What’s it take to fill these seats? 

Student attendance at Duke University men’s basketball games has been falling consistently over the last five years. This season, it’s dropped so low that Duke Athletics has begun selling more and more general admission tickets in the student section.

Because of this lack of student interest – only 650 undergrads attended each game this season – the athletics department has sold about 300 tickets per game to the general public at $65 each. Each game, first pick goes to Iron Dukes supporters, then to football and women’s basketball season ticket holders.

What’s causing the lack of enthusiasm? Three possibilities:

• Unfounded rumors that it’s too hard to get into the game or students will be turned away if they show up only half an hour before tipoff
• Increasing popularity of online streaming options, including WatchESPN.com, or
• The underwhelming home schedule – with marquee conference matchups moving to Madison Square Garden and other larger venues.

To fight diminishing student attendance, Duke has hoped to engage the crowds more, using highlight videos, player instructions and pop music in its pregame festivities.

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Tags: college athletics, Duke University, student attendance