Dec. 14, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
The nationally-ranked and playoff quarterfinalist Illinois State football team drew an average of 12,804 fans per game during the 2006, which is a 41 percent increase from a year ago.
The Redbirds ranked No. 17 nationally in average attendance, after ranking No. 39 in the country last season. ISU also improved from seventh to second in the Gateway Football Conference during the same time span.
During the five home games in 2006, the Redbirds drew a total of 64,201 fans into Hancock Stadium. The season average was the highest in Illinois State history since 1970, which is also the last time the Redbirds had two games which drew more than capacity crowds.
The Oct. 14 game against Southern Illinois was viewed by 17,237 fans and was the sixth largest crowd in Hancock Stadium history. On Oct. 28 against Youngstown State, a crowd of 15,372 was in attendance, which is the ninth largest home crowd.
