Will Rutgers Fans Finally Show Up For Thursday Night’s Showdown With Louisville?

Added by Gregg Snyder on November 27, 2012.

Overall attendance numbers have been a disappointment for Rutgers this season despite the teams success on the field.

It all comes down to one game. The Big East title and BCS bowl berth is one the line as the Rutgers Scarlet Knights host the Louisville Cardinals Thursday night in the final regular season game for both teams. It’s been a very successful season for Rutgers, led by first year head coach Kyle Flood.

For a team entering this game with a 9-2 record, you wouldn’t think attendance would be a concern. However, High Point Solutions Stadium has not exactly been a frightening place for opposing teams to enter. That must change Thursday night. The Rutgