For Finals - 62% of Seats Were EmptyActually, if you think about it, Ms. Dunn is probably right. The NCAA loves to play in listless, empty buildings. This regional championship had more fans attend it than the West Regional Championship that was held at the Xcel Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. So, I guess we can look at this as being successful.
Worcester’s attendance for the two games on Friday was 6,682 — just over half the seats were filled. For the regional final, despite regional favorite and national power Boston College playing, the attendance dropped from Friday to just 4,572 — 62 percent of the seats were unsold.
“This was the 14th regional held at the DCU Center. Worcester is held in high esteem with the NCAA including a variety of records like “Most Hockey Tournament Games by any Arena (2012)”, “Most Regional Games by any Arena (45)” and “Largest Crowd for a Session (1999)”. In fact, we hold 4 of the top 5 most attended Regionals in NCAA history,” said Dunn.
Honestly, I think it's funny. Boston College is a 45-minute bus ride from DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Can't they fill up the DCU Center? Apparently not.
Hey Eric, ask Sandra to show you the numbers of the top 5 NCAA Regionals. 2008 UND beats Wisconsin 3-2 in OT in front of 9816 fans plus 9986 from UND beating Princeton 5-1 = 19784 fans! Lets see DCA beat that? I sat next to Defenseman Marc Chorney (UND 1980)and Carl Miller (UND Athletic Director 70's). UND hockey is tops today from Carl's vision and leadership. GO SIOUX!
ReplyDeleteIt's about location. Put the regional championships in attractive venues and the fans will show up. I don' understand how the Regional in Worcester isn't stuff to the rafter every year, especially when B.C. gets to play there almost every year.
DeleteI have gone to the Worchester Regional (DU vs. Boston College)before. It was a total snooze fest. It is a sleepy venue. Frankly, it seems like the eastern fans are more interested in their conference championship and the Beanpot than the NCAA Regionals. They are very provincial about their hockey. Then, if they make the Frozen Four, they are interested again.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I have been to the DCU Center and it's not the most beautiful place to hold a hockey game. I guess there's worse.
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