2021 Fall Playoff Attendance

[Professor Chaos]

I've been tracking playoff attendance since 2013 to try to get a gauge on how things are trending. The first round wasn't great but it was better than 2019 and honestly anytime you can get over 50% of your regular season average for a playoff game on Thanksgiving weekend that's pretty good and 5 of 8 games did that so considering the regular season averages of the host schools this was a pretty good showing I'd say. The 2nd round attendance figures should be pretty good given the track records of some of the host schools.

Here's the first round attendance sorted by the highest to lowest percentage of their regular season attendance average:

SFA/UIW: 3,448 (150.6% of UIW's regular season average of 2,290)
FAMU/SLU: 4,125 (75.2% of SLU's regular season average of 5,487)
UNI/EWU: 3,845 (63.0% of EWU's regular season average of 6,101)
SIU/South Dakota: 3,597 (57.5% of USD's regular season average of 6,260)
SHU/Holy Cross: 4,163 (53.7% of Holy Cross' regular season average of 7,755)
UTM/Missouri St: 5,072 (47.1% of Missouri St's regular season average of 10,773)
Davidson/Kennesaw St: 2,764 (43.1% of KSU's regular season average of 6,410)
UCD/SDSU: 3,681 (26.0% of SDSU's regular season average of 14,166)


Here's how 2021 stacks up so far with the rest of the playoffs since 2013 (excluding the spring 2021 playoffs since there were attendance restrictions).

2014: 7,297
2018: 6,373
2015: 5,634
2017: 4,958
2013: 4,502
2021: 3,837
2019: 3,598
2016: 3,408

[Sader87]

I was surprided HC was listed as only 4K or so. SHU travelled pretty well....it seemed about the same or larger today than the Lafayette game which was listed at about 6-7K.

[Professor Chaos]

I was surprided HC was listed as only 4K or so. SHU travelled pretty well....it seemed about the same or larger today than the Lafayette game which was listed at about 6-7K.
Playoff attendance always ends up lower than what a comparable regular season crowd would be it seems. I think the reason is that they only report paid attendance in the playoffs so things like bands, cheer teams, support staff, etc (may not seem like a big number but it adds up) don't count. Reason being every number added to that attendance figure is probably extra $$$ the host school sends to the NCAA.

[taper]

2014 was an outlier probably because Montana, Montana St, and James Madison hosted first round that year.

[Professor Chaos]

2nd round attendance.

SDSU/Sac St: 10,031 (140.7% of Sac St's regular season average of 7,131)
EWU/Montana: 24,065 (97.5% of Montana's regular season average of 24,670)
UIW/SHSU: 6,722 (91.6% of SHSU's regular season average 7,339)
KSU/ETSU: 8,453 (87.3% of ETSU's regular season average of 9,683)
SIU/NDSU: 12,557 (79.3% of NDSU's regular season average of 15,834)
UTM/Montana St: 15,327 (78.2% of Montana St's regular season average of 19,604)
Holy Cross/Villanova: 5,109 (68.9% of Villanova's regular season average of 7,417)
SLU/JMU: 11,743 (53.9% of JMU's regular season average of 21,769)


Very nice showing overall compared to previous years for average 2nd round attendance:

2015: 12,440
2021: 11,751
2016: 10,960
2017: 10,919
2019: 9,482
2013: 8,916
2014: 7,949
2018: 7,315


Through the first two rounds this playoff is up to 3rd overall in average attendance since 2013:

2015: 9,037
2017: 7,939
2021: 7,794
2014: 7,623
2016: 7,184
2018: 6,844
2013: 6,709
2019: 6,540

[CockyGeek]

I love seeing real attendance numbers

[ElCid]

I love seeing real attendance numbers

No crap, this listing tickets sold instead if actual attendance is BS. I've seen one SOCON school list a sold out crowd when half the stadium was empty.

[MSUWineGuy]

Not to get MSU in trouble or anything but their reported attendance vs UTM was criminally low. Absolutely not a chance that number was right lol.

[NY Crusader 2010]

Playoff attendance always ends up lower than what a comparable regular season crowd would be it seems. I think the reason is that they only report paid attendance in the playoffs so things like bands, cheer teams, support staff, etc (may not seem like a big number but it adds up) don't count. Reason being every number added to that attendance figure is probably extra $$$ the host school sends to the NCAA.

Do students get admitted free to these games? If so that could be a reason for the low playoff numbers. The HC-Villanova game was listed at 5,100 or something. Definitely looked like 7,500 - 8,000 at least. Our home game vs SHU, reported at 4,000, looked like 6500 or so from my somewhat well-trained eye.

[Professor Chaos]

Do students get admitted free to these games? If so that could be a reason for the low playoff numbers. The HC-Villanova game was listed at 5,100 or something. Definitely looked like 7,500 - 8,000 at least. Our home game vs SHU, reported at 4,000, looked like 6500 or so from my somewhat well-trained eye.
I believe the NCAA requires $5 per student ticket but some schools (or a generous donor) pick up the bill for student tickets and give students free tickets. I think student attendance in the playoffs is counted as it normally is in the regular season but not positive on that. I think most regular season attendance figures are inflated so it trains us to estimate the crowd to be larger than it actually is when we see legit paid attendance (butts in seats) numbers in the playoffs.

