Where Are the Fans?

I watch a lot of high school ball at many gyms. Where are the fans? Very few schools draw good crowds anymore on a regular basis.

Is it the domination of the Holmes Bulldogs that people have lost interest? I know CovCath had a bad year last year and are not much of a threat to win the region this year, but they are 12-9 and have 9th region wins over Ryle, Conner and NCC; quality wins in my opinion. But even with a more competitive team this year, our listening numbers are way, way down this year. I 100% agree Clyde, the passion for NKY basketball is waning. Everytime I assume there's going to be a sellout, it's not even close.

Originally Posted by CovCathiRadio

Is it the domination of the Holmes Bulldogs that people have lost interest? I know CovCath had a bad year last year and are not much of a threat to win the region this year, but they are 12-9 and have 9th region wins over Ryle, Conner and NCC; quality wins in my opinion. But even with a more competitive team this year, our listening numbers are way, way down this year. I 100% Clyde, the passion for NKY basketball is waning. Everytime I assume there's going to be a sellout, it's not even close.

I don't think it has much to do with the Dogs. Conner/Boone had a small crowd and that's a neighborhood rivalry.

I also don't think its just in the 9th.

I know the HC fan base is a bit down because of the lack of success this yeatr.

My dad and I went to the Conner/Boone game tonight; for that matter, so did mom. We sort of thought there would have been more of a crowd especially from students.

I agree - attendance is down in the games I've seen this year.

Everyone has their own "stuff" to do. Heck the cheerleaders don't even come to games any more. They are "competition teams" now instead of cheerleaders.

I'd also say that ticket prices and the economy play a part.

Originally Posted by Plato

I'd also say that ticket prices and the economy play a part.

This certainly applies to families with lots of kids, and to high school students who now pick and choose their games to attend.

Title IX has killed boys and girls attendance.

Used to you knew which team was playing when because Tuesday and Friday boys played, Monday Thursday girls played.......now they play on the same night, or Wednesdays......no one knows when anyone is playing!

I noticed this tonight while at Johnson Central. It was a decent crowd but neither the home team nor the away school have a pep section. Fans were scattered out in the gym

Originally Posted by JD If U Please

Title IX has killed boys and girls attendance.

Used to you knew which team was playing when because Tuesday and Friday boys played, Monday Thursday girls played.......now they play on the same night, or Wednesdays......no one knows when anyone is playing!

1) Absolutely! There is no consistency to schedules anymore.
2) I also agree ticket prices have gotten out of hand. I don't mind them for adults, but I think student prices need to be no more than 2-3 dollars.

3) One other thing I think hurts the crowds is the web broadcasts, radio, and this web site. It is very convenient to sit at home and listen to broadcasts on-line, or get updates on the game. Many people can keep up with their team and not have to pay for it, or go out and travel in the cold.

I think a lot of it has to do with the way we live our lives now. There is so much to do on any given night. When I grew up it was 1 sport at a time. Little to no AAU or extra ball. Grade school was a 12 game season, so was baseball. Now you can play any sport about year round and not to mention soccer has reared its ugly head into our lives. Both parents work nowadays, unlike years ago. Times are a changing my friends!

Originally Posted by armsrace

3) One other thing I think hurts the crowds is the web broadcasts, radio, and this web site. It is very convenient to sit at home and listen to broadcasts on-line, or get updates on the game. Many people can keep up with their team and not have to pay for it, or go out and travel in the cold.

I disagree with that. Money is the issue. When kids have to pay 5 dollars to go, then one should not be shocked if they stay home and play games. The 10th Region this year is throwing around the idea of charging seven dollars a ticket for the regional tournament.

Originally Posted by Preachit

I disagree with that. Money is the issue. When kids have to pay 5 dollars to go, then one should not be shocked if they stay home and play games. The 10th Region this year is throwing around the idea of charging seven dollars a ticket for the regional tournament.

What was it a BOK arena last year?

With the state of the economy and unemployment, families are just trying to make ends meet. Some families just can't afford it so they are staying home.

Originally Posted by Preachit

I disagree with that. Money is the issue. When kids have to pay 5 dollars to go, then one should not be shocked if they stay home and play games. The 10th Region this year is throwing around the idea of charging seven dollars a ticket for the regional tournament.

I don't think its a big deal to charge more for regional tournament games but I say let students in for a buck or even free during the regular season. I too am amazed that varsity cheerleaders no longer cheer at games....thats just sad....

Originally Posted by TAC

What was it a BOK arena last year?

Yes it was at the BOK, this year it is held at the Fieldhouse in Mason Co.

I think its a mixture of teams not having consistent schedules, family obligations,ticket prices,alternative entertainment at home if you will and the webcasts/BGP.

Its hard foe me to justify to my wife who takes care of the house and 3 year old most days and works part time that I am going to watch a couple tripleheaders of hoops during the week after working all day. The boy plays frosh ball, I coach my stepson 2 nights a week and my wife puts up with plenty of hoops during the season including the other woman(BGP) ; ). As much as I would love to attend various games across NKY I just can't do it.

Check out this highlight film of the games last Friday night. GRC had a huge crowd, also check out thier student section. The girls games on this also had fairly good crowds.

http://www.wtvq.com/sports/high-school-highlight-reel

20 Students at $5.00 per student = $100.00 OR 100 students at $1.00 per student = $100.00. Which would you rather have?

Agreed, it's the economy. Families only have so much money for food, mortgages and utiities bills that have to be paid, with little or nothing left over for entertainment.

By the time you and the wife and the two kids attend the game you are with gas, spending 20/25 dollars. I don't see how some of the families of the players can even afford it any longer.

Kentucky Politicians please take note, the economy of the Commonwealth is in deep, deep trouble when folks can no longer afford to attend a high school basketball game, which in the past, has been the official "religion" of the Commonwealth.