Championship Game Attendance

[utcfan]

Now that ASU has been eliminated, which pairing would bring the most fans to Chattanooga for the game?

[Ronbo]

If the Griz make it we'll send 8000 to the game I'll bet.

[grizbeer]

Which pairing would bring the most fans to Las Vegas or San Diego? I guess it doesn't matter.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I think it will be pretty strong, 14-16k would be my guess. I don't buy for a second that the title game would benefit from a move to Vegas, Orlando or where ever.

[NZNCRZY]

I would love to go again if the Griz make it, however there is no more tickets left.

[Go Lehigh TU Owl]

I would love to go again if the Griz make it, however there is no more tickets left.

There's plenty of tickets left,i'd say 60% haven't been released for sale yet. If Montana gets in i'm sure you'd have no trouble getting tix through their office or their opponents. Or you can go on ebay and get the ones from App State fans.

[Ronbo]

I would love to go again if the Griz make it, however there is no more tickets left.

Half the tickets are not released and all the App. State fans that pre bought will be selling for face value to dump them.

[Grizaholic17]

If the Griz make it we'll send 8000 to the game I'll bet.

as history has it, that's a good guess.

[NZNCRZY]

Half the tickets are not released and all the App. State fans that pre bought will be selling for face value to dump them.


Glad to know I am wrong on this thanks

[grizband]

I think it will be pretty strong, 14-16k would be my guess. I don't buy for a second that the title game would benefit from a move to Vegas, Orlando or where ever.
IF (and that's always a big if) the Griz played in the title game in Vegas, the attendance of Montana fans would probably double.

[rjg129]

Half the tickets are not released and all the App. State fans that pre bought will be selling for face value to dump them.

xbangx xbangx xdohx xdohx

[newsbreaker]

IF (and that's always a big if) the Griz played in the title game in Vegas, the attendance of Montana fans would probably double.

All 30,000 people who live in Montana would attend. xsmiley_wix

[utcfan]

Which pairing would bring the most fans to Las Vegas or San Diego? I guess it doesn't matter.

I asked about Chattanooga b/c that is where I believe the game is being played. As an FCS observer and Chattanoogan I was curious.

I guess you must presume San Diego or Las Vegas are interested in the game--perhaps they are, I have not heard that, but I have heard Charelston (SC, not WV) might be interested.

[ASUMountaineer]

I asked about Chattanooga b/c that is where I believe the game is being played. As an FCS observer and Chattanoogan I was curious.

I guess you must presume San Diego (Russian for whale vagina) or Las Vegas are interested in the game--perhaps they are, I have not heard that, but I have heard Charelston (SC, not WV) might be interested.

I believe you meant German (if you're quoting Anchorman)...and the v-word is a no-no. You should edit the post. With that said, I never bought the tickets in advance, for fear of jinxing ASU (I know...crazy), but a guy that has a season seat in front of me bought 8...be looking on eBay. xlolx

[Eight Legger]

JMU-Richmond would bring the most fans. We already had 15-16K at our first game this year, and I know attendance would be greater than that for a title game that is within driving distance for both schools.

[SeattleGriz]

IF (and that's always a big if) the Griz played in the title game in Vegas, the attendance of Montana fans would probably double.


All 30,000 people who live in Montana would attend. xsmiley_wix

Flights to Vegas would be a lot cheaper.

[JmuSkinsfan]

JMU-Richmond would bring the most fans. We already had 15-16K at our first game this year, and I know attendance would be greater than that for a title game that is within driving distance for both schools.

It's tough to say.. I think JMU v. UR Part II would have a large draw. But you have to consider that most of those that went to the game in Richmond did it out of convenience (even JMU alum in the area). Driving 6-10 hours to Chatty is only something some of the most dedicated would bring. So I'd expect JMU to send about 8,000....UR about 5,000, and the rest General Admission / locals

[utcfan]

I have heard that of the 4 teams left, Richmond would bring the fewest fans. I am hoping for a sell out. I think most--if not all--of the local tickets have been sold. It will be to the finalists to fill the stands.

[Grizalltheway]

I have heard that of the 4 teams left, Richmond would bring the fewest fans.

Pretty safe bet, they'll be too busy getting their Bimmers and Benzos detailed. :p

[Uncle Rico's Clan]

All 30,000 people who live in Montana would attend. xsmiley_wix

As of last census we were up to 33,000.:)

[Eight Legger]

Pretty safe bet, they'll be too busy getting their Bimmers and Benzos detailed. :p

Apparently we did something to upset a bunch of Montana fans this year. I am not sure what it was. I hope we face each other in Chattanooga.

[appfan2008]

Montana UNI would bring the most fans...

[JayJ79]

I'd rather see the two best teams play in the Championship game, regardless of who would bring the most fans.

