ADVERTISEMENT

Iowa fans love this team, want more basketball, & hence the big NIT crowds at CHA

Franisdaman

Franisdaman

HB King
Nov 3, 2012
102,372
139,654
113
Heaven, Iowa
From the CR Gazette:

12,864 fans showed up for Iowa's 87-75 win over the South Dakota Coyotes Wednesday night in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Here are crowd-counts at some of Tuesday’s first-round NIT games:

Georgia, 5,533. Illinois, 4,719. Utah, 4,097. Alabama, 4,041. California, 1,778.

Indiana was seeded to host a first-round game, but declined and voluntarily traveled to Georgia Tech (and lost) rather than have an ESPN audience see wide swaths of empty Assembly Hall seats. Weird.

In 2016, the largest of the 16 first-round crowds was 8,420 at BYU. In 2015, it was 6,904 at Louisiana Tech. In 2014, it was 7,697 at Arkansas.

The largest first-round crowd in 2013? It was 15,400, a sellout at Carver for Indiana State-Iowa. Which was followed by a second-round sellout here for Stony Brook-Iowa. That’s right, Stony Brook.

Why the huge turn out? The Iowa fans simply enjoy this year’s Iowa team and heartily welcomed the chance for more basketball. Prices were reasonable, and opportunity was ample for people who don’t normally get a lot of chances to sit in the arena’s better seats.

Late in the first half, most of the fans actually stood throughout a timeout in support of the Hawkeyes. The crowd didn’t wait to be entertained. Rather, it strongly encouraged the entertainers.

full story: http://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/hlas-unlike-america-hawkeye-fans-nuts-for-nit-20170315
 
  • Like
Reactions: And1Hawk, McLovin32 and Kurt Warner
It's a shame that ticket prices filter out a large swath of the population from attending regular season games.
 
  • Like
Reactions: wishawk1
This is somewhat off-topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread.

Did anyone else notice as the game was ending #13 Matt Mooney jawing at the other side of "Gucci row"? I'd love to know what that was all about.
 
A different breed of rowdy Hawk fans go to these games and I love it. Players have to as well. Fran said it best when he pointed out how obvious it was the players feed off that energy when giving his thanks to the fans. I sure hope crowds like that can replicate over the coming years because it makes so much more of a difference than we even know. The Hawks are going to be a very tough out in the NIT. I think our toughest game is up next.
 
  • Like
Reactions: And1Hawk
Regular season ticket prices are not that bad. Around 30$ a ticket.

The problem I have is all the "late" starts. It seems like every Iowa home game started at 8pm and for people who have children in school that makes it a late night. Not good for the little ones.

We went last night because its spring break and it was fine. We got home around 11:00 and the little ones are tired, but they will take an extra nap I'm sure.

Also I love going to any Iowa sporting event, but last night some fans need to know/understand the rules. My god there were a couple of people who I think yell just to yell. They don't even know what they were saying.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hwkfn1
The Iowa Hawkeyes draw from two big metro areas,
Cedar Rapids and Davenport. This loyalty to the
Hawks is passed on from generation to generation.
Our fans enjoy exciting basketball and this year's
team can provide it . Last night, we had 4 starters
scoring in double figures, Jok, Bohannon, Moss, and
Cook.
 
Glad to see the large turnout. Sounds like the players and coaches really noticed it and appreciated it as well ...

I live in Des Moines and it gets to be too much of a challenge getting over to Carver for weeknight games ... It means leaving work early and getting home late ... My work gets to be too crazy sometimes where getting out of work early enough to head over is not feasible ...

Should be a good game Sunday against TCU ... Iowa will need to bring it.
 
It seemed obvious from the crowd shots and noise level of the other venues that Iowa had the largest and most engaged home crowd.
Interesting to see if this holds up for the next game against TCU.
 
Only 2 sellouts this year. The Indiana game was only 11,000, none of the games before February had more than this NIT game
 
I think the student section, price and seat locations all played a role in the amped up crowd last night.

The student section wasnt that big last night and instead of having hundreds of empty seats, they were filled with fans who really wanted to be there. Also, the students who did purchase tickets were energetic and not just there for free pizza or whatever gimmick they usually have to bribe the students.

