Bryan Burwell writing in the Post-Dispatch this morning rightfully asks St. Louis University students and alumni why the tepid support for the unexpectedly excellent season the basketball Billikens are having. We've wondered the same thing while watching some of their games on tv, it's so quiet in the arena and too many sections of empty seats.
The team is 21-5 and at last night's game there were 3200 empty seats in the Chaifetz Arena which is right on the campus. I realize that compared to recent years having only 3200 empty seats is probably considered good, but the student section and the rest of the fans are not exactly showing the enthusiasm most schools would during a season like this.
Burwell: "The student section, which can be quite engaging, clever and outrageously effective when properly motivated, barely stirred most of the night. The rest of the building was full of folks who just weren't all that interested in getting excited."
Why is this? Come on St. Louis University people.
Seems like St. Louis University always has some excuse about the basketball program. Not a home arena, before Chafitz, too high academic standards to attract athletes, not an inspiring coach, remember Spoonhour.
I think, the University needs a better marketing plan. Of course, the Mizzou Tigers get more ink in the St. Louis Post than the local Billikens.
Posted by: Ron | February 16, 2012 at 08:51 AM
They have a good coach, good athletes, and good facility. I don't know exactly what the problem is. They should be in the Missouri Valley Conference and then would attract fans from all of the Midwest, i.e. Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. A10 is not a good fit.
Posted by: Frank | February 16, 2012 at 04:45 PM
I agree with Frank! SLU should be in the MVC. They would fill the arena for most of the MVC games. There is not much interest in some of the Atlantic 10 teams. Dayton is one of the few that always draws a crowd. President Biondi has his reasons for being in the Atlantic 10! They use to be in the MVC years ago.
Posted by: John | February 16, 2012 at 05:18 PM
Absolutely they should be in the MVC, huge mistake going to the A-10.
Posted by: Diane | February 16, 2012 at 07:26 PM
I like your names, Diane. Cohawks and now Billikens. What is a billiken?
Posted by: Norman Teigen | February 17, 2012 at 07:48 AM