Lobos attendance breaks expectations

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Lobo fans have been around 15,000 strong each game this season at the Pit, just under capacity. But above what the athletics department predicted for the season in revenue from ticket sales.

“This year we projected about $4.2 million and we're are just under $4.3 million right now,” Brad Hutchins, with UNM Athletics, said.

That includes the three home games after Wednesday night which was almost sold out.

“So there is about 100 tickets left in the lower bowl and about 150 tickets in the club level so there is some tickets still out there for fans,” Hutchins said.

In his seventh year now as coach, Steve Alford's Lobos have fans packing the pit like they did a decade ago. That means more money from parking and concessions too, which got a boost anyhow with renovations a few years ago.

“You have the opportunity to go to the lobo den store, there are concessions available,” Hutchins said.

Right now the Lobo's are ranked 15th in the country, about where they rank in attendance; about the same as Maryland and Michigan State, a couple of hoops powerhouses.
 
But the Lobo Athletic Department knows a good crowd doesn't just mean more money.

“Our fans have done a great job of showing up and making it one of the best home court advantages in the country,” Hutchins said.