Championships should be won on the field, not bought through the ticket office.

[ASUMountaineer]

The best part is, we settle it on the field, like men. Unlike our FBS counterparts. May the best team win (let's go UNI:)). I hope it's a good game and no injuries. xpeacex

[Grizalltheway]

Apparently we did something to upset a bunch of Montana fans this year. I am not sure what it was. I hope we face each other in Chattanooga.

My jest was based entirely on a comment from a Richmond fan (can't remember which one) earlier in the season. I realize that not all, or even most, Richmond fans are snobs. I hope our teams meet up too, but we've got another very tough CAA opponent to worry about first. xpeacex

[Ronbo]

My jest was based entirely on a comment from a Richmond fan (can't remember which one) earlier in the season. I realize that not all, or even most, Richmond fans are snobs. I hope our teams meet up too, but we've got another very tough CAA opponent to worry about first. xpeacex

I believe that particular Richmond fan posted that Montana would be just a middle of the pack team in the CAA. Funny, we're 6-2 against the CAA since 2000. And those two losses were to JMU, National Champion and UMass, National Runnerup.

[purplepeopleeaterv2]

Montana UNI would bring the most fans...

Disagree. JMU v Montana would draw the most. Fairly easy drive for most JMU faithful compared to the trek UNI would have to make.

[PantherRob82]

Disagree. JMU v Montana would draw the most. Fairly easy drive for most JMU faithful compared to the trek UNI would have to make.

App fans know how well we traveled last time. We did much better than anyone expected. JMU fans would skip it in fear of actually having to meet alexale23

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Disagree. JMU v Montana would draw the most. Fairly easy drive for most JMU faithful compared to the trek UNI would have to make.

Uhh, you're playing Montana this week... xrulesx

[Tribe4SF]

I think it will be pretty strong, 14-16k would be my guess. I don't buy for a second that the title game would benefit from a move to Vegas, Orlando or where ever.

I disagree. Vegas, or Orlando are much cheaper flights from nearly anywhere in the country. Much more fan friendly as far as travel goes. Weather much less of a concern, especially once the game moves to January.

[utcfan]

Someone has to bid on the game--I don't think anyone is beating the door down to do so. Chattanooga has done a good job of running the their end of the game.

[nmatsen]

Didn't you have a practically empty stadium (UJM) when you won it all in 2004?

We brought down over 10,000 people. How do you figure you would bring more based on recent 5 year history?

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Didn't you have a practically empty stadium (UJM) when you won it all in 2004?

We brought down over 10,000 people. How do you figure you would bring more based on recent 5 year history?

JMU fan base has grown quite a bit... xrulesx

[mtgrizfankb]

How come they don't play this game in Florida or Southern Cali, or some place warm?

cause we are not the FBS and pansy.....nobody ever moved a game cause it was COLD back when football started.....true montana fans dont care how cold it is....you shouldnt eitherxpeacex

[Old Cat Fan]

Here are all the 1AA/FCS championship games and attendance from 78 till last year

Year Champion[3] Runner-up Score Location Attendance Head Coach
1978 Florida A&M Massachusetts 35–28 Wichita Falls, Texas 13,604 Rudy Hubbard
1979 Eastern Kentucky Lehigh 30–7 Orlando, Florida 5,500 Roy Kidd
1980 Boise State Eastern Kentucky 31–29 Sacramento, California 8,157 Jim Criner
1981 Idaho State Eastern Kentucky 34–23 Wichita Falls, Texas 11,003 Dave Kragthorpe
1982 Eastern Kentucky Delaware 17–14 Wichita Falls, Texas 11,257 Roy Kidd
1983 Southern Illinois Western Carolina 43–7 Charleston, South Carolina 15,950 Rey Dempsey
1984 Montana State Louisiana Tech 19–6 Charleston, South Carolina 9,125 Dave Arnold
1985 Georgia Southern Furman 44–42 Tacoma, Washington 5,306 Erk Russell
1986 Georgia Southern Arkansas State 48–21 Tacoma, Washington 4,419 Erk Russell
1987 Northeast Louisiana Marshall 43–42 Pocatello, Idaho 11,513 Pat Collins
1988 Furman Georgia Southern 17–12 Pocatello, Idaho 11,500 Jimmy Satterfield
1989 Georgia Southern Stephen F. Austin 37–34 Statesboro, Georgia 25,725 Erk Russell
1990 Georgia Southern Nevada 36–13 Statesboro, Georgia 23,204 Tim Stowers
1991 Youngstown State Marshall 25–17 Statesboro, Georgia 12,667 Jim Tressel
1992 Marshall Youngstown State 31–28 Huntington, West Virginia 31,304 Jim Donnan
1993 Youngstown State Marshall 17–5 Huntington, West Virginia 29,218 Jim Tressel
1994 Youngstown State Boise State 28–14 Huntington, West Virginia 27,674 Jim Tressel
1995 Montana Marshall 22–20 Huntington, West Virginia 32,106 Don Read
1996 Marshall Montana 49–29 Huntington, West Virginia 30,052 Bob Pruett
1997 Youngstown State McNeese State 10–9 Chattanooga, Tennessee 14,771 Jim Tressel
1998 Massachusetts Georgia Southern 55–43 Chattanooga, Tennessee 17,501 Mark Whipple
1999 Georgia Southern Youngstown State 59–24 Chattanooga, Tennessee 20,052 Paul Johnson
2000 Georgia Southern Montana 27–25 Chattanooga, Tennessee 17,156 Paul Johnson
2001 Montana Furman 13–6 Chattanooga, Tennessee 12,698 Joe Glenn
2002 Western Kentucky McNeese State 34–14 Chattanooga, Tennessee 12,360 Jack Harbaugh
2003 Delaware Colgate 40–0 Chattanooga, Tennessee 14,281 K. C. Keeler
2004 James Madison Montana 31–21 Chattanooga, Tennessee 16,771 Mickey Matthews
2005 Appalachian State Northern Iowa 21–16 Chattanooga, Tennessee 20,236 Jerry Moore
2006 Appalachian State Massachusetts 28–17 Chattanooga, Tennessee 22,808 Jerry Moore
2007 Appalachian State Delaware 49–21 Chattanooga, Tennessee 23,010 Jerry Moore
2008 Chattanooga, Tennessee

