Softball Paced Nation in Attendance in 2008
2/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 11, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama softball team finished the 2008 season as the nation's leader in attendance, according to the NCAA. The Crimson Tide averaged 1,890 fans per contest. Alabama also led the country in total attendance with 51,024.
"We have been striving for this accomplishment since we started selling tickets at our new stadium in 2000," head coach Patrick Murphy said. "It's a credit to all of our long-time fans who have stuck with us from Sokol Park, Bowers Park and finally our own stadium on campus."
The attendance number of 51,024 far exceeded the next program in the country. Arizona State had a total of 39,736 fans while rival Arizona counted 39,435 through its gates. The Crimson Tide also averaged 12 more fans per contest as the Wildcats averaged 1,878 per game.
Other Southeastern Conference schools who checked in the top 10 for attendance were Florida and LSU. The Gators averaged 928 fans and had a total of 24,118 in attendance to rank seventh in the country. LSU checked in at No. 9 with an average of 866 fans per game. The Tigers totaled 21,652 on the season.
The Crimson Tide has sold out its season tickets for the second consecutive year. 1608 season tickets were sold for the highly ranked Crimson Tide. Fans will still be able to purchase general admission tickets for all home games at the walk-up ticket window.
Alabama will open its home schedule when it hosts the BAMA Bash. The Crimson Tide will open play against Notre Dame on Friday, Feb. 13 at 5:00 p.m.