[Catbooster]

I believe the NCAA requires $5 per student ticket but some schools (or a generous donor) pick up the bill for student tickets and give students free tickets. I think student attendance in the playoffs is counted as it normally is in the regular season but not positive on that. I think most regular season attendance figures are inflated so it trains us to estimate the crowd to be larger than it actually is when we see legit paid attendance (butts in seats) numbers in the playoffs.
That's my understanding as well. I think our students had to pay $7 for their tickets? Usually the students get in for "free" (they have fees with their tuition) on a first come/first served basis up to the limit for that event.

MSU solicits donations to buy tickets for the students so that most of them can still go for free. They also took donations for tickets that went to charities (Big Brothers and Sisters, veteran groups, etc.) which cost $15 (cheapest non-student tickets). I imagine lots of schools do something similar.

[Professor Chaos]

Quarterfinal attendance:

Montana St/SHSU: 7,565 (103.1% of SHSU's regular season average of 7,339)
ETSU/NDSU: 11,794 (75.5% of NDSU's regular season average of 15,834)
Montana/JMU: 14,690 (67.5% of JMU's regular season average of 21,769)
SDSU/Nova: 3,401 (45.9% of Nova's regular season average of 7,417)


2021 quarterfinal attendance average compared to previous years:

2015: 12,688
2016: 11,787
2019: 10,842
2017: 10,452
2021: 9,363
2014: 8,250
2018: 8,219
2013: 8,058


This year is still in 3rd for the running attendance average thus far in the playoffs:

2015: 9,767
2017: 8,441
2021: 8,108
2016: 8,105
2014: 7,749
2019: 7,401
2018: 7,119
2013: 6,979


Seems like 2021 might settle in at 3rd over the last 9 years for playoff attendance average since 2016 had a pretty poor semifinal average and title game attendance (Toyota Stadium was under construction that year) but, despite having two pretty good draws hosting in the semis this year, it'll be tough to make up any ground on 2015 or 2017.

[Sitting Bull]

I would suspect that both semis, in Fargo and Bozeman, will be sellouts or very close.

On the question of accuracy, I have assumed that most schools under-report in the playoffs as the home team is required to submit the funds to the NCAA? So by under-reporting, they can pocket some of the proceeds. I’ve heard this before and it does seem to explain the consistent comments that playoff crowds appear larger than official reports.

[Professor Chaos]

I would suspect that both semis, in Fargo and Bozeman, will be sellouts or very close.

On the question of accuracy, I have assumed that most schools under-report in the playoffs as the home team is required to submit the funds to the NCAA? So by under-reporting, they can pocket some of the proceeds. I’ve heard this before and it does seem to explain the consistent comments that playoff crowds appear larger than official reports.
I used to think the same thing about under-reporting but I'm not so sure anymore. I think it's more an effect of over-reporting in the regular season and accurately reporting in the playoffs. I do think some things bands, cheer/dance teams, support staff, etc are counted in the regular season attendance and aren't counted in the playoffs. I know NDSU has had complete sellouts in the playoffs and reported barely over 18k which is odd since the Fargodome seats 18,700 and they've had standing room added in there. I think the band not being counted is the main difference there.

[bobcathpdevil56]

Bobcats are reporting all non-season tix have been sold out. I think it will be a sell out for sure.

[Professor Chaos]

Bobcats are reporting all non-season tix have been sold out. I think it will be a sell out for sure.
Nice!

I'm not sure of we'll sell out the Fargodome but we'll get close. 16k would be the floor I'd say. In past years even with dwindling attendance in the 2nd round and quarterfinals we've still sold out the semifinal but it's clear attendance for NDSU home playoff games is lagging even more this year than in 2017-2019.

[MSUBobcat]

Bobcats are reporting all non-season tix have been sold out. I think it will be a sell out for sure.

Where are you seeing that? The links I've seen on the Bobcat website and twitter account take you to TicketsWest, which says, "Season ticket holders have until 5pm on Monday 12/13 to purchase their season tickets for the Semifinal game. Please login at the top of the page and click "Season Renewal Application" to purchase your seats. Unpurchased season tickets will go on sale to the general public at 12:00pm on Tuesday, Dec 14th."

https://montanastate.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=FOT&linkID=twmsu

I do think we'll be pretty close to capacity, because hotel rooms are going and the room prices have gone up since just last night.

[bobcathpdevil56]

Where are you seeing that? The links I've seen on the Bobcat website and twitter account take you to TicketsWest, which says, "Season ticket holders have until 5pm on Monday 12/13 to purchase their season tickets for the Semifinal game. Please login at the top of the page and click "Season Renewal Application" to purchase your seats. Unpurchased season tickets will go on sale to the general public at 12:00pm on Tuesday, Dec 14th."

https://montanastate.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=FOT&linkID=twmsu

I do think we'll be pretty close to capacity, because hotel rooms are going and the room prices have gone up since just last night.

