UMKC Attendance Increase Among Nation’s Best

Men’s Basketball 2013-14 Attendance Scores Big

UMKCKANSAS CITY, Missouri  – As the 2013-14 academic year winds down, the University of Missouri – Kansas City has announced a regular season attendance average of 1,677. The Roos’ total for the year is a 36% jump from last year’s average of 1,235.

Collegiate Consulting’s Director of Ticket Sales Lance Wesson has been a big reason for the spike.

Wesson arrived in Kansas City only a few weeks prior to the start of the Roos’ season. Yet, as a Kansas City native himself, Wesson was able to capitalize on his knowledge and connections throughout the city.

“I was able to reach out to contacts who then connected me with other prospects,” Wesson said. “Being able to relate to the city and fans really helped me in drawing interest throughout the season.”

Wesson’s development of pipelines throughout Kansas City aided in the creation of several group events to bring fans on campus. He organized a Boy Scouts Night prior to the game against Indiana State University, hosting the Scouts with a party, shirts and patches. Nearly 300 scouts attended.

Of course, fans have witnessed plenty of other changes around the program that have created a buzz as well. First-year head coach Kareem Richardson arrived in Kansas City after winning a national championship as a member of Rick Pitino’s staff in Louisville. There was excitement around the program for the first time in years.

“I think UMKC’s move to the Western Athletic Conference helped draw the fans’ interest back,” Wesson explained. “It gave an opportunity to see different opponents.

“Moving to Municipal Auditorium engaged fans, because they know the history of that famed venue. The upgrades to the building gave it a modern look.”

No matter what the reason, both UMKC and Collegiate Consulting have set a strong foundation for the Roos and their fans in 2014.

###