A Word on the Subject

I understand plenty of Boise State Broncos fans would put their homework, housework and sometimes jobs on the line as testament to their loyalty of BSU athletics. I couldn’t help but notice a fan last week at the men’s basketball thriller against New Mexico State – which attracted approximately 3,000 fans – who had duct tape over his mouth, which I can only assume help him refrain from spewing expletives at the officials.

Ask any fan and they will tell you they are bound to screw something up, right? This guy is a real fan.

Another thing I noticed is a Boise State’s men’s team vying for a top spot in the Western Athletic Conference and a possible return to the NCAA tournament, and the lack of support in the Taco Bell Arena. Where did all of the excited fans I recall from the jam-packed Bronco Stadium go?

My editor called me on Sunday afternoon from Taco Bell Arena, once again, to inform me that not only were the stands in dire need of some butts, but she was the only print media there to cover the women’s game against Louisiana Tech.

When did Broncos fans become so lazy?

In a community that prides itself for athletic supremacy and making a name for itself on the national stage its members are sure hard-pressed to display their support.

There are 12,380 seats to fill the Taco Bell Arena. Men’s basketball averages 3,032 fans and women 1,282.

Men’s basketball claims a strong third place ranking in the WAC, a mere half-game behind Nevada and two games behind first-place Utah State.

The women are in a three-way tie for second place between Idaho and Fresno State with Nevada leading the pack. This follows Boise State losing a majority of their starting players to injury.

If there was ever a time to get excited about Broncos athletics, now would be it. The next couple years look to build some of the most elite teams Boise State has ever produced with nationally ranked football, gymnastics, wrestling and tennis teams accompanying the growing strength of the basketball programs.

Yet, week in and week out, the stands are void of fans who boast their competitive nature and ability to compete with their support in comparison to other nationally renowned schools as Oklahoma, Oregon and Ohio State.

Another problem. The city of Logan had a population of 47,965 as of July 2007. Boise, during the same time period, had approximately 202,832 people not including the surrounding communities. Utah State Aggies, located in Logan, Utah, attracts an average of 8,462 fans to each of their men’s basketball games.

There is little excuse, especially when Boise State competes with no market. USU must compete with the University of Utah in neighboring Salt Lake for fan-ship.

Simply put, Boise fans are football fierce and basketball bunk along with much of the other athletic programs. I commend those who show up to watch the sports as opposed to finding solace on their fannies in front of ESPN prime time college hoops. I’ll just assume they are watching “Project Runway.”

Lazy is the word. Don’t be that fan. Show up. Demonstrate being a fan is year-round and Boise State exemplifies strong athletic pride, not just football pride.

Share your thoughts at arbiteronline.com. Are you a true fan? Do you think fans marginalize football as Boise State’s only strong sport? What do you think about attendance at other athletic events?

KIRK BELL
Sports Coordinator

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