Indiana University Athletics
Hoosiers Lead Nation in Average Attendance
8/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Apr. 11, 2005
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - The two-time defending national champion Indiana men's soccer program continued its tradition of being one of college soccer's most watched teams. During the 2004 season, the Cream and Crimson led the nation in average attendance and ranked third in total attendance according to the NCAA. It was the second straight season the Hoosiers had led the nation in some capacity, topping the charts in total attendance during the 2003 campaign.
"It is great to have fans like we have here at Indiana University," Indiana head coach Mike Freitag said. "Every place we go, everybody wants to watch us play and it is usually our opponent's biggest crowd. But it is really special to come home to big crowds at Armstrong. The boys like to perform in front of big crowds, and play their best. I think the last couple of years we have done that, and our attendance has been high as a result. I think it is a reflection of our athletic department and the support they have given us. It is also a reflection of the growth of soccer both in the state of Indiana and within the student body."
This past season, Indiana averaged 2,385 fans per game at the friendly confines of Yeagley Field at Armstrong Stadium. A Hoosier opponent during the 2004 season, New Mexico, ranked second. The Lobos drew 4,412 fans for their match up against the Cream and Crimson on Sept. 19.
Since the NCAA began tracking attendance in college soccer in 2001, Indiana is one of only two schools with over 2,000 average attendance all four years. Connecticut is the only other school to accomplish the feat. The Hoosiers have averaged 2,284 per contest at Armstrong Stadium since 2001.
The Hoosiers ranked third in total attendance with 26,235 over 11 home games. Connecticut and Maryland were the only schools to outdistance the Hoosiers with 28,728 and 26,604, respectively, both in 13 home affairs.
The Hoosiers have a history of drawing large crowds. Indiana ranked in the top three in average attendance in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Also in 2001, the Hoosiers ranked third in total attendance with 25,630 visiting Armstrong Stadium. In 2001, the Hoosiers drew 2,330 a game over their 11 contests. The following season the Hoosiers maintained 2,195 per match, which was second nationally. In 2003, the Hoosiers were tops with 28,778 total attendance. They also ranked third in average attendance with 2,214 per contest at home.
The Hoosiers are currently 3-0 during the 2005 spring season, and continue the slate this week with a pair of games in Indianapolis. IU will battle Butler at North Central High School on Wednesday, April 13. Game time against the Bulldogs is set for 7 p.m. Indiana will then battle Dayton on Friday, April 15, as part of the Urban Soccer League Fundraiser at Kuntz Stadium. The game is set for an 8 p.m. start time.
The Cream and Crimson will close out the spring by hosting the Mexican Youth National Team in a friendly exhibition, Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 p.m. IU will partner with the Indiana Youth Soccer Association in benefiting the Latino soccer programs around the state of Indiana. General admission for the game is $5 with children under 6 receiving free admission. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling the IU Athletic Ticket Office at 866-IUSPORTS. Group discounts are available by contacting the ticket office.
