What Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh sees as a cure for sliding attendance at football games might be easier said than done.
Since a high point in 2002 when Air Force averaged 42,713, the average attendance at Falcon Stadium has slipped. A year ago, it was down to 37,226. This year, Air Force is averaging 35,671 fans after two games heading into a two-game homestand beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday against Nevada-Las Vegas.
“There are lots of variables, but winning will get (fans) back,” Mueh said. “And we’re going to win.”
The Falcons (2-4) have lost four in a row and are coming off a troubling third consecutive loss to archrival Navy.
“We’re playing for pride and we’re playing for our football program,” said coach Fisher DeBerry, whose team is out of the Mountain West race.
The slide isn’t a one-season phenomenon. Air Force is 28-26 since the end of the 2000 season, including a 5-6 record a year ago that was only the third losing season in DeBerry’s tenure.
But Mueh said other variables have contributed to the decline, including a rise in ticket costs, increased security measures and inconsistent starting times.
Chris Peludat, assistant athletic director for ticket operations, isn’t expecting a major increase this week. Historically, UNLV has not been a good draw. The Falcons play TCU the following week. Peludat expects the next big crowd Nov. 5 when the Falcons play Army.
“We haven’t won a game in a while and that impacts ticket sales, whether people admit it or not,” Peludat said. “When we win on Saturday, our Internet sales triple over the weekend over what we do when the team loses.”
He said fans are getting used to a new policy of not allowing food or drink to be brought into the stadium. After the home opener against San Diego State, a fan reported he spent $28 for water for family members. Peludat explained there is free water at locations throughout the stadium.
“Every letter (of complaint) hurts, but we still believe that we’re trying to make the experience they have in the stadium better,” Mueh said. “When people complain about our concession prices, they should try the prices elsewhere. Let’s put this in perspective. It’s a great venue to watch a game.
“Our goal is to increase the average into the 40,000s. If we can win a few more games, it increases everybody’s outlook.”
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
