The Ball State University women's basketball team will go up against Eastern University for the Mid-American Conference West Division title on senior night Saturday. The Cardinals won't just be shooting for the one title; they'll also be trying to break the record for the largest crowd for a women's basketball game in the MAC.
The Cardinals aren't going for the record because they've been close all year. In fact, attendance so far this year averages a mere 1,222 fans per game. The team is having one of the best seasons in history with a 20-5 overall record, but attendance is just the opposite.
Students - and even faculty and staff - have a chance to change that Saturday.
In an attempt to get more people to the game, Ball State Athletics handed out flyers at men's basketball games and had local radio spots advertising the game. Surprisingly, the men's team has drawn larger crowds even though its record pales in comparison to the women's team.
The women's and men's teams seem to have a disparity between the Nest at home games. At the men's games, free T-shirts, promotional energy drinks and rally towels are given out on a regular basis. At the women's games, fans are lucky if they catch a shirt from Charlie Cardinal.
This isn't the case for the women's game Saturday. Admission is free for everyone and promotional items look to be plentiful around Worthen Arena.
But there's still a missing ingredient - bodies.
With the bragging rights of 20 wins and a conference rival taking to the women's home court, students, faculty and staff need to make noise Saturday.
It doesn't matter if you've been oblivious to the team's record, have missed every game up to this point or can't play hoops to save face. Drop the Wii controller, the beer can and any plans. Go to Saturday's game at 1 p.m.
Support your team. Support your school. Support your classmates. Come Monday; you'll have new bragging rights as well.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
