As somebody who's loved and respected women's sports ever since I was a statistician for my HS girls bball team that went 23-1 in the early 1990s (no, I'm not still bitter about that loss where the ball rolled out of the hoop at the buzzer and we didn't even get to go to the state tournament why do you ask? 🤣) I think Coach Cook's right that Volleyball Day in Nebraska and the novelty of setting a record helps get some people out who might not otherwise come; who then they find out "these women can play!" but most fans are there because programs like Husker Volleyball and Iowa WBB (🤮) win. Amy Williams program caught fire a couple years ago with an undefeated start to the season and tournament appearance. That winning turned into an attendance record last season.
I'm guessing Coach Cook may not want to play at PBA because at The Bob the crowd is closer to the court and helps give the Huskers a great home court advantage? I understand where he's coming from, but IMO a home court/field advantage is "about the winning." His team would have a home court advantage wherever they play in Nebraska because of the fanbase they've built by being good for years.
I think it's tough because Devaney is home, no matter what. Having the fans that close to the court and in an environment that the team is used to is a big factor, but he knows the value in getting more fans involved. I'll be eager to see how they address that demand in the future. I don't suspect they'll move from Devaney any time soon, but I think even having one match away from Devaney per year could make a difference in getting more fans to see the team.
As somebody who's loved and respected women's sports ever since I was a statistician for my HS girls bball team that went 23-1 in the early 1990s (no, I'm not still bitter about that loss where the ball rolled out of the hoop at the buzzer and we didn't even get to go to the state tournament why do you ask? 🤣) I think Coach Cook's right that Volleyball Day in Nebraska and the novelty of setting a record helps get some people out who might not otherwise come; who then they find out "these women can play!" but most fans are there because programs like Husker Volleyball and Iowa WBB (🤮) win. Amy Williams program caught fire a couple years ago with an undefeated start to the season and tournament appearance. That winning turned into an attendance record last season.
I'm guessing Coach Cook may not want to play at PBA because at The Bob the crowd is closer to the court and helps give the Huskers a great home court advantage? I understand where he's coming from, but IMO a home court/field advantage is "about the winning." His team would have a home court advantage wherever they play in Nebraska because of the fanbase they've built by being good for years.
I think it's tough because Devaney is home, no matter what. Having the fans that close to the court and in an environment that the team is used to is a big factor, but he knows the value in getting more fans involved. I'll be eager to see how they address that demand in the future. I don't suspect they'll move from Devaney any time soon, but I think even having one match away from Devaney per year could make a difference in getting more fans to see the team.