 01-16-2013, 01:20 PM

To be fair, I think this is a general trend for all WBB teams and, on a grander scale, all BB teams. There are new an innovative ways to watch games through streaming video. When separating MBB from WBB, there's an excitement factor of seeing slam dunks and alley-oops in MBB as opposed to lay-up after lay-up after lay-up in WBB. Networks are also nit-picky about what games they want to air in an effort to make more money for the network (and for the top executives, but I digress).

**theshadow** · 01-16-2013, 01:23 PM

As crazy as it sounds, people stopped showing up when the team became a consistent winner.

**chuckd4735** · 01-16-2013, 01:25 PM

I know a few people (and I'm sure there are more) who ditched Mens Basketball for Womens Basketball after the Eustachy incident, who went back after Hoiberg was brought in.

**alarson** · 01-16-2013, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

As crazy as it sounds, people stopped showing up when the team became a consistent winner.

Also wonder if the men's team having some success has affected anything. Success over there doesnt leave people looking for something successful to get behind.

**CycloneRulzzz** · 01-16-2013, 01:28 PM

I agree the 12,000 crowds we during the Wells days will NEVER be seen again. I think it's sad.

**cyco2000** · 01-16-2013, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

As crazy as it sounds, people stopped showing up when the team became a consistent winner.

Originally Posted by chuckd4735

I know a few people (and I'm sure there are more) who ditched Mens Basketball for Womens Basketball after the Eustachy incident, who went back after Hoiberg was brought in.

I think these two hit it on the head. I've noticed the same thing.

**3TrueFans** · 01-16-2013, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by CyclonesRulzzz

I agree the 12,000 crowds we during the Wells days will NEVER be seen again. I think it's sad.

Never is a long time.

**twistedredbird** · 01-16-2013, 01:40 PM

I'm sure it doesn't have anything to do with having a lowsy non-con schedule.

I'm sure it will pick up through the Big 12 if ISU WBB continues to be top 25.

And let's face it, last year, ISU WBB wasn't terribly fun to watch....Moody, Kidd, Brynn, Jadda, & Johnson will likely all be fun players to watch as a team the next couple years.

My only main concern is our post game. But, if we could develop and/or land an exciting 2014 post or two, we could be looking at a final four team in two/three/four years. Definitely when Brynn, Moody, Kidd a Junior, and Jadda and Johnson are sophs, we will likely have the best guard court in the Big 12. Baier or Jensen could develop into the 5 player of need.

Who knows, if Kidd starts getting consistent on her shot, we could have a sweet sixteen team on our hands this year. Next four games will be telling.

**3TrueFans** · 01-16-2013, 01:40 PM

I hate to be the first one to say it, but it's kind of boring.

**theshadow** · 01-16-2013, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by alarson

Also wonder if the men's team having some success has affected anything. Success over there doesnt leave people looking for something successful to get behind.

It's not just a recent thing, though. It was happening during the McDermott years as well.

The Lil/Jr Clone Club section by the east basket was packed in the early 00s. It used to be a mad rush to get the best seats, similar to students at MBB games. Now, those kids are grown up and nobody is replacing them. Sure, the parents buy the JCC pass, but they don't actually go to the games.

The student section has always been sparsely populated, so no real change there.

For comparison, look at UConn. They win all the time, and their attendance has dropped by 36%.
2005 (25-8): 13,613
2006 (32-5): 11,764
2007 (32-4): 11,024
2008 (36-2): 11,182
2009 (39-0, National champs): 10,994
2010 (39-0, National champs): 10,260
2011 (36-2): 9,788
2012 (33-5): 9,168
2013 (15-1): 8,724

**swarthmoreCY** · 01-16-2013, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by theshadow

As crazy as it sounds, people stopped showing up when the team became a consistent winner.

Yes, the initial honeymoon, new story spike has worn off and I do not think it has anything to do with MBB. In the late 90's early 2000's, ISU WBB having success was considered something special. Now it is normal, and normal is not as motivating. Plus, it was cheaper to travel to games and those teams were arguably better, or at least were a better viewing product to the casual fan (Big 12 titles via the 3P shot and offense).

**VeloClone** · 01-16-2013, 01:51 PM

I wonder if the surging volleyball program has siphoned off some WBB fans as well.

**Tri4Cy** · 01-16-2013, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by 3TrueFans

I hate to be the first one to say it, but it's kind of boring.

I was going to post it until I saw this. It just doesn't do it for me.

**ByronRiceAlum** · 01-16-2013, 02:01 PM

Good information. I totally agree about the Lil/Jr Clone Club drop-off, wow! We use to take our daughters to every game and even week nights were packed behind the east basket. Last night there were about 30 youngsters in that section.

I understand numbers are down and some of these contributing factors but for those who go, COME ON! Sounded like Carver Hawkeye Arena during one of their womens' games. If you go, participate in the game. Help energize your team!!!