In 1997, the IHSA girls basketball state series was a two-class system. In AA, 8 teams advanced to play at Redbird Arena. In the 4 sessions of the AA, 25,957 fans attended. That was an average of 6,489 fans. That may have been bumped by the semi-final attendance for the Galesburg vs Taylorville game, which at the time set a single session record for girls basketball state series.
In 1997, the class A series had 20,843 fans. So their average per session was 5,210. So the total attendance in 8 sessions for the 1997 series was 46,800.
As you can see, the attendance in 1997 was listed in the box score of the championship game as it had been every year. I have looked but I have been unable to find the attendance figures for the tourney since they went to four-class system. As you can see in the 2017 box scores, “Attendance” is printed but the IHSA no longer gives the number. The attendance is no longer listed on the state championship box scores. If someone have found the attendance figures, please share in the box score
In 1999, the Galesburg vs Loyola Elite 8 game (Elite 8 was part of State) hundreds of fans had to sit in the balcony because the main floor was full. That was not unusual in the 1990’s.
The best I can do to look at attendance today, is to share a picture of this year’s State 4A semi-finals that I attended. As you can see, there is not close to the 6,489 fans in the 1997 sessions. I don’t know how many attended, but I guess it wouldn’t be too hard to count the attendance looking at the pictures.
The IHSA State Basketball Tourney was at one time recognized as one of the best high school sports events in America. It is certainly not the same today.
I hope you will share your thoughts on why the attendance is so low at the State Tourney, include your names with your comments. Share thoughts on both boys and girls State tourneys. If enough people share their thoughts, I will put their thoughts together in separate blog post. Thanks!!
So much is different now compared to 25-30 years ago. There is not the general interest in high school basketball as there used to be (boys or girls). Most of the people who attend the state tournament have a connection to a participating school. There are also more "past-times" to pursue. And, many weekends are spent by young athletes traveling to some sort of travel or AAU event in a variety of sports.
ReplyDeleteMatt- Good points! You look at how schools like RI, UT, and Galesburg in gym remodels have reduced their seating capacities significantly and still have space for today’s crowd. But I also think 4 classes makes it tougher often to draw the neutral fans to follow the tourney. Thanks for contributing!! Posted by Evan Massey
DeleteThe 4 Class system has ruined the experience.
ReplyDeleteIf you had been at the 2A supersectional game at Sterling between Christ the King and Rock Falls, you might think otherwise. Packed house and an electric atmosphere.
DeleteGreat point- Regionals, Sectionals, and Super-Sectionals still have great crowds and great atmospheres. But the State tourney in girls basketball is not having great crowds and an electric atmosphere. Thanks for sharing. Posted by Evan Massey
Delete4- classes has changed things for sure. 25 years ago, most of our fans could have told you who was ranked in both 1A and 2A, so when they went to State, they often went to both 1A/2A games. Now even the best HS bb fans have no idea who are top teams in other- little interest in anything but their own class. Thanks for sharing! Posted by Evan Massey
ReplyDeleteThe Streaks (Boys and Girls) were front page news in the newspaper. The fans were able to relate to the players from the great articles and pictures. I doubt the fans today in Galesburg do not even know Hi O Silver. The good ole days are gone.
ReplyDeleteVery good points- The death of local newspaper coverage in small towns like Galesburg has had a huge impact on HS sports. It certainly is sad. Thanks for contributing. Posted by Evan Massey
ReplyDeleteHosting Supersectional’s at large venues never seams to work for classes 1 thru 3 you lose the electric environment as mentioned in previous comments. They need to be played at regular high school gyms until the interest and demands come back. It will make for a much more exciting experience for all. That’s what has happened at the Sterling Supersectional the last 4 years. Just ask them they’ll tell ya. I attend every year.
ReplyDelete