On the MSU Bobcats Twitter feed.

I’ll keep working on how to link a screen shot of it.

[MSUBobcat]

On the MSU Bobcats Twitter feed.

I’ll keep working on how to link a screen shot of it.

Yes, I see it on the general Bobcat twitter. I was looking at the Bobcat Football twitter page. ****. I hope a lot of season ticket holders decline so we can get some.

[grayghost06]

14,690 at Bridgeforth vs Montana

[marenlee]

Looks like both semi-final games will be sellouts and should be great atmospheres and showcases for the FCS. Granted, most of the general public doesn't care, but we need all the help we can get.

[Sitting Bull]

Meanwhile, while most FCS observers see playoff games where attendance is obviously underreported, the exact opposite in the bowl games, at least the early G5 versions.

Todays Bahamas Bowl, played in a 15,000 capacity stadium, released an attendance figure of 13,500, 91% capacity. The entire side across from the cameras was EMPTY. The few shots showing the press box side looked sparse, maybe 25% would be generous. No way they even had 5,000 there. Not sure what anyone is trying to prove with this farce.

The Cure Bowl currently playing in Orlando is in Exploria Stadium, a new soccer stadium with 25,000 capacity. At best it looks maybe a third full, that’s probably generous. Wonder what they will report.

Meanwhile at the FCS semis, likely two sellouts and a championship environment.

G5 football doesn’t excite me during the regular season but the displays in early bowl week are just worse. It looks like backyard football in empty stadiums. What’s the appeal.

[NY Crusader 2010]

There were maybe 2,500 people at the Bahamas Bowl. Maybe 8-10K tops at the Cure Bowl.

[KnightoftheRedFlash]

Meanwhile, while most FCS observers see playoff games where attendance is obviously underreported, the exact opposite in the bowl games, at least the early G5 versions.

Todays Bahamas Bowl, played in a 15,000 capacity stadium, released an attendance figure of 13,500, 91% capacity. The entire side across from the cameras was EMPTY. The few shots showing the press box side looked sparse, maybe 25% would be generous. No way they even had 5,000 there. Not sure what anyone is trying to prove with this farce.

The Cure Bowl currently playing in Orlando is in Exploria Stadium, a new soccer stadium with 25,000 capacity. At best it looks maybe a third full, that’s probably generous. Wonder what they will report.

Meanwhile at the FCS semis, likely two sellouts and a championship environment.

G5 football doesn’t excite me during the regular season but the displays in early bowl week are just worse. It looks like backyard football in empty stadiums. What’s the appeal.

The massive ratings that even the lowly filler bowl game receives.

[nodak651]

The massive ratings that even the lowly filler bowl game receives.

Who cares how is that better for actual fans of a program?

[MR. CHICKEN]

Meanwhile, while most FCS observers see playoff games where attendance is obviously underreported, the exact opposite in the bowl games, at least the early G5 versions.

Todays Bahamas Bowl, played in a 15,000 capacity stadium, released an attendance figure of 13,500, 91% capacity. The entire side across from the cameras was EMPTY. The few shots showing the press box side looked sparse, maybe 25% would be generous. No way they even had 5,000 there. Not sure what anyone is trying to prove with this farce.

The Cure Bowl currently playing in Orlando is in Exploria Stadium, a new soccer stadium with 25,000 capacity. At best it looks maybe a third full, that’s probably generous. Wonder what they will report.

Meanwhile at the FCS semis, likely two sellouts and a championship environment.

G5 football doesn’t excite me during the regular season but the displays in early bowl week are just worse. It looks like backyard football in empty stadiums. What’s the appeal.

.....WHO'S....GOT DUH DUCATS...TA FOLLOW....YER TEAM......TA AN' ISLAND....DURIN' CHRISTMAS..??...(DUH SKANDIES......COMPLAIN UH TIX COSTS IN DUH DOME)......LOCALS OWN-LAH CARE...'BOUT DUH COCONUTS.......WHAT'D YA EXPECT.....DAT BOWL....WAS UH THANKY....TO TEAMS INVOLVED........AWK!

......G-5's....UPSET YA.......PUT ON SOME LOONEY TUNES......AH WATCH DUH GAMES.....CAUSE IN UH FEW WEEKS......DUH PIGGY IS EXTINCT......EITHER LIKE IT..OR TURN IT OFF.....AWK!

.....SAW EMPTIES IN FARGO TOO!

[NY Crusader 2010]

Who cares how is that better for actual fans of a program?

It's not. But the school makes more $$ in payouts. There's a reason all these schools move up and for the most part don't second-guess that decision.