The price wasnt bad at all. I live locally and to take my sons to a game, it usually cost me at least 70 for tickets. No, Im not a poor as some people want to describe it but 70 for each home game adds up. Last night it only cost us 30 (5 for kids) and we were able to get tix in row 7...much better than the 30s like were usually in.

Looking around us, we were surrounded by energetic, passionate fans who wanted to scream and yell. Usually, the bottom section is filled with silver fox donors whose biggest concern is leaving 10 min early to avoid traffic.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Franisdaman
What was up with the introductions last night (or lack thereof)? Is it some sort of weird NIT rule? I was surprised they didn't dim the lights and whatnot.
 
Im4Iowa said:
I think the student section, price and seat locations all played a role in the amped up crowd last night.

The student section wasnt that big last night and instead of having hundreds of empty seats, they were filled with fans who really wanted to be there. Also, the students who did purchase tickets were energetic and not just there for free pizza or whatever gimmick they usually have to bribe the students.

The price wasnt bad at all. I live locally and to take my sons to a game, it usually cost me at least 70 for tickets. No, Im not a poor as some people want to describe it but 70 for each home game adds up. Last night it only cost us 30 (5 for kids) and we were able to get tix in row 7...much better than the 30s like were usually in.

Looking around us, we were surrounded by energetic, passionate fans who wanted to scream and yell. Usually, the bottom section is filled with silver fox donors whose biggest concern is leaving 10 min early to avoid traffic.
Click to expand...
I'm curious what percentage of the crowd was comprised of youth tickets. It was noticeably louder than usual watching on TV.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Franisdaman
The team definitely fed off the crowd energy. The series of possessions when moss passed out (and hit like 4 threes in a row) was intense. The crowd was pushing the Hawks to play hard on defense, only to see South Dakota nail a tough shot late in the clock (crowd calmed slightly), Moss comes down and hits a 3 (crowd ratchets back up). Rinse, repeat like four times.

Second half defensive intensity got there with the crowd behind them as well, and that was when we pulled away. In fact, I'm pretty sure the crowd inspired 2 South Dakota time outs throughout the game.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Franisdaman
Pepperman said:
Fran should point out the difference in the crowd to the AD as well, although I'm sure it has already been noted. We have to get real fans in the seats, especially down low, as much as we can to create a better home environment.
Click to expand...

Who are the " real " fans? Do we give them a quiz on historical Hawkeye knowledge? Are " real " fans those who have reached into their pockets to donate to the program for 40 years. I for one was an original donor when the fund raising started to build HCA. After the Lick years any one could have gotten a great season ticket. A bunch of people with screaming kids show up for 5 dollars and they are the " real fans ". Go piss up a rope.
 
jamesvanderwulf said:
Who are the " real " fans? Do we give them a quiz on historical Hawkeye knowledge? Are " real " fans those who have reached into their pockets to donate to the program for 40 years. I for one was an original donor when the fund raising started to build HCA. After the Lick years any one could have gotten a great season ticket. A bunch of people with screaming kids show up for 5 dollars and they are the " real fans ". Go piss up a rope.
Click to expand...
"Real" fans show their support by cheering at games not sitting on their hands and leaving early to beat traffic. Donating does not make you a real fan, it makes you a donor. The key word in many definitions of fan is enthusiastic.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Franisdaman and djwoody
Pepperman said:
Fran should point out the difference in the crowd to the AD as well, although I'm sure it has already been noted. We have to get real fans in the seats, especially down low, as much as we can to create a better home environment.
Click to expand...

This.

It's not rocket science.

Simple proposal: the bottom 10 rows from student section to other baseline are all general admission, every game.

Students get first crack, 90 minutes before tip. After that, it's fair game for anyone with a GA ticket. These are the fans that get there early, are energetic and want to stand and make noise.

Elevate the 2nd section a few feet above this first section and it's still prime seating for season ticket holders (old people with money that yell at you to sit down when Iowa is on a 10-0 run vs. a top 25 team and head for the exits shortly after halftime to beat the rush.) I would be for removing seating at the top as well and adding some suites or corporate boxes.

