May 18, 2009

The Siena men's basketball team placed 72nd nationally in men's basketball average attendance according to the annual report produced by the NCAA office. A total of 127,453 fans came out for Siena's 17 home games this past season, an average of 7,497 per game. It's the highest average home attendance in program history.

It marks just the second straight season over 100,000 fans attended Siena basketball games, marking another program first. In 2002-2003, Siena averaged a previous-high 7,362 fans when 125,156 spectators attended 17 home dates which included three postseason NIT contests. This season's average bested that mark by 135 fans per game.

In 2007-08, Siena averaged 6,471 fans for its 17 home games, meaning attendance this past season increased approximately 16%. It is the second straight season Siena has had a double-digit percentage increase.

The Saints saw 13,251 people attend the annual Albany Cup game with cross-town foe UAlbany on December 6. The 2008-2009 attendance figure was also aided by three MAAC Tournament games at Times Union Center. Siena averaged 9,143 fans in its three MAAC Tournament contests highlighted by a crowd of 9,744 for its Championship game win over Niagara and a crowd of 9,674 for its Quarterfinal win over Canisius.

Siena's men's basketball attendance has risen each of the last four years and increased 34% over that time period (from 5,598 in 2005-06).

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

The 2008-2009 Siena average attendance ranked higher than many power conference schools, including: Georgia Tech, Seton Hall, Georgia, Stanford, Mississippi, St. John's, Southern California and Boston College. The figure was also fourth among all Mid Major programs, trailing only Wichita State (42nd - 10,095), Bradley (9,110 - 55th) and Utah State (8,798 - 59th).