Penn State - Akron Open Game Thread

[El-Moldo]

We've been thru this discussion before. Yes, there are empty seats for Pitt games. BUT, PSU is LOSING attendance. Last year it was 12%. Yesterday it was almost 10%. What does that say about PSU football? 10,000 is a lot of empty seats by Beaver Stadium standards, especially for Franklin's debut. The thrill is gone.

[Crimsoncrush67]

A move from 12% to 10% is actually a gain is it not? I have no dog in this fight either way. I wish the best for PSU, but never the best for PITT, I am an unfortunate WVU fan. The fact the BACKYARD BRAWL has been canceled is one of the most unfortunate things to ever happen to college football.

[El-Moldo]

And they said you are not observant. 12% total for last year, 10% loss for ONE game so far this year. Give the fans a little time not to show up. Except for OSU and MSU, what other home games do PSU fans really want to see in person at home.

[DragonsDoExist]

Only 5 college stadiums had more people in the stands than PSU this weekend. It was Akron. Not concerned.

[El-Moldo]

You don't have to be concerned. But doesn't PSU football have to fund EVERY other sport at the university? (Or so we've been told). Akron or not, it WAS Franklin's debut. It WAS the season home opener. Attendance has been going down for several years now. And PSU football is the only game in town. Is interest declining, despite the "dominate the state" speeches and bus caravan tours? Let's see how things go in two weeks vs UMass.

[DragonsDoExist]

All of the top 5 schools in attendance for 2013 saw a decrease from 2012. Guess interest is declining everywhere! By the way PSU's decrease was the smallest of those 5.

[El-Moldo]

Good in-depth reporting. How about telling us who the other teams were. Would just like to know.

[DragonsDoExist]

Good in-depth reporting. How about telling us who the other teams were. Would just like to know.

1. Michigan
2. Ohio State
3. Alabama
4. Texas
5. PSU

[El-Moldo]

WOW!!! Three of the biggest Big Ten schools showing a decrease in home attendance. Wonder why?

[DragonsDoExist]

Try again...

The drop in attendance is not a PSU issue or a Big Ten issue, it's a college football issue. NCAA shows a drop in per game attendance for the 5th straight year. Students are not showing up across the country due to increased costs, better watching (partying) options and the biggest of all believe it or not...poor cell reception!!! Oregon is actually giving students free food to stay for the entire game. Arizona is giving cash prizes!