Unfortunately, it won't happen because the fans that make Carver a sleepy environment 90% of the time are the ones pumping in the money to fund new facilities. While it's led to some great improvements, it's largely turned Kinnick and Carver into a shell of what they used to be on game day because it's alienated the "lower income" fans that bring the most energy. I believe there's a happy medium that could be found but it just doesn't seem likely to happen.

$$$ trumps all in today's athletics world.
 
  • Like
Reactions: And1Hawk and bravehawks1
I've seen people leave early a lot. Could this be solved by having the traffic controllers prioritize those in the Carver lot? I assume most of the donors are parking right outside Carver as opposed to the lots that are a few minute walk. Would you leave early if you knew you wouldn't be stuck in a line in the parking lot?

I've found once I'm actually out of the lot, traffic flows just fine (a bit slow, but not terrible).
 
MepoDawg# said:
"Real" fans show their support by cheering at games not sitting on their hands and leaving early to beat traffic. Donating does not make you a real fan, it makes you a donor. The key word in many definitions of fan is enthusiastic.
Click to expand...

Just cheering doesn't make you a fan either. The NIT games have a lot of people there that don't give a nickel of financial support.
 
  • Like
Reactions: doughudd
BGHAWK said:
Just cheering doesn't make you a fan either. The NIT games have a lot of people there that don't give a nickel of financial support.
Click to expand...
Tickets, concessions and other items are free? What does cheering make you then?
 
Great turnout for the NIT games and I'm so glad people are getting a chance to see the Hawkeyes.

As to the normal crowd. It's really just the same as everywhere. Iowa is still a top 20 program in terms of attendance. Until someone gets rid of all the television games, it's just never going to be the same as the old days when I was a kid and the family would pack into one car and drive through freagin' blizzards to sit in the Field House and scream like maniacs.

I appreciate all the fans who attend, from the donors down to the kid who wonders what the *&^% is going on at an NIT event. I hope you all enjoy the experience.

There are a few things I wonder if they couldn't help a bit. But I'm sure the folks selling seats know more than I about what works and what doesn't. And, I've a feeling the coming years will be a good time, with great Hawkeye success on the court.

The one thing I do wish though, when a fan comes in and wants to yell and scream...let 'em have at it. It a basketball game, not an opera.
 
I definitely would put the students on the court, just like Duke, Michigan, MSU, etc. etc.

The big donors will still buy tickets.

TV has ruined "live" college basketball. In the old days, you could count on an Iowa home game during the week starting promptly at 7:00 pm.....and weekend games were always on a Saturday, starting at either 1 pm or 7 pm. It was very predictable and easy to plan around.

Now, you have games on every day of the week, at random starting times to accommodate TV. It is tough on the fans.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Franisdaman
DanL53 said:
The one thing I do wish though, when a fan comes in and wants to yell and scream...let 'em have at it. It a basketball game, not an opera.
Click to expand...

I'm a very reserved person for the most part. Part of the reason I like to go to the game is to get into it with some noise, a few choice comments to the refs(not spewing profanity), and standing up from my seat when there's something to stand up about. I have found this definitely makes me stand out in CHA. There is more expressed irritation for someone getting into the game that I've seen in CHA than other basketball venues I've been to. I don't have a particular section that I sit in; I've gotten tickets all over within the arena.

If you want to watch the game quietly, then you should stay home.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BurgHawk87, rufus-hawk, DanL53 and 1 other person
The Iowa Hawkeyes need the generous donors who
have contributed big hunks of money to build the
athletic program.

The Iowa Hawkeyes also need energetic fans who
contribute their enthusiasm to fire up the Hawks on
our home basketball court.

Bottom Line: Generous donors and energetic fans
make the Hawkeyes great. And some Iowans are
both generous donors and energetic fans.
 
Thank you to the donors. Thank you to all fans. As for me, you'll hear me, see me, and no, I won't sit down if the place is rocking. Go Hawks.
 
There are all kinds of Iowa fans. Of course, we need more kids and students in the lower rows! We need the donors and older folks, and we need the rabid fans who are too old or infirm to drive in the dark down to Carver but go absolutely nuts for the Hawkeyes at home. We need the people who listen on the radio at work. We need the fans who try to get the Hawkeyes on their static-y old radios in farmhouses hundreds of miles away. Even the old nuns in the convents who taught some of the players in third grade are cheering by their TVs or radios. We need all the fans. But the most important are the ones who actually cheer in person at the games.
 
