2008 Woodie Awards
On eve of PC game, URI Athletics aims to increase student attendance
Matt Pavao
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: News
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12/04/07 - Thousands of University of Rhode Island basketball fans will pack the Thomas M. Ryan Center tonight because they want to see their exciting 8-1 men's basketball team take on state rival Providence College. There is no question that the team's success is helping to fill the arena, but the university is doing all it can to help fill every last seat.
When newly appointed Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn first took the job in August, one of his goals was to increase fan interest in athletic programs.
"The best opportunity to increase the overall experience of games is to increase fan support, starting with students," Bjorn said. "They are the ones who create the most excitement at games. Certainly a lot of our efforts are to attract students and create the college atmosphere."
That college atmosphere is coming together, as attendance at men's basketball games is way up from last year. The Nov. 28 game against Northeastern University attracted 1,200 more fans than last year's game on the same day. Overall, the Ryan Center has attracted 3,004 more students through the first four home games this year than last.
Deputy Director of Athletics Gregg Burke was happy with the attendance numbers and expects the program to set an attendance record this year.
"We'll take as many students as we can," Burke said. "Students do two things: They bring enthusiasm to their seat and when students get enthusiastic and boisterous and are really having fun, they bring up a nostalgic view from non-students. The more students get into [the game], the more the other fans get into it. I love having students come to the game."
Working along with a group of dedicated students, Burke has put in a lot of time in getting the student body excited about the university's sports. Burke met a group of six dedicated fans at last year's Atlantic 10 basketball tournament and asked the students to help him reach out to the rest of the student body.
When newly appointed Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn first took the job in August, one of his goals was to increase fan interest in athletic programs.
"The best opportunity to increase the overall experience of games is to increase fan support, starting with students," Bjorn said. "They are the ones who create the most excitement at games. Certainly a lot of our efforts are to attract students and create the college atmosphere."
That college atmosphere is coming together, as attendance at men's basketball games is way up from last year. The Nov. 28 game against Northeastern University attracted 1,200 more fans than last year's game on the same day. Overall, the Ryan Center has attracted 3,004 more students through the first four home games this year than last.
Deputy Director of Athletics Gregg Burke was happy with the attendance numbers and expects the program to set an attendance record this year.
"We'll take as many students as we can," Burke said. "Students do two things: They bring enthusiasm to their seat and when students get enthusiastic and boisterous and are really having fun, they bring up a nostalgic view from non-students. The more students get into [the game], the more the other fans get into it. I love having students come to the game."
Working along with a group of dedicated students, Burke has put in a lot of time in getting the student body excited about the university's sports. Burke met a group of six dedicated fans at last year's Atlantic 10 basketball tournament and asked the students to help him reach out to the rest of the student body.