Providence College was a box office success in 2023-24, and the Friars are expected to repeat the feat the following basketball season. The employment of two new coaches increased momentum with the men while generating new enthusiasm among the ladies. Kim English helped manage an increase in average attendance at Amica Mutual Pavilion, while Erin Batth profited from nearly doubling the crowd support at Alumni Hall.
Providence has already reported a 99% renewal rate for men’s basketball season tickets in 2024-25. The Friars have established a wait list that might exceed the 11,113 people they received on average over 19 home games last season. This was up from an average of 10,608 supporters for 17 home games in 2022-23.
“Everyone I talk to is so bullish and excited about the future,” said Providence athletic director Steve Napolillo. “That’s all it’s about. “People invest in what they believe in.” Last offseason, Providence was surprised by coach Ed Cooley’s move to Big East foe Georgetown. The Friars rallied around English, who had been hired away from George Mason, and there was a general sense of rebellion towards the programme. The motive is to show that Cooley’s success in his hometown – seven NCAA Tournament bids, regular season and conference tournament titles, and a first Sweet 16 appearance in 25 years – can be sustained regardless of who is in command on the sidelines.
“This is a special place,” Napolillo added. “I am unable to travel anywhere, including on an aeroplane or to supper with my family. People want to discuss it.
Providence finished 21-14 and advanced to the NIT behind conference Player of the Year Devin Carter and mainly absent Bryce Hopkins, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury in early January. The Friars had a regular-season low of 8,069 against Wagner and a high of 12,608 in the finals versus eventual national champion Connecticut. Cooley’s return to the Hoyas was one of ten home crowds that exceeded 12,000, practically a sellout.
“They’ve done an amazing job of creating an experience at the AMP that’s one of the best in the country,” said Napolillo. “I firmly believe that.” How will Providence continue to market its product in the face of frequent roster changes? Carter has declared for the NBA Draft, and NCAA regulations – the transfer portal, revenue for players through name, image, and likeness rights – make it less likely that programmes will be based around creating well-known four-year athletes. Napolillo’s previous experience with the Pawtucket Red Sox before transitioning to intercollegiate athletics offers him a notion of how to adjust.
“We used to always sell coming and having an incredible experience with family, friends, your kids, your grandparents,” said Napolillo. “Providence College has become the highlight of Rhode Island. Going to those games is the trendiest ticket in town.” Would the Friars be prepared to sacrifice a home game or two to improve their nonconference schedule? The Gavitt Games series with the Big Ten and the Big East-Big 12 Battle are both likely to conclude in the next years. Providence may be forced to test itself with home-and-home series or look for neutral floors at Mohegan Sun, Madison Square Garden, or Barclays Centre to book headlining opponents.
“We’re considering all of those offers right now,” Napolillo explained. “I think you should keep all of those windows open. What works best for your programme? “At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to make the NCAA Tournament. All of these are on the table, and they are real.
The Friars increased their average female game attendance from 474 in 2022-23 to 809 in 2023-24. Batth, who took over for Jim Crowley, received a reinvigorated marketing drive. Providence defeated the WNIT to make it 17 home games on campus. The University of Rhode Island continues to set the attendance record for the women’s game in the state. Following two consecutive WNIT appearances, the Rams advanced to the Atlantic 10 final game, and interest in their programme continues to grow. URI attracted an average of 1,674 fans through 15 home dates in 2023-24, up from 1,397 through 16 home matchups in 2022-23.
Consider the Ryan Center’s attendance before coach Tammi Reiss took over in 2019-20. In 2018-19, the Rams drew an average of 429 supporters on 14 home dates, for a total of 6,011. It would have taken URI only four games last season to surpass that mark.
Be the first to comment