Showing up and showing out
HBCU football attracted more fans this season
Fred Jeter | 12/1/2023, 2:57 a.m.
Football attendance was way up this season at Norfolk State University and Hampton University.
Despite disappointing seasons on the gridiron, NSU averaged 15,656 fans for its four home games at Dick Price Stadium, while HU averaged 7,431 in five dates at Armstrong Stadium.
NSU, a member of the MEAC, improved from 9,571 in 2022 while HU, affiliated with the Coastal Athletic Association, increased its crowds from 2,956 the prior season.
The attendance statistics for all HBCU programs competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) were released by HEROSports.com. HERO did not report attendance from NCAA Division II programs such as Virginia Union and Virginia State.
Both NSU and HU saw huge boosts from their homecoming games. NSU drew 24,976 for homecoming against Morgan State.
HU drew 13,811 for homecoming against North Carolina A&T. NSU also benefitted from an opening night crowd of 21,640 against Virginia State.
Jackson State again led all HBCUs in attendance with 30,060 per game, followed by Florida A&M (17,616), Southern, La. (17,465), Alabama State (17,385) and NSU.
On the field, NSU was 3-8 overall and 1-4 in the MEAC while HU was 5-6 overall and 3-5 in the CAA.
