Somebody brought it up on another thread, but I've noticed it too: Is attendance at HS football games down this year?

 

Is it just Northern Kentucky?

Is it a side effect of the six class system?

Is it the economy? Gas prices?

Is it because of television (FSN, Insight cable and/or public access) or webcasts?

Other fall sports? Marching band competitions?

 

Or am I wrong?

I think you are right and it is not just in Northern Kentucky.

 

I can speak for Lexington, these high school aged children seem to have a lot of other interests that keep them from coming out on Friday night and supporting their high school football team.

 

Too many distractions evidently.

From what I hear, it's better in the east, where there are fewer "distractions" to compete with HS football on Friday night. It's tough here in Oldham County, where Louisville is so close, with so many things to do...

 

And that's with two ranked teams in town! North Oldham (9-1, ranked top 5 in 3A) and Oldham County (8-2, ranked top 10 in 5A)... both of those schools also have new or newly-new stadiums (North Oldham, opened this year...Oldham County completely renovated their stadium last year)

I go to Russell's games (in the eastern part of the state) and while the numbers of people who attend the games may not be down a whole lot, the enthusiasm level of those in attendance is definitely down as compared to when I was in school almost 20 years ago. I've noticed the student sections aren't nearly as into the game as what I used to remember. I think you are right for the most part. It is a product of kids having other things to do. This generation has seen so much and has so many forms of entertainment easily available to them via TV, the Internet, etc., I think it takes a lot more to get them excited about something.

Very disappointed with the SK crowds this season, the game against CC was a huge game, but a very thin crowd. The HC game was also thin, but I think Holloween had something to do with that game.

I think crowds were down a little. I can't remember the weather being a big issue in any of the 11 weeks either.

I go to Russell's games (in the eastern part of the state) and while the numbers of people who attend the games may not be down a whole lot, the enthusiasm level of those in attendance is definitely down as compared to when I was in school almost 20 years ago. I've noticed the student sections aren't nearly as into the game as what I used to remember. I think you are right for the most part. It is a product of kids having other things to do. This generation has seen so much and has so many forms of entertainment easily available to them via TV, the Internet, etc., I think it takes a lot more to get them excited about something.

 

I agree on both bolded sections. I've been to quite a few games over the last couple of years where literally hundreds of students do not sit in the stands, watch the game or cheer for their team. Instead, they mill around and talk to each other. It seems that for many, football games are little more than a chance to socialize.

I have noticed it as well.... Heck when I went to Boone we always had a huge student cheering section this year they are like non existent. I don't get it. Glad to know its not only at Boone that its happening at.

I agree on both bolded sections. I've been to quite a few games over the last couple of years where literally hundreds of students do not sit in the stands, watch the game or cheer for their team. Instead, they mill around and talk to each other. It seems that for many, football games are little more than a chance to socialize.

 

You hit it on the head. The kids that go to the games seem to spend more time roving in packs around the track during the contest, engrossed in a world that doesn't necessarily include the game!

Attendance is good at Raceland.

Attendance is good at Raceland.

:ylsuper:And always is.

 

I really haven't seen any drop off in attendance in North-Eastern Kentucky. I have seen some small traveling crowds, but the teams in this area always have good crowds.

Economy can play in to it some, I'm sure attendance from the away team is down a lot. Partially because the new class system really makes for some long drives to some district games and add the economy and gas prices and away attendance was sure to drop.

I'm doing my part. I've been taking my son and his friends since he was in the second grade. He's a senior now. They've been as far away as Danville to road games, but I've drawn the line at two hours previously. (They've missed Rockcastle, Bell Co, and Sheldon Clark.) This year I hope to get them to Paintsville if necessary.:thumb:

I'm doing my part. I've been taking my son and his friends since he was in the second grade. He's a senior now. They've been as far away as Danville to road games, but I've drawn the line at two hours previously. (They've missed Rockcastle, Bell Co, and Sheldon Clark.) This year I hope to get them to Paintsville if necessary.:thumb:

 

Hopefully it will be at home and not at Paintsville, but if we do have to travel there will be a couple of buses going.:ylsuper:

Hopefully it will be at home and not at Paintsville, but if we do have to travel there will be a couple of buses going.:ylsuper:

 

 

I don't think a home game with Johnson Central is an option this year. HHS is in a travel year, so if these two meet as #1 teams, I believe it's there.

I like road trips. And gas prices are down for now.