Support for Athletics means prestige to USU
On Saturday, 9,607 Aggies fans filled the Utah State University Spectrum to watch USU’s basketball team beat Boise State University.
In fact, attendance at USU home games hasn’t dipped below 5,000 yet this semester. Most games have been significantly higher than that, nearing 9,000 or more.
Compare that to last year, when attendance at home games hovered around 6,000 spectators, rising only slightly toward the end of the season when fans’ interest was finally piqued by the Aggies’ record, which remained perfect until USU lost its last game of the season to the University of Connecticut in the NCAA tournament.
Even in-state rivalries had difficulty luring fans last season. The Spectrum only sold out twice last season – once when the Aggies played Brigham Young University and again at USU’s last home game against BSU, a game that pushed the Aggies’ Big West Conference record to 16-0.
So far this year, attendance has been especially improved over last year’s attendance at the first few Big West Conference home games.
The Aggies are having another great year, with a record that is, at this point, perfect in the BWC.
USU students and fans have the potential to be among the most enthusiastic. When Aggies show their support for teams and events, visitors notice.
However, USU students and fans have also been known to lose interest when teams and organizations need the most support.
School spirit is an important part of the college experience. For USU to gain the nationwide prominence and recognition it deserves, it must excel in athletics as well as academics. A major component to that kind of success is the vocal support of loving fans.