The Duke game this weekend marks the first home football game since a win against Old Dominion on Sept. 21 nearly a month ago. It’s also the first game since fall break for students, and the first day-time kickoff of the season at Scott Stadium. That’s a lot of fundamentals, but this is also a time for Virginia to attempt to break the student fan attendance record.
The season started with three night games, which could be a potential factor for what’s been an increase in attendance. The first game against William & Mary took place on a Friday night, which is unusual for the Cavaliers and their typical Saturday games. Fans were eager to support the Hoos as the game attracted 10,027 students, just under the 2008 record of 11,221. The Friday night lights were evidently an allure for students and success came for the team in its 52-17 victory.
While the next contest wasn’t on a Friday, it was another night game. The 7:30 kickoff led to a riveting 31-24 win over Florida State in front of 57,826 fans. The first 12,000 students received a free “The Standard” shirt, which could have been a factor to the big attendance number. The students fell short at breaking the overall attendance record, but history was made along other lines.
A combined 18,942 students attended the first two home games, breaking the 1999 season’s two-game record attendance of 17,909. However, the electric viewership did not increase for the ODU game. The 7 p.m. start did provide strength for the team, though. Virginia furthered its winning streak and took the 28-17 victory.
If it’s not the start times drawing fans, it could be the new addition of enhancements in the stadium. This is a part of Virginia’s efforts to enhance fan experience. Inside the gates are now beverage gardens, where beer, wine, and cider can be purchased, but drinks can only be consumed in these designated areas. Other changes include new concession offerings, fireworks, and an upgraded sound system.
Of course, the increased fan attendance – the 49,216 average through three games is nearly 10K more than last season’s 39,705 – could be a result of growing appreciation and interest in the team. After last year’s Belk Bowl victory and the win over Pitt to start this season, fans have been elated to support their Hoos. Some might argue the basketball team’s National Championship title also could have increased overall Virginia pride here as well, thus inspiring more fans to cheer on athletics all around the University.
The influx of fans is a direct sign of improvement in Mendenhall’s program. However, the question now is: will this heat continue for the remainder of the season? The weather is cooling down, but one can only hope the Cavaliers are not too.
Last year, the Hoos hit a slump at the end of the season as they lost the last three ACC games, resulting in a third-place finish for the division. Virginia still has yet to face Duke, Louisville, North Carolina, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech this season. There is still plenty of time for Virginia to either claim superiority, or fall short again.
That makes this weekend a pivotal moment for UVA and its fans. It is possible many fans will make their decision on whether to continue this profitable attendance based on the strength of the team’s performance. The 3:30 start is fairly normal for the Hoos; however, it is a change to previous home games this season. Is this a potential deterrence for fans, particularly students? There’s simply nothing quite like watching college football on a Friday or Saturday night. For out-of-town fans, it might be more convenient for driving back home vs. staying for a night.
The recent atmosphere of Scott Stadium has been electric, and honestly contagious. The team and the fans feed off of each other in the intensity of recent games, leading to an undefeated record at home this year. The team is looking to bounce back after losses to and Notre Dame and Miami on Saturday as the Hoos face Duke. More electricity at home could help.
