June 27, 2008

The Siena men's basketball team placed 86th nationally in men's basketball average attendance according to the annual report produced by the NCAA office. A total of 110,012 fans came out for Siena's 17 home games this past season, an average of 6,471 per game.

It marks just the second time in program history over 100,000 fans attended Siena basketball games in a single season. In 2002-2003, Siena averaged a record 7,362 fans when 125,156 spectators attended 17 home dates which included three postseason NIT contests.

In 2006-07, Siena averaged 5,834 fans for its 14 home games, meaning attendance this past season increased approximately 11%.

The Saints saw 13,262 people attend the annual Albany Cup game with cross-town foe UAlbany on December 1. It marked the largest crowd ever in the storied series and the second largest home regular-season crowd in Siena basketball history. The 2007-2008 attendance figure was also aided by three MAAC Tournament games at Times Union Center. Siena averaged 7,917 fans in its three MAAC Tournament contests highlighted by a crowd of 9,279 for its Championship game win over Rider.

Siena's men's basketball attendance has risen each of the last three years. The 2007-2008 average is the highest since 2003-2004.

Siena reconfigured Times Union Center for all but four of its home games (the MAAC Tournament and Albany Cup) this past season, capping capacity at 8,065.

The 2007-2008 Siena average attendance ranked higher than BIG EAST schools St. John's and Boston College and Mid Major powers Davidson, VCU, Drake, Gonzaga and Butler.