Shama: U Basketball Ticket Sales Jump

BleedGopher

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per Shama:

The University of Minnesota Athletic Department reported via email to Sports Headliners that as of last Wednesday morning 400 new public season tickets for women’s basketball have been sold since Lindsay Whalen was named head coach on April 12.

As part of a request for information from the University about season ticket sales, it was learned just 13 new tickets had been sold prior to the announcement about Whalen, the former Gopher player and legendary figure in the state. Her presence as the new leader of the program has generated more interest than in a long time.

For the 2017-18 season, 1,338 public season tickets were sold. The Athletic Department is in a renewal period now with existing season ticket holders. With combined renewals and new sales, it seems certain that with the enthusiasm for Whalen the 2018-19 public season ticket totals will exceed the 1,338 total.

Last season, according to figures provided by the Big Ten Conference as of March 27, the Gophers ranked 35th in attendance nationally with a per game average of 3,130 fans at Williams Arena (capacity 14,625.) Purdue, averaging 6,036, led the Big Ten and ranked eighth in the country.

Interest in Whalen and support for the Gophers could fade quickly next season if the team isn’t winning. Flip that scenario and Minnesota may have one of its best seasons ever at the box office.

Another opportunity for the Athletic Department to ride the Whalen momentum during the immediate months ahead is with donors. None of the women’s sports at Minnesota, including basketball, are profitable. The department also has a large debt remaining on the new $166 million Athletes Village.

http://shamasportsheadliners.com/

Go Gophers!!
 




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