- April 2nd, 2016, 11:47 am
#507506
a few random thoughts on this rainy Saturday with no LU softball to watch...
1. 2016 Liberty Softball Classic, home opener series, had a higher attendance than the 2015 Liberty Softball Classic, home opener series (LU stadium opening)
2. Winthrop attendance was down, however, it was spring break. Also, LU had just had trips to FL, TX, LA, LA, and the Liberty Softball Classic. Parents wallets and bodies needed some rest.
3. softball popularity... womens softball has outpaced mens baseball on ESPN and other outlets the past few years. Last year the WCWS had a several percentage points advantage over the MCWS on ESPN.
4. Low end of D1… LU softball and its popularity in Lynchburg and campus… LU softball was an afterthought, stuck in the back of the campus on a field not worthy of a local 10U rec ball game. There were no concessions, no fan experience, a porta-potty (singular) for a restroom, and It barely had enough seating for the parents (and siblings that were forced to attend). The school spent little to nothing on the program, even things like the player’s uniforms weren’t as nice as most high school practice uniforms.
New stadium, money invested in the program, uniforms that look sharp (very important to players and recruits) marketing programs, fireworks, etc = New dawn.. new day… opening day attendance 2012 – 38; 2013 – 67; 2014 – 77; 2015 – 261; 2016 – 529
Baseball didn’t get to the numbers they are at overnight, nor will softball. But, based on the 100’s of stadiums that are being expanded across the country at schools of all sizes, from NAIA to Oregon, softball’s popularity continues to grow. There is NO comparison to the game experience the players and fans are having today compared to 3 years ago at LU. The loudness of the fans, the music, the scoreboard, announcer, etc. That experience will get recruits and make spectators come back and tell their friends.