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On a festive night to start the 2003 season, a record number of fans had plenty to cheer about. They left with smiles on their faces and plenty of positive things to say about the new lights, new coach and improvement in team play.
A record 23,549 people cheered as the Cardinals started their season with a victory.
Holly Barton, a sophomore trumpet player in the band majoring in elementary education, gave an enthusiastic "Oh yeah!" in regards to the improvement of the team.
Jeremy Sworg, a senior majoring in meterology, agreed.
"They look sharper. Last year, it was a close game between Indiana State and us, and this year, we seem to be playing a lot better," Sworg said.
The team, however, did not receive glowing reviews from everyone. Brad Fawler, a junior majoring in secondary education, still has doubts about the team's improvement.
"They're just playing ISU," Fawler said. "We'll see when we get into conference play."
Alumni John Buchlotz was pleased with the improvement of play and addition of lights and credited the crowd turnout with the evening background.
"The offense is moving the ball, and the defense is looking good," Buchlotz said. "This is fun. There's a huge difference (in spirit). There's twice as many in the crowd."
Justin Hendrix, a 2003 alum was drawn to the game because it was the first night game since the 1930's. He said he hopes to see night games in the future.
"I wanted to be here for the first night game in 60 years," Hendrix said. "I think the night game was a great way to start the season."
The excitement over the new lights led many to want more night games in the future and ideas on how to continue the success at the ticket booth. While most would like to see one to two night games a year, Barton would like to see every other game be played at night.
However, Sworg was hesitant to go that far.
"We should have one night game a year, otherwise the novelty wears off," Sworg said.
Athletic director Bubba Cunningham was thrilled with the turnout.
"The difference was the students," Cunningham said. "I can't thank the students enough for their turnout."PP>$-¬tG9?*
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