Attendance at men's basketball games at the new JQH Arena on the Missouri State campus is up by over 1,211 fans per game through the first eight games. However, if you take out the Arkansas arena opener and the high game of last season versus league foe Creighton, that average number drops to a meager 857 additional fans in the seats.
Two Missouri Valley Conference games figured into last season's first eight with home dates against Bradley and Creighton.
The economy and the holiday season may have a contributing effect on the season so far. As far as the product on the floor, the Bears have exceeded expectations by going 7-4 during their non-conference slate.
Missouri State opens Valley action on Sunday, Dec. 28 at the "Q" with unbeaten Illinois State.
2008-09 at the new JQH Arena (56636 in 8 games | 7,080 average)
Arkansas (10,881); JQH Opening Night
Utah (7,742)
UALR (6,366)
Arkansas State (7,246)
Central Arkansas (7,216)
Norfolk State (5,831)
UC-Irvine (5,596)
Middle Tennessee (5,758)
2007-08 at Hammons Student Center (46,957 in 8 games | 5,869 average)
Harding (5,880)
UNC-Greensboro (5,734)
Saint Louis (6,126)
UNC-Wilmington (5,532)
UT-Pan American (5,286)
Bethune-Cookman (5,435)
Bradley (5,760)
Creighton (7,204)
