As a student, it is very disheartening each week to see the turnouts be what they are. The last couple years, when the team played terribly, we were still able to pack the Doghouse, and yet this year when we actually play well, we hardly sniff capacity. I don't get it. Part of it may be related to the stream, but I believe a large part of it is that NU does not advertise the notion of what a student section can and should be. I've had friends bail on games because they feel they don't impact the game, the games are boring, them going won't change the outcome- NU does not do a good job, imo, of promoting what the gameday experience should be. Yes, Boston offers a variety of options for you to spend your Friday and Saturday nights on, but NU should be able to market a top 12 team in the nation to compete with them. The Beanpot gets a large student turnout because of the experience of it. Regular games at Matthews need to have that same appeal. The team deserves the institution's and the study body's full support this year with how far they've come, and yet it feels in their eyes we are still mired in last place.
Split N is right, basketball is even worse when it comes to attendance. And yet I have seen more advertising for basketball than hockey this year around campus. A couple guys who are part of the Doghouse "leadership" this year also run the N-Zone, and some basketball games feel quieter than the library. Maybe it's an off year for rowdy leadership..a couple individuals are very passionate and let it be known, but on the whole the most of the upperclassmen are too, too quiet.