[NY Crusader 2010]

The very early bowl games also face attendance challenges for multiple reasons. In addition to the teams often being also-rans in their respective G5 conferences, the turnaround time for supporters to plan to attend is a much smaller window than for those whose teams are scheduled to play after Christmas. The shorter window you have, the more expensive it is to travel particularly by air. How many Toledo fans do you think were willing and able to drop everything on a week and a half's notice, book expensive last-minute flights to the Bahamas, take 3 days off from work, take a PCR test and maybe scramble to get a passport renewal? For a team that went 7-5.

I definitely spent a pretty penny this past spring booking a round-trip flight from NY-LGA to Minneapolis for our playoff game in Brookings. And I'm fairly certain airfares are significantly higher now.

[caribbeanhen]

There were maybe 2,500 people at the Bahamas Bowl. Maybe 8-10K tops at the Cure Bowl.

Was Robert Smith playing?

[Sitting Bull]

....
.....SAW EMPTIES IN FARGO TOO!

LOL. Equating the crowd or atmosphere in Fargo with the Bahamas Bowl is a joke.

I will often watch any of these games, including Tuesday night MACtion. I’m just always glad that my team isn’t the one doing that. It all seems so embarrassingly desperate. And face it, ESPN is calling the shots - and not for the fans of the schools.

The announcer for the Bahamas Bowl made the comment, “there’s no such thing as too many Bowl games”. Based on the empty stadium and backyard football on display, I think he was speaking strictly from the standpoint of job security. His color sidekick was some guy named “Booger”. I think Beth Mowins even turned down this game.

[MR. CHICKEN]

LOL. Equating the crowd or atmosphere in Fargo with the Bahamas Bowl is a joke.

I will often watch any of these games, including Tuesday night MACtion. I’m just always glad that my team isn’t the one doing that. It all seems so embarrassingly desperate. And face it, ESPN is calling the shots - and not for the fans of the schools.

The announcer for the Bahamas Bowl made the comment, “there’s no such thing as too many Bowl games”. Based on the empty stadium and backyard football on display, I think he was speaking strictly from the standpoint of job security. His color sidekick was some guy named “Booger”. I think Beth Mowins even turned down this game.

....AH'D GO WHIFF....LOVE UH DUH GAME.......WHO CARES 'BOUT DUH CROWD.......WEREN'T MANY PRETTIES....IN FARGOS LAST NIGHT......AWK!

[Gil Dobie]

....AH'D GO WHIFF....LOVE UH DUH GAME.......WHO CARES 'BOUT DUH CROWD.......WEREN'T MANY PRETTIES....IN FARGOS LAST NIGHT......AWK!

Somebody is still sore about a fake punt. :)

[MR. CHICKEN]

Somebody is still sore about a fake punt. :)


32368


.....AH REPEAT.....NOT MANY PRETTIES IN FARGO....LAST NIGHT.......AWK!

[Gil Dobie]

32368


.....AH REPEAT.....NOT MANY PRETTIES IN FARGO....LAST NIGHT.......AWK!

Thanks for confirming, :)

[caribbeanhen]

32368


.....AH REPEAT.....NOT MANY PRETTIES IN FARGO....LAST NIGHT.......AWK!

Usually a game at the Fargo Dome will produce a few hotties but last night was not that night

maybe the cameraman was off his game or coming out of the closet on national TV

[MR. CHICKEN]

...WHO WOODAH THOUGHT.....BISON BABES.....ACTUALLAH LOOKED LIKE BIZONSSSSSSSS........xdontknowx.....BRAWK!

[Gil Dobie]

...WHO WOODAH THOUGHT.....BISON BABES.....ACTUALLAH LOOKED LIKE BIZONSSSSSSSS........xdontknowx.....BRAWK!

I watched the game, didn't look at the crowd shots except to look for friends and family. I'm going to Frisco with them. Enjoy complaining about women in the crowd and fake punts.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

...WHO WOODAH THOUGHT.....BISON BABES.....ACTUALLAH LOOKED LIKE BIZONSSSSSSSS........xdontknowx.....BRAWK!


xrolleyesx

xblahx

[dewey]

I watched the game, didn't look at the crowd shots except to look for friends and family. I'm going to Frisco with them. Enjoy complaining about women in the crowd and fake punts.

100% agreed. Some one needs a hug after those 2 butt whoopings NDSU put on the chickens.

Dewey

[Professor Chaos]

Semifinal attendance.

JMU/NDSU: 16,550 (104.5% of NDSU's regular season average of 15,834)
SDSU/MSU: 20,457 (104.4% of Montana St's regular season average of 19,604)


That's good for 2nd best semifinal attendance average since 2013:

2015: 20,899
2021: 18,504
2017: 17,404
2019: 14,282
2014: 13,752
2018: 12,906
2013: 12,452
2016: 11,758


This year is still in 3rd overall for average attedance for all games through the semifinals:

2015: 10,779
2017: 9,256
2021: 9,053
2016: 8,437
2014: 8,294
2019: 8,026
2013: 8,012
2018: 7,645


We'd need over 23k in Frisco to get into 2nd which I don't think is even possible anymore so seems like 3rd is where this season will end up... not bad for the first year back from COVID. Should end up around 215-220k in total attendance amongst the 23 FCS playoff games this fall.

