Dec. 19, 2011
Fans have turned out in droves this season to watch the 17th-ranked UMass Lowell River Hawks at the Tsongas Center, putting the team on pace to set a new single-season average attendance mark.
"We're thrilled with the fan support so far this season," said head coach Norm Bazin. "Our players have found ways to win close games versus New Hampshire and Boston College due in large part to the energy in the Tsongas Center."
Through six home games, the River Hawks have played in front of an average crowd of 5,087--the 13th highest attendance mark in the nation. If this support continues, UMass Lowell is poised to shatter the record for a full season of 4,664, set in 2009-10.
Since the 2002-03 campaign in which the River Hawks averaged 2,987 fans per game, the attendance has increased 70%. To put that in perspective, UMass Lowell has played in front of crowds larger than 4,900 in five of six games this year.
Among the staggering crowds, UMass Lowell welcomed 6,826 fans to the rink on Dec. 2--the largest ever to watch a hockey game in Lowell--during a 3-2 win over New Hampshire. The River Hawks hosted the Stanley Cup during the game and had Boston Bruins' fan favorite Rene Rancourt sing the National Anthem prior to puck drop.
UMass Lowell followed with a power-packed crowd of 5,988 during the 3-2 victory over then third-ranked Boston College on Dec. 9.
"The team's success, coupled with some exciting promotions, has captured the fans' attention," said Eric Allen, Assistant Athletic Director for External Affairs. "We've worked hard to foster a fun, family-friendly environment at the Tsongas Center and the team's success has helped take that to the next level."
Vital to filling the seats has been the rejuvenation of the team. The #17 River Hawks have started the season 10-5-0 overall and 7-4-0 in Hockey East, already doubling their win total from last year. Within that start has been a 5-1-0 showing at home, where the club scores an average of 3.7 goals per game and outscored opponents 22-9.
With such a great start to 2011, the schedule looks equally strong in 2012 as UMass Lowell has nine home games remaining, plus an exhibition game against the Russian Red Stars on Jan. 5. Among the match-ups, the team will host Maine (Feb. 11) and Boston University (Feb. 17) and has two contests against bitter rival Merrimack (Feb. 10 and Feb. 25).
"We will be leaning on our great fans with several key matchups in the second half and thank them for their support," added Bazin.
Make sure you don't miss a moment of the action by visiting the Tsongas Center Box Office, www.TsongasCenter.com or by calling 866-722-8780. In addition, fans can catch three games for just $30 with the Holiday Hat Trick, including tickets for Jan. 28 against Massachusetts, Feb. 11 vs. Maine and Mar. 3 against Providence.