Last edited:
Franisdaman said:
From the CR Gazette:

12,864 fans showed up for Iowa's 87-75 win over the South Dakota Coyotes Wednesday night in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Here are crowd-counts at some of Tuesday’s first-round NIT games:

Georgia, 5,533. Illinois, 4,719. Utah, 4,097. Alabama, 4,041. California, 1,778.

Indiana was seeded to host a first-round game, but declined and voluntarily traveled to Georgia Tech (and lost) rather than have an ESPN audience see wide swaths of empty Assembly Hall seats. Weird.

In 2016, the largest of the 16 first-round crowds was 8,420 at BYU. In 2015, it was 6,904 at Louisiana Tech. In 2014, it was 7,697 at Arkansas.

The largest first-round crowd in 2013? It was 15,400, a sellout at Carver for Indiana State-Iowa. Which was followed by a second-round sellout here for Stony Brook-Iowa. That’s right, Stony Brook.

Why the huge turn out? The Iowa fans simply enjoy this year’s Iowa team and heartily welcomed the chance for more basketball. Prices were reasonable, and opportunity was ample for people who don’t normally get a lot of chances to sit in the arena’s better seats.

Late in the first half, most of the fans actually stood throughout a timeout in support of the Hawkeyes. The crowd didn’t wait to be entertained. Rather, it strongly encouraged the entertainers.

full story: http://www.thegazette.com/subject/sports/hlas-unlike-america-hawkeye-fans-nuts-for-nit-20170315
Click to expand...
Congratulations on your win!

Cheers!
 
jamesvanderwulf said:
Who are the " real " fans? Do we give them a quiz on historical Hawkeye knowledge? Are " real " fans those who have reached into their pockets to donate to the program for 40 years. I for one was an original donor when the fund raising started to build HCA. After the Lick years any one could have gotten a great season ticket. A bunch of people with screaming kids show up for 5 dollars and they are the " real fans ". Go piss up a rope.
Click to expand...

Interesting reaction at the least. I am not going to insult you or tell you where to aim your piss, but I'll try to explain who I think "real fans" are and you can feel free to disagree with again.

The "real" fan cares about what's best for the program. He will passionately cheer for his team, and he won't tell others sitting around him what they can or cannot do (he can notify security if there is illegal activity however). He will strive for constant improvement in the program, knowing that sometimes new ideas and different ways of thinking about things are productive. Many times this real fan is a donor to the program he loves - for that he will receive preferential parking passes, tickets closer to the action, and maybe even special access to the coach/team. He does indeed support the team through thick and thin.

Sounds to me like according to my definition, you partly or even mostly fit as a real fan. In some ways you don't though - you seem to think the atmosphere is fine as it is when most of us realize it could be better. See last night for and example.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Franisdaman
iowahawkeyes1982 said:
This is somewhat off-topic, but I didn't want to start a new thread.

Did anyone else notice as the game was ending #13 Matt Mooney jawing at the other side of "Gucci row"? I'd love to know what that was all about.
Click to expand...
It did seem to me like SD was playing with a little bit of an edge the last 45 seconds, when the game was in hand. Then their coach took a time out down 12 with like 40 seconds. I guess I don't blame him for hanging in there, but the crowd sure showed their displeasure, especially after have to endure the game starting two hours late.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

curtisj157

I mailed a sympathy card to Beth Goetz expressing my sincere condolences for the death of Iowa men’s basketball.

Replies
43
Views
3K
Iowa Men's Basketball
General Roman Malaise
G
A

Big Ten Players of the Week (1/6)

Replies
0
Views
398
Iowa Men's Basketball
Alum-Ni
A
cigaretteman

Iowa Republicans honor Donald Trump with 'YMCA' dance at annual legislative breakfast

Replies
54
Views
1K
Off Topic
Hammerhead02
Hammerhead02
cigaretteman

Sell the team!’ chants break out at Soldier Field

Replies
2
Views
290
Off Topic
St. Louis Hawk
St. Louis Hawk
Eliot Clough

Iowa Football Season Ticket Renewal Information

Replies
2
Views
769
The Press Box
WaterlooChazz
W
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest posts

ADVERTISEMENT
Top Bottom
Back