When you think of March, college football might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But in Lincoln, Nebraska, the gridiron was the main attraction this past Saturday. Memorial Stadium welcomed 27,188 loyal Husker fans for the annual spring game, a tradition that transforms the town into a football haven even in the midst of March Madness.
This turnout, while solid, is the lowest since 2000, when 22,415 fans gathered during the Frank Solich era. Just a few years back, spring games attracted crowds exceeding 80,000. So, what’s behind the dip in attendance?
A Familiar Scene
Last year, Nebraska skipped the traditional spring game for skill competitions and fan events. This year marked the return of the game, yet the buzz was somewhat muted. The absence of a new coaching staff or a standout freshman to draw eyes might be a factor.
Historically, new coaching eras have brought in big crowds. Scott Frost's first two years saw over 85,000 attendees, while Mike Riley and Bo Pelini also drew impressive numbers for their debuts.
Current head coach Matt Rhule, now in his fourth year, saw over 66,000 fans at his first spring game in 2023. As Rhule noted, the focus now is on internal development rather than external hype.
"It's been a quiet spring for us," Rhule shared before the game. "Focusing inward and on the guy next to you is where we need to be."
Rhule also mentioned that the 11 a.m. kickoff might have deterred some fans, particularly from the western parts of the state, and they’re considering a later start for future games.
March Madness Takes Center Stage
Nebraska fans are known for their dedication, and this March, their attention was split. The Husker basketball team, under the guidance of Fred Hoiberg, made history with their first NCAA Tournament wins, drawing fans to Oklahoma City and Houston for back-to-back weekends.
Rhule acknowledged the basketball excitement, noting that many fans were returning from Houston, impacting football attendance. Additionally, other Nebraska teams were in action, with Husker softball and baseball drawing significant attention.
In the end, a spring game’s success isn’t solely measured by attendance. Players appreciated the fans who did show up. UNLV transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea expressed his gratitude, calling the fan support "insane" and "awesome."
As Nebraska fans look forward to the fall, they'll have to savor the highlights from this spring outing, eagerly awaiting September when the Huskers charge out of the tunnel once more.