Hokies experiencing vast improvements in basketball attendance

Both women's and men's teams seeing spikes in fan interest

January 27, 2017

BLACKSBURG, Va. – As the men’s and women’s basketball teams enter the heart of the ACC schedule, fans are responding in ever-increasing numbers in the stands to support the Hokies. Cassell Coliseum is experiencing a tremendous increase in attendance, across the board.

The women’s basketball team, under the direction of first-year head coach Kenny Brooks, has seen the most dramatic increase in attendance. Last season, the Hokies averaged 1,352 fans per game. This season, that average attendance has skyrocketed to 2,025, a more than 50-percent increase. That number will likely increase, as school is back in session, upcoming games are against ACC rivals and the team is nationally ranked. The women’s team has five more home games, beginning Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. against Syracuse.

“Playing in Cassell gives you an electric feeling that is like no other,” senior guard Vanessa Panousis said. “No matter what the score is you can always hear Hokie Nation backing you and it has been great to have Cassell so full this season. Their voice gives you a fire in your stomach to give it your all!”

The men’s team has also seen a dramatic increase in attendance, spurred on by four sellouts. Last season, the Hokies averaged 6,658 and in the 2014-15 season, Tech averaged 5,744. With three of the four sellouts, the Hokies are averaging 7,204 per game this season. That number also is likely to rise, as Tech will host at least one more sellout, the Feb. 12 home game against in-state rival, Virginia. The Hokies, under the direction of head coach Buzz Williams, are 15-4 overall and 4-3 in ACC play.

This year’s attendance would be the largest for the Hokies since averaging 8,395 in the 2010-11 season. Last season, the Hokies averaged 7,529 for nine ACC home games; this season, Tech is averaging 7,945 through four ACC home games. Including the UVA game, the Hokies have five more home games.

“Playing in Cassell is a great experience,” said men’s basketball player Justin Robinson said. “The fans are very supportive and really get into the game. That is a tremendous help; it really gets us going. And now that the students are back, it’s only going to get better.”

Both the women’s and the men’s team have a number of upcoming promotions, beginning with a doubleheader on Sunday. At 2 p.m., the women will host Syracuse and at 6:30 p.m., the men will host Boston College as Williams seeks the 200^th career victory of his head coaching career.

The doubleheader will be the Black Out Effect Game for both teams. For the women, the game will also be Youth Team Day and there will also be a special offer. If you show your men's basketball vs. Boston College ticket at the Promotions entrance (Door 8, off Washington Street) fans will receive free general admission into the women's basketball game.

For men’s basketball, Sunday night will be the annual Coaches Vs. Cancer Suits & Sneakers game. The men’s basketball staff will wear sneakers with their suits to raise awareness for cancer research and special uniforms to support the cause.

Other upcoming promotions for the women’s team include Military Appreciation Day against nationally ranked Notre Dame on Thursday, Feb. 2, Play 4 Kay Day on Thursday, Feb. 9 against nationally ranked Louisville and Marron Out Effect on Sunday, Feb. 19 against Virginia. Senior Night will be Thursday, Feb. 23 against Miami.

Upcoming promotions for the men’s team include the Maroon Out Effect game against archrival Virginia on Sunday, Feb. 12, Student Organization Night against Clemson on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and Senior Day against Wake Forest on Saturday, March 4. An added attraction against Wake Forest will be, Red Panda, always the most popular halftime performer in Cassell Coliseum.

To purchase tickets to the remainder of Hokie home games, please call or visit the Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-VATECH4 or go online to hokietickets.com.

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