In recent discussions, Fernando Lovo, the new athletic director for the University of Colorado, tackled the concerning issue of attendance at the CU Events Center, particularly for the men”s basketball team. This concern was highlighted last week during the last home game for former Kansas State coach Jerome Tang, where students wore grocery bags over their heads as a form of protest against their team”s struggles.
While it may not be necessary for CU students to resort to such extreme measures, the Buffs” attendance figures have been alarmingly low this season. Currently, the team holds a 4-9 record in the Big 12 and has experienced a disheartening 7-26 record in conference games since rejoining the league last year. A lack of enthusiasm from the student section has contributed significantly to these disappointing attendance numbers, which are on track to hit a program low under head coach Tad Boyle.
Lovo emphasized the importance of community investment in the program to boost attendance. He stated, “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 acknowledged that with so many other activities available in Boulder, especially during pleasant weather, it is crucial to actively engage potential attendees.
To address these challenges, Lovo has begun implementing various incentives and promotional events aimed at increasing student turnout for both men”s and women”s basketball games. However, he recognizes that lasting improvements will require strategic planning during the offseason. Currently, the Buffs rank 15th out of 16 teams in the Big 12 for average home attendance.
Moreover, Lovo pointed out that the Buffs are significantly lagging behind their Big 12 counterparts when it comes to generating revenue from basketball games. He mentioned that the athletics staff has been urged to “think differently” about enhancing student attendance. “We”re going to try to come up with creative ideas of what is an important asset for us, and what do students want? I think we”ve seen decent success, but it”s going to take time,” he remarked.
Over the past decade, the Buffs have struggled to maintain the attendance levels seen during the 2012-13 season when Boyle”s team set records for fan turnout following the Pac-12 tournament championship. In stark contrast, the average attendance for men”s basketball has declined each year since then, reaching a low of 6,752 during the 2022-23 season. This trend continued, with the current season”s average attendance sitting at 5,996 fans, significantly impacted by a weather-related game cancellation.
The women”s basketball program is also facing similar challenges, currently ranking 13th in the Big 12 with an average attendance of 2,382, down from the previous year”s 2,967. Lovo”s efforts come at a time when student engagement in college athletics is more critical than ever, particularly as the landscape of college sports evolves with new revenue-sharing models and NIL agreements.
As Lovo plans to connect more with students and gather their input on increasing attendance, he remains hopeful for a turnaround. “I need your help understanding what resonates with our student body. How do we get them there?” he expressed, emphasizing the need for collaboration in revitalizing interest in CU basketball.
