Ball State University experienced record crowds during Homecoming not only for the Sept. 27 football game, but also for the week of events.
Michelle Johnson, adviser to the Homecoming Steering Committee, said Ball State's undefeated season, the earlier week of Homecoming during the football season and the weather contributed to the records.
Ball State's 41-20 victory over Kent State was seen by 20,437 people who filled Scheumann Stadium, including 8,149 Ball State students. Prior to the game, the Ball State Alumni Association played host to a pregame rally where a record 909 alumni and friends attended.
"For future Homecoming games we hope to get great attendance, and it seems to be a trend that our attendance keeps getting better, so we hope that continues throughout the year," Johnson said.
She said the Alumni Association always tried to increase its communication with alumni, but it was the football team's success that ultimately caused the record.
"I think with our undefeated record this year's attendance speaks for itself, and it's an exciting year to be a big fan of Ball State football and I'm glad the Alumni Association and Homecoming Steering Committee is a part of that," Johnson said.
Jennifer Regnier, the public relations chairwoman for the Homecoming Steering Committee said she was pleased so many people attended not only the game but also the events throughout the week. She said she agreed with Johnson that the team's record was a big reason for the record attendance.
"[I feel] that it was very rewarding for the Homecoming Steering Committee to see such a well-attended game because of the hard work devoted throughout the week and past months," Regnier said. "It was a result of increased Cardinal pride because of the undefeated football team and a successful Homecoming week."
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