[JSUSoutherner]

Semifinal attendance.

JMU/NDSU: 16,550 (104.5% of NDSU's regular season average of 15,834)
SDSU/MSU: 20,457 (104.4% of Montana St's regular season average of 19,604)


That's good for 2nd best semifinal attendance average since 2013:

2015: 20,899
2021: 18,504
2017: 17,404
2019: 14,282
2014: 13,752
2018: 12,906
2013: 12,452
2016: 11,758


This year is still in 3rd overall for average attedance for all games through the semifinals:

2015: 10,779
2017: 9,256
2021: 9,053
2016: 8,437
2014: 8,294
2019: 8,026
2013: 8,012
2018: 7,645


We'd need over 23k in Frisco to get into 2nd which I don't think is even possible anymore so seems like 3rd is where this season will end up... not bad for the first year back from COVID. Should end up around 215-220k in total attendance amongst the 23 FCS playoff games this fall.
Shout-out to my Gamecocks for carrying that 2015 average to the promised land.

Those were some fun friggin atmospheres.

[CockyGeek]

If only they was some way to know you were in the good old days while you were in them. That was the last exciting year of JSU football. I hope Rich Rod brings some excitement back.

[caribbeanhen]

If only they was some way to know you were in the good old days while you were in them. That was the last exciting year of JSU football. I hope Rich Rod brings some excitement back.

these are the good old days

[Sitting Bull]

Semifinal attendance.

JMU/NDSU: 16,550 (104.5% of NDSU's regular season average of 15,834)
SDSU/MSU: 20,457 (104.4% of Montana St's regular season average of 19,604)


That's good for 2nd best semifinal attendance average since 2013:

2015: 20,899
2021: 18,504
2017: 17,404
2019: 14,282
2014: 13,752
2018: 12,906
2013: 12,452
2016: 11,758


This year is still in 3rd overall for average attedance for all games through the semifinals:

2015: 10,779
2017: 9,256
2021: 9,053
2016: 8,437
2014: 8,294
2019: 8,026
2013: 8,012
2018: 7,645


We'd need over 23k in Frisco to get into 2nd which I don't think is even possible anymore so seems like 3rd is where this season will end up... not bad for the first year back from COVID. Should end up around 215-220k in total attendance amongst the 23 FCS playoff games this fall.

It definitely helped that Montana State best Sam Houston.

[Professor Chaos]

This would be a really interesting year to see the accounting behind the FCS playoffs. The total reported attendance has been just under 200k. Assuming the average ticket price is $25 that's $5M in ticket revenue. The NCAA get's 75% of that minus expenses so I'd have to imagine that's at least $2-3M. Now in Frisco endzone tickets are $85 and sideline tickets are $99 (although through the NDSU allotment sideline tickets are $90) so assuming we pack Toyota Stadium with 17k+ at $90 a ticket on average that's another $1.5M in ticket revenue although I'm not sure what the split is there between what Frisco gets and what the NCAA keeps.

Point being I'm thinking it's a strong possibility that the NCAA ends up in the black this year for the FCS playoffs. The whole reason I've been tracking attendance over the years is to try to get a gauge for that because (almost) all of us hate playoff regionalization and I think the only way out of that is to make the FCS playoffs more financially self-sufficient. Hopefully this continues and we can get tweaks to the playoff bracketing system like no potential regular season rematches until the quarterfinals or later.

[Sitting Bull]

This would be a really interesting year to see the accounting behind the FCS playoffs. The total reported attendance has been just under 200k. Assuming the average ticket price is $25 that's $5M in ticket revenue. The NCAA get's 75% of that minus expenses so I'd have to imagine that's at least $2-3M. Now in Frisco endzone tickets are $85 and sideline tickets are $99 (although through the NDSU allotment sideline tickets are $90) so assuming we pack Toyota Stadium with 17k+ at $90 a ticket on average that's another $1.5M in ticket revenue although I'm not sure what the split is there between what Frisco gets and what the NCAA keeps.

Point being I'm thinking it's a strong possibility that the NCAA ends up in the black this year for the FCS playoffs. The whole reason I've been tracking attendance over the years is to try to get a gauge for that because (almost) all of us hate playoff regionalization and I think the only way out of that is to make the FCS playoffs more financially self-sufficient. Hopefully this continues and we can get tweaks to the playoff bracketing system like no potential regular season rematches until the quarterfinals or later.

As long as you have opening round games on Thanksgiving weekend and one of your objectives is to optimize revenue, I think regionalization is the way to go. You have to depend on fans being able to easily get to a game over a holiday weekend with 6 days notice.

I agree avoiding repeat conference games in the early rounds though I think the NCAA does a pretty good job avoiding that.

[Professor Chaos]

As long as you have opening round games on Thanksgiving weekend and one of your objectives is to optimize revenue, I think regionalization is the way to go. You have to depend on fans being able to easily get to a game over a holiday weekend with 6 days notice.

