Is it the concessions, friends, creative themes, or the competition that brings you to a Skyline sports game?
As Skylines sports seasons unfold, attendance rates may be more than just numbers; the support from fans not only boosts morale but can also enhance the game’s outcome. Attendance varies with the degree of rivalry, level of play, and advertisement.
Student attendance starts with advertisements that get people to games. “We post on Instagram every game day,” says Varsity Field Hockey player Catherine Howard (‘26). “We also do themes so people in school can see that we have a game that day.”
When the stands are filled with cheering fans, it can energize the team and boost motivation to win. “It makes me want to play better,” says Varsity Basketball player Abby Yuan (‘25). “People will actually show up for a middle school night or senior night.”
Sports events give students an excuse to come together, support their peers, and build a sense of community within their school. “Students attend because they either know people playing, want to support their school team, or know kids at a different rival school,” says JV Soccer player Jacob Coultas (‘28).
It’s clear that a team’s success and the growing excitement around the program will attract more people. It’s very motivating for a team to do well one year but then could change the next. “I definitely think that students are more likely to come when we have a good team…more entertaining to watch your team win than lose,” says Varsity Volleyball player Jessica Lee (‘25). “The attendance is lower than in past years because volleyball stars Harper and Kendall Murray aren’t here anymore.”
Fan engagement activities that go along with themes entice fans to stay involved, which helps the overall program flourish. “Our pink out game in September we hold a 50/50 raffle,” says Varsity Volleyball player Riley Howe (‘25). “Which donates 50% of the money made to breast cancer research.”
Rival schools and home-court advantage causes athletes who have friends on other teams to make the intensity of the game higher, especially in contact sports. “When you play a rival school like Pioneer or Huron, the student sections are packed, it’s very loud and ultimately a great atmosphere to play in,” says Varsity Football player Noah Scherer (‘26). “Whereas playing teams from out of the city…there are not many in the other teams’ student section.”
“Many student sections try to psych players out by screaming when we serve,” says Howe. “I feel that this only motivates me to do better. You know you have people that don’t want to see you succeed, so prove them wrong.”
