What really gets fans into the stands for NCAA women’s volleyball? Lily Barker and Alex Traugutt have the answer.
EVENING MATCH MAGIC
Barker, a former player and sport management major at Elon, teamed up with Traugutt to dive deep into what drives attendance. Their study, published in the Journal of Amateur Sport, is a game-changer. Analyzing over 700 matches from 15 NCAA Division I programs between 2021 and 2023, they pinpointed key factors that fill the seats.
Evening start times? They’re a big deal. Fans love them. Who knew volleyball and twilight were such a perfect match? And when the competition is fierce, like those conference matchups, you better believe the stands are packed. Opponent strength? Yep, it's a crowd magnet.
PROMOTIONS WORK, BUT DON'T SLEEP ON THE MATCHUP
Promotional events? They bring a bump in numbers, but not as much as you’d think. It's the level of play that really hooks the crowd. "By analyzing real-world data from across the NCAA landscape, Lily helped uncover insights that athletic departments can use to enhance the fan experience," Traugutt said. A nod to how critical the game day experience is, rather than just wins and losses.
NOT JUST ABOUT THE WINS
Interestingly, win-loss records and past postseason success didn’t sway attendance much. Fans are there for the thrill of the game, the experience, the spectacle — not just the scoreline. It's about more than the numbers on the board. It's the vibe, the intensity, and the love for the sport.
“This project really captures what experiential learning looks like at Elon,” Traugutt added. Barker’s journey from player to researcher shows how passion translates into insight.
So, here’s the play: strategic scheduling, creative promo efforts, and killer matchups. That’s the formula to keep the momentum of women’s collegiate volleyball rolling. And just like that, Barker and Traugutt have handed athletic departments the playbook.
That'll do it.
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Source: elon.edu