[BeauFoster]

There's already 2 pages of tickets on eBay. Some people are really optimistic that they are going to make money off the deal.

[caribbeanhen]

I have heard that of the 4 teams left, Richmond would bring the fewest fans. I am hoping for a sell out. I think most--if not all--of the local tickets have been sold. It will be to the finalists to fill the stands.
probably true, but if 3000 showed up that would be a 90 pct turnout

[caribbeanhen]

I believe that particular Richmond fan posted that Montana would be just a middle of the pack team in the CAA. Funny, we're 6-2 against the CAA since 2000. And those two losses were to JMU, National Champion and UMass, National Runnerup.


what were the 6 wins?

[appfan2008]

Disagree. JMU v Montana would draw the most. Fairly easy drive for most JMU faithful compared to the trek UNI would have to make.

of course it would... but that would be real hard to get since you all are playing each other in the semi's!!!

[AshevilleApp2]

I would love to go again if the Griz make it, however there is no more tickets left.

I expect that a lot of App fans will be looking to get rid of their tickets.

[th0m]

Didn't you have a practically empty stadium (UJM) when you won it all in 2004?

We brought down over 10,000 people. How do you figure you would bring more based on recent 5 year history?

You brought over 10k xlolx

The attendance was 20k, so you brought just as much as ASU did, and there were no locals at the game?

[ASU]

You brought over 10k xlolx

The attendance was 20k, so you brought just as much as ASU did, and there were no locals at the game?

That is no where near what the locals told us the last three years.

[BDKJMU]

JMU-Richmond would bring the most fans. We already had 15-16K at our first game this year, and I know attendance would be greater than that for a title game that is within driving distance for both schools.

Attendance for JMU-Montana in 04' was 16,771. It seemed like both sides had 7-8 k fans, with maybe a 1-2 k neutrals. JMU this time I think would bring 8-10k.

Montana I'm sure would bring at least what they brought lat time- 8k. I remember hearing they chartered soemthing around 20 flights.

I don't think UR would bring 8k, about what they had at the JMU/UR game (attendance was 16,151, about 1/2 JMU).

Not sure what UNI would bring. 3-4 k? (ASU-UNI in 05' was 19,219, and at least 80% has to be ASU)

Finley official capacity is listed at 20,668. ASU-UD last season had stadium record 23,010. 1k endzone SRO has been removed, so max crowd you could get would be about 22k.

JMU-UR I bet would have 15-17k

JMU-UNI or UR-Montana I bet would have 14-16k (JMU would bring a little more than Montana and UR would bring a little more than UNI).

UR-UNI would certainly have the lowest attendance of any of the possibilities, I bet only 10-12k.

Regardless, its going to be anywhere from 1/2 to about 80% full. All those ASU fans who bought tickets are screwed. They may have to sell them at a loss to get rid of them.

Just look at the attendance history: pg 3:
http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/football_records/DI/2008/DI2008-ChampResults.pdf

[appfan2008]

I think JMU/UNI would have higher attendance that JMU/UR... IMO

[BDKJMU]

Here are all the 1AA/FCS championship games and attendance from 78 till last year

Year Champion[3] Runner-up Score Location Attendance Head Coach
1978 Florida A&M Massachusetts 35–28 Wichita Falls, Texas 13,604 Rudy Hubbard
1979 Eastern Kentucky Lehigh 30–7 Orlando, Florida 5,500 Roy Kidd
1980 Boise State Eastern Kentucky 31–29 Sacramento, California 8,157 Jim Criner
1981 Idaho State Eastern Kentucky 34–23 Wichita Falls, Texas 11,003 Dave Kragthorpe
1982 Eastern Kentucky Delaware 17–14 Wichita Falls, Texas 11,257 Roy Kidd
1983 Southern Illinois Western Carolina 43–7 Charleston, South Carolina 15,950 Rey Dempsey
1984 Montana State Louisiana Tech 19–6 Charleston, South Carolina 9,125 Dave Arnold
1985 Georgia Southern Furman 44–42 Tacoma, Washington 5,306 Erk Russell
1986 Georgia Southern Arkansas State 48–21 Tacoma, Washington 4,419 Erk Russell
1987 Northeast Louisiana Marshall 43–42 Pocatello, Idaho 11,513 Pat Collins
1988 Furman Georgia Southern 17–12 Pocatello, Idaho 11,500 Jimmy Satterfield
1989 Georgia Southern Stephen F. Austin 37–34 Statesboro, Georgia 25,725 Erk Russell
1990 Georgia Southern Nevada 36–13 Statesboro, Georgia 23,204 Tim Stowers
1991 Youngstown State Marshall 25–17 Statesboro, Georgia 12,667 Jim Tressel
1992 Marshall Youngstown State 31–28 Huntington, West Virginia 31,304 Jim Donnan
1993 Youngstown State Marshall 17–5 Huntington, West Virginia 29,218 Jim Tressel
1994 Youngstown State Boise State 28–14 Huntington, West Virginia 27,674 Jim Tressel
1995 Montana Marshall 22–20 Huntington, West Virginia 32,106 Don Read
1996 Marshall Montana 49–29 Huntington, West Virginia 30,052 Bob Pruett
1997 Youngstown State McNeese State 10–9 Chattanooga, Tennessee 14,771 Jim Tressel
1998 Massachusetts Georgia Southern 55–43 Chattanooga, Tennessee 17,501 Mark Whipple
1999 Georgia Southern Youngstown State 59–24 Chattanooga, Tennessee 20,052 Paul Johnson
2000 Georgia Southern Montana 27–25 Chattanooga, Tennessee 17,156 Paul Johnson
2001 Montana Furman 13–6 Chattanooga, Tennessee 12,698 Joe Glenn
2002 Western Kentucky McNeese State 34–14 Chattanooga, Tennessee 12,360 Jack Harbaugh
2003 Delaware Colgate 40–0 Chattanooga, Tennessee 14,281 K. C. Keeler
2004 James Madison Montana 31–21 Chattanooga, Tennessee 16,771 Mickey Matthews
2005 Appalachian State Northern Iowa 21–16 Chattanooga, Tennessee 20,236 Jerry Moore
2006 Appalachian State Massachusetts 28–17 Chattanooga, Tennessee 22,808 Jerry Moore
2007 Appalachian State Delaware 49–21 Chattanooga, Tennessee 23,010 Jerry Moore
2008 Chattanooga, Tennessee

ASU-UNI was 19219 according to the NCAA (pg 3-4):
http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/football_records/DI/2008/DI2008-ChampResults.pdf

[BDKJMU]

Didn't you have a practically empty stadium (UJM) when you won it all in 2004?

We brought down over 10,000 people. How do you figure you would bring more based on recent 5 year history?

If you're referring to the 05' title game, UNI certainly didn't bring over 10k people. Not anywhere close. The attendance was 19,219, and ASU certainly had way more than UNI. No way UNI had more than 5-6k at that game.
See atendance, pg 4:
http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/football_records/DI/2008/DI2008-ChampResults.pdf

[BDKJMU]

You brought over 10k xlolx

The attendance was 20k, so you brought just as much as ASU did, and there were no locals at the game?

UNI didn't bring anywhere remotely close to 10k thom. Attendance was 12,219, and 3/4 had to be ASU. See the above post.

[BDKJMU]

I think JMU/UNI would have higher attendance that JMU/UR... IMO

Nah, UR would bring a few more than UNI, but not much.

[jus10asu]

I'd say JMU vs. UNI would definitely bring in the biggest crowd...maybe those people will be able to get some good cheap tickets off of ebay now. There are plenty of people tryin to offload.

[th0m]

UNI didn't bring anywhere remotely close to 10k thom. Attendance was 12,219, and 3/4 had to be ASU. See the above post.

I know, I was following that guy's logic to get see how he got to 10k UNI fans.

[JMU2K_DukeDawg]

I can deal with an All-Purple National Championship!