I agree avoiding repeat conference games in the early rounds though I think the NCAA does a pretty good job avoiding that.
Well, they already avoid regular season rematches in the first round... I just wish we'd take some baby steps to de-regionalize and they'd extend that to the 2nd round as well. No EWU vs Montana in the 2nd round then. No potential South Dakota/NDSU, UC Davis/Sac St, or SFA/SHSU games in the 2nd round then either.

[caribbeanhen]

Well, they already avoid regular season rematches in the first round... I just wish we'd take some baby steps to de-regionalize and they'd extend that to the 2nd round as well. No EWU vs Montana in the 2nd round then. No potential South Dakota/NDSU, UC Davis/Sac St, or SFA/SHSU games in the 2nd round then either.

FCS needs a Sugar Daddy to pay for the travel

Any candidate’s?

[Sitting Bull]

Movin on up! G5 Bowl Week continues.

Tulsa knocked off ODU in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, 30-17, in front of 6,557 fans.

[Panther88]

FCS needs a Sugar Daddy to pay for the travel

Any candidate’s?

"FCS" needs some fans, obviously lol.

[caribbeanhen]

"FCS" needs some fans, obviously lol.

true

[POD Knows]

"FCS" needs some fans, obviously lol.
Really. Full house in Bozeman. The NATTY is almost always sold out. Decent but not great crowds in Fargo. The attendance numbers you posted for these **** bowl games are complete fiction. I think these bowl games need fans. ****ty attendance at every one as near as I can tell.

[Sitting Bull]

10,217 for the Potato Bowl. Not bad based on the horrible results so far for the other G5 bowl games so far. 6,500 for the Myrtle Beach Bowl. 9,400 for the Cure Bowl. Empty Bahamas Bowl.

They’re all about on par with First Round FCS playoffs, laughably below the FCS semis.

So this is the glitter of moving up. Gee, maybe Bucknell should “move up” too!

[Panther88]

Really. Full house in Bozeman. The NATTY is almost always sold out. Decent but not great crowds in Fargo. The attendance numbers you posted for these **** bowl games are complete fiction. I think these bowl games need fans. ****ty attendance at every one as near as I can tell.

"What is fcs?" ~ typical texan. xlolx

Enjoy your visit to frisco, tx... in January. Hope the weather holds for your championship game.

[POD Knows]

"What is fcs?" ~ typical texan. xlolx

Enjoy your visit to frisco, tx... in January. Hope the weather holds for your championship game.
Not going. Got a conflict and don’t want to pay the vig for the tickets for this COMPLETELY sold out event.

[Sitting Bull]

The G5 Frisco Bowl wrapped up last night in front of 15,801. The game featured
#24 San Diego State and in- state UTSA.

That’s actually one of the better G5 results so far though still below FCS semis. Betting the FCS Championship, same stadium, easily tops that.

Frisco is hosting another g5 bowl this week, North Texas and Miami OH.

[POD Knows]

The G5 Frisco Bowl wrapped up last night in front of 15,801. The game featured
#24 San Diego State and in- state UTSA.

That’s actually one of the better G5 results so far though still below FCS semis. Betting the FCS Championship, same stadium, easily tops that.

Frisco is hosting another g5 bowl this week, North Texas and Miami OH.
They won’t pull 9K for that game.

[Professor Chaos]

I would also guess that many of these lower tier bowl games have inflated attendance numbers... one thing about the FCS playoffs is those numbers are not fudged and, if anything, they're slightly lower since they don't count things like the bands in the attendance figures like they do in the regular season and like I'm sure they do in bowl games. For instance this was the 2019 Frisco Bowl between Kent St and Utah St that had a reported attendance of 12,120.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMR86HRXsAExaHy?format=jpg&name=medium

[JacksFan40]

I would also guess that many of these lower tier bowl games have inflated attendance numbers... one thing about the FCS playoffs is those numbers are not fudged and, if anything, they're slightly lower since they don't count things like the bands in the attendance figures like they do in the regular season and like I'm sure they do in bowl games. For instance this was the 2019 Frisco Bowl between Kent St and Utah St that had a reported attendance of 12,120.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EMR86HRXsAExaHy?format=jpg&name=medium
UTSA-San Diego State definitely looked like they accurately reported it, place looked modestly full on TV. Of course most of them were UTSA fans so there’s that.

[Professor Chaos]

UTSA-San Diego State definitely looked like they accurately reported it, place looked modestly full on TV. Of course most of them were UTSA fans so there’s that.
Wasn't the entire endzone (with the blue seats that says FC DALLAS) empty? Toyota Stadium only has about 18k seats now after the renovations. To get 15k+ with an empty endzone I'd think they'd have to completely pack the sidelines (which would be odd if the endzone was empty).

[JacksFan40]

Wasn't the entire endzone (with the blue seats that says FC DALLAS) empty? Toyota Stadium only has about 18k seats now after the renovations. To get 15k+ with an empty endzone I'd think they'd have to completely pack the sidelines (which would be odd if the endzone was empty).
Endzone was empty but maybe they closed it off? The main stands looked pretty full and I had guessed to myself it looked like between 13-15k there.

[MSUBobcat]

"What is fcs?" ~ typical texan. xlolx

Enjoy your visit to frisco, tx... in January. Hope the weather holds for your championship game.

Would you care to guess how many $#!ts I give about a typical Texan's opinion? I worked with many in the Bakken. Wouldn't give you a nickel for any of them and wish they'd GTFO.

[Panther88]

Would you care to guess how many $#!ts I give about a typical Texan's opinion? I worked with many in the Bakken. Wouldn't give you a nickel for any of them and wish they'd GTFO.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think you don't like texans.

That's great. I don't care for too many of them either. lol

[CopperCat]

Would you care to guess how many $#!ts I give about a typical Texan's opinion? I worked with many in the Bakken. Wouldn't give you a nickel for any of them and wish they'd GTFO.

+1

The texans have invaded Montana. They're almost as bad as the californians.

[POD Knows]

+1

The texans have invaded Montana. They're almost as bad as the californians.
Texans have invaded Montana? Please provide a link to support that.

[MSUBobcat]

+1

The texans have invaded Montana. They're almost as bad as the californians.

Been seeing a lot of Louisiana plates in Billings also. Haven't met any or had any bad driving experiences with them though so no negative opinions on them.

MT is going to be the next mountain state to see a population boom, IMO. Colorado and Utah are filling up, so they've been moving to Idaho (just yesterday, I saw on the news that Boise has the least affordable housing in the country with median home prices being 10x the median income of a single person). Idaho population has grown over 80% in the last 30 years while Montana has only grown about 36% over that period.

[MSUBobcat]

Texans have invaded Montana? Please provide a link to support that.

Just using the eyeballs is proof enough for me. Hardly a day goes by that I don't see a Texas plate, and I don't think they drove up for ski season.

A VERY cursory web search found an article (https://247wallst.com/special-report/2021/08/11/where-people-from-texas-are-moving-to-the-most/2/) saying 780 Texans moved to MT out of a 1-year net population change of 6,473 so Texans accounted for 12% of the population growth in the last year. I'm a little skeptical of the article though because the population grew by more than 6,473 people. This Helena Independent Record article (https://helenair.com/news/local/census-montana-sees-major-population-growth-while-majority-of-us-does-not/article_36029cb5-014a-5eac-8f25-d8399a238b88.html) says MT had a net immigration of 19,791 (3x the 247 Wall Street article), and that is more believable to me.

[POD Knows]

Just using the eyeballs is proof enough for me. Hardly a day goes by that I don't see a Texas plate, and I don't think they drove up for ski season.

A VERY cursory web search found an article (https://247wallst.com/special-report/2021/08/11/where-people-from-texas-are-moving-to-the-most/2/) saying 780 Texans moved to MT out of a 1-year net population change of 6,473 so Texans accounted for 12% of the population growth in the last year. I'm a little skeptical of the article though because the population grew by more than 6,473 people. This Helena Independent Record article (https://helenair.com/news/local/census-montana-sees-major-population-growth-while-majority-of-us-does-not/article_36029cb5-014a-5eac-8f25-d8399a238b88.html) says MT had a net immigration of 19,791 (3x the 247 Wall Street article), and that is more believable to me.
You are looking for **** to bitch about. That “influx” is barely a blip on the radar. My guess is your “issue” with Texans is based on something other than reality. Just a hunch.

[Bisonoline]

+1

The texans have invaded Montana. They're almost as bad as the californians.

Not close.

[MSUBobcat]

You are looking for **** to bitch about. That “influx” is barely a blip on the radar. My guess is your “issue” with Texans is based on something other than reality. Just a hunch.

Hahaha. Seems like you're the one who's looking for **** to bitch about. I have never said they can't come here or to go home, just like I haven't for Californians, Floridians, et al. It's a free country and they are welcome to do as they please. I DO have a distaste for Texans in general, but it has nothing to do whatsoever with how many are moving to MT and everything to do with my actual, real-life interactions. xcoffeex

[POD Knows]

Hahaha. Seems like you're the one who's looking for **** to bitch about. I have never said they can't come here or to go home, just like I haven't for Californians, Floridians, et al. It's a free country and they are welcome to do as they please. I DO have a distaste for Texans in general, but it has nothing to do whatsoever with how many are moving to MT and everything to do with my actual, real-life interactions. xcoffeexYou are bitching about Texans. I am not looking for something to bitch about, just observing your irrational response regarding Texas residents. Maybe it is you that is the problem in the area of interactions.

[MSUBobcat]

You are bitching about Texans. I am not looking for something to bitch about, just observing your irrational response regarding Texas residents. Maybe it is you that is the problem in the area of interactions.

Sure thing, Scooter. I generally don't like Texans, no doubt. It's not irrational; it's based on my actual interactions. One thing I absolutely LOVE about them is that their 2-lane highways have wide shoulders and when you come up on them, they'll move over to the shoulder to let you pass.

Anywho, that's as many ****s as I care to give discussing Texans and whether or not my general disdain for them is warranted, especially on an FCS forum. You're welcome to believe they are the salt of the earth if that's your prerogative. xthumbsupx

[POD Knows]

Sure thing, Scooter. I generally don't like Texans, no doubt. It's not irrational; it's based on my actual interactions. One thing I absolutely LOVE about them is that their 2-lane highways have wide shoulders and when you come up on them, they'll move over to the shoulder to let you pass.

Anywho, that's as many ****s as I care to give discussing Texans and whether or not my general disdain for them is warranted, especially on an FCS forum. You're welcome to believe they are the salt of the earth if that's your prerogative. xthumbsupx
You brought it up on and FCS Forum and your “give a ****“ was palatable. You have a lot of anger on this subject actually. Did some Texan bang your boyfriend or girlfriend or something.

[MSUBobcat]

You brought it up on and FCS Forum and your “give a ****“ was palatable. You have a lot of anger on this subject actually. Did some Texan bang your boyfriend or girlfriend or something.

Wrong again, Skippy. I responded to Panther and informed him how much credence I give about a typical Texan's opinion.

Also, in your attempt to be smart, I believe the word you MEANT to use was "palpable" (so intense as to seem almost tangible), unless you are saying my level of care on this topic is pleasant to taste or acceptable/satisfactory, in which case... I agree. xthumbsupxxlolx

Edit: I wasn't going to continue this but your misuse of a fairly common word was too good to not make fun of.

[BisonFan02]

Wrong again, Skippy. I responded to Panther and informed him how much credence I give about a typical Texan's opinion.

Also, in your attempt to be smart, I believe the word you MEANT to use was "palpable" (so intense as to seem almost tangible), unless you are saying my level of care on this topic is pleasant to taste or acceptable/satisfactory, in which case... I agree. xthumbsupxxlolx

Edit: I wasn't going to continue this but your misuse of a fairly common word was too good to not make fun of.

So much anger sugar tits....go take a midol and maybe have a glass of merlot...blog about it.

[POD Knows]

Wrong again, Skippy. I responded to Panther and informed him how much credence I give about a typical Texan's opinion.

Also, in your attempt to be smart, I believe the word you MEANT to use was "palpable" (so intense as to seem almost tangible), unless you are saying my level of care on this topic is pleasant to taste or acceptable/satisfactory, in which case... I agree. xthumbsupxxlolx

Edit: I wasn't going to continue this but your misuse of a fairly common word was too good to not make fun of.
You ended a sentence with a preposition. Tsk tsk.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

+1

The texans have invaded Montana. They're almost as bad as the californians.



Working and living throughout the year in both states I have the total opposite to say.....xrolleyesx

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

Sure thing, Scooter. I generally don't like Texans, no doubt. It's not irrational; it's based on my actual interactions. One thing I absolutely LOVE about them is that their 2-lane highways have wide shoulders and when you come up on them, they'll move over to the shoulder to let you pass.

Anywho, that's as many ****s as I care to give discussing Texans and whether or not my general disdain for them is warranted, especially on an FCS forum. You're welcome to believe they are the salt of the earth if that's your prerogative. xthumbsupx



So your precious opinion is based on interactions with roughnecks in the Bakken....xlolx.....freaking cupcake.....xlolx

[POD Knows]

Working and living throughout the year in both states I have the total opposite to say.....xrolleyesx
I know a fair number of Texans and they are all awesome. Also know a fair number of people that moved down there from up north here and they love it. My experiences in Texas have been great and I have been down there a number of times on business and football games. To each his own I guess.

[Bison Fan in NW MN]

I know a fair number of Texans and they are all awesome. Also know a fair number of people that moved down there from up north here and they love it. My experiences in Texas have been great and I have been down there a number of times on business and football games. To each his own I guess.


All the Texans I've dealt with are great guys. Where I'm at in CA....central Valley is pretty good....more conservative compared to the rest of the bat sh** crazy state....xnodx

[Bisonoline]

I know a fair number of Texans and they are all awesome. Also know a fair number of people that moved down there from up north here and they love it. My experiences in Texas have been great and I have been down there a number of times on business and football games. To each his own I guess.

Yep
I spend a month and a half in TX every spring. If it wasnt so damned hot there I would spend another month. :D

[ElCid]

All the Texans I've dealt with are great guys. Where I'm at in CA....central Valley is pretty good....more conservative compared to the rest of the bat sh** crazy state....xnodx

That was my impression as well. I spent about 8-9 months cumulative in Atwater. Lots of normal folks there.

[Sonic98]

They need to find a way to get more sponsors involved in the playoffs. It definitely needs to be promoted a 1000% better. I wonder what the final attendance average would be if Jackson State and FAMU got to host a home game.