Record amount of fans pack into Alumni Arena

The UB men’s basketball team drew a record-breaking number of 6,688 fans to Alumni Arena on Friday. 

The standing-room only crowd roared throughout the Bulls’ 80-57 win over Kent State as the Buffalo bounce house was in full effect.

The Bulls have been ranked for a record number of weeks this season. The No. 25 team in the country has drawn more crowds and attention than any other team in the Mid-American Conference. 

And it’s not just at home.

Buffalo has become the most popular team in town, building off of last season’s NCAA tournament success. There has been a 136-percent increase in fans at home this year. The Bulls drew an average of 3,570 in 2017-18 and 4,864 this season.

Obviously, there would be an increase among the local fan base with the continued success of UB Athletics and the recent failures of professional and college teams, making UB a desired destination to see a game. The Bulls are also attracting more fans while away.

Buffalo has seen a 162-percent increase in away attendance, from 4,135 to 6,686 this season. This can be explained partly by playing at larger arenas like West Virginia, Syracuse and Marquette, but the Bulls have managed to sell out no matter where they play.

When Buffalo played in Ireland for the Belfast Hall of Fame Classic, it drew an average of 5,780 fans in the neutral site matchups.

Based on average attendance at away arenas, UB has drawn an above average amount of fans at every school except for Syracuse. Buffalo drew more fans at St. Bonaventure, Canisius, Kent State, Bowling Green and Toledo, than at West Virginia, Marquette, Eastern Michigan and Northern Illinois.

Overall, Buffalo’s average attendance numbers at home, away and neutral site games have boosted 164 percent from last season, 3,518 to 5,777 fans.

Nathaniel Mendelson is the senior sports editor and can be reached at nathaniel.mendelson@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter @NateMendelson.