What is the root cause?
Location - Nope. There are numerous arenas on the edge of campus that fill up and are electric. Hilton Col. comes to mind.
Student seating isn't very good - Nope. Look at where students sit at Mackey.
Food sucks - Nope. Not enough food stations. Doesn't help but that's not it.
Younger families spend there money on other entertainment - A contributor
TV coverage is available for all games and start times aren't always conducive to attending - A contributor
Climate change - has to be a part of the problem, everything negative that happens today is because of climate change.
Men's basketball has lost it's lustre - Ah, a Big part of it. When the Hawks use to win and were true contenders, CHA was filled. If you win, they will come.
For me at almost 6' 5", the seats aren't as comfortable as my recliner and an 85" screen.