In light of recent attendance issues at the CU Events Center, CU Buffs” new athletic director, Fernando Lovo, has initiated discussions to improve student engagement and overall attendance at basketball games. The men”s basketball program has seen a significant drop in attendance, with the average home crowd this season being noticeably lower than in previous years.
Last week”s game for now-former Kansas State coach Jerome Tang drew attention when students protested by wearing grocery bags over their heads, reflecting their frustrations regarding the team”s struggles in the Big 12. In contrast, the Buffs, who currently hold a 4-9 conference record, still have several winnable games ahead. However, the challenge remains: a lackluster student section contributes to lower attendance figures, which are nearing program lows for the 16 seasons under head coach Tad Boyle.
Lovo acknowledged the necessity of creating a sense of investment among students to encourage attendance. “For people to show up, they have to feel invested in the program and what”s going on to get them to want to get up and come to a game,” he stated. With Boulder being a city rich in recreational opportunities, he emphasized the importance of not taking fan attendance for granted and finding ways to attract them to the arena.
To this end, Lovo has implemented various incentives and giveaways aimed at boosting attendance for both the men”s and women”s basketball teams in the closing weeks of the season. However, he recognizes that substantial changes will need to occur during the offseason to address the attendance and revenue gaps that the Buffs are currently facing.
The men”s team ranks 15th in average home attendance out of 16 teams in the Big 12, while their performance struggles have been compounded by issues related to generating revenue from home games. Lovo highlighted the need for creative strategies to enhance the game-day experience and engage the student body more effectively. “We”re going to try to come up with creative ideas of what is an important asset for us, and what do students want?” he remarked.
Efforts to revitalize student interest will involve direct engagement with student leadership to better understand their preferences and motivations. Lovo is set to meet with student leaders soon to discuss how to enhance attendance and create a more vibrant atmosphere at games.
Reflecting on the past, Boyle”s third team in the 2012-13 season set attendance records, capturing the community”s attention during a period of struggles for the Colorado football program. However, the current situation contrasts sharply with the past. Under the leadership of football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, the student section at Folsom Field is consistently full, while the men”s basketball attendance continues to decline from the peak levels seen a decade ago.
Despite showing signs of improvement with an average of 7,531 fans during the 2023-24 season, the numbers fell again to 7,038 the following year. This season, through 15 home games, attendance has averaged just 5,996 fans, a figure that dips even lower when excluding games affected by weather disruptions.
On the women”s side, attendance has also struggled. Even with NCAA Tournament aspirations, the women”s team ranks 13th in the Big 12 with an average of 2,382 fans, down from 2,967 the previous year.
The shifting landscape of college athletics, coupled with the rise of online learning, makes garnering student support increasingly challenging. Boyle noted, “I do know we have more players now today in online and virtual learning,” which diminishes the traditional connections that foster fan loyalty.
As CU Buffs continue to seek ways to enhance attendance and engagement, Lovo”s initiatives could mark a pivotal shift in the program”s fortunes, potentially rekindling the passionate support that once defined CU basketball.
