WPU Experiencing Attendance Boom

Oskaloosa–The William Penn Athletics department enjoyed big crowds for several of its fall teams, bucking the current trend in collegiate athletics.

Both men’s and women’s soccer, as well as football and women’s volleyball, all saw home attendance increases, headlined by women’s volleyball jumping 182% from 2018 and a whopping 298% from 2017 to an average of 446 people per event this fall. Men’s soccer increased 91% since 2017 and 24% from 2018 (now to 230), while women’s soccer witnessed a 42% uptick from 2017 (now at 187). The football program also played in front of 61% more fans this past fall than in 2018 (now at 989).

“One of the top topics among athletic directors in the country, at all levels, is the decline in attendance at home games,” William Penn Athletics Director Nik Rule said. “We are pleased that we are resisting that trend and seeing increase in all of our sports. We believe this is a byproduct of a number of different things. Our coaches have assembled teams of student-athletes who connect well with our fans and are achieving at a higher rate each year, while also buying into our athletic department culture of creating a family between all sports. That mentality is noticed by our fanbase and there is an enhanced desire to be a part of it.”

“Additionally, our Athletic Operations team has intentionally been changing the experience at home games, adding entertainment and building an experience that serves as a supplement to the competition,” Rule added. “We are striving to make William Penn Athletics a top entertainment choice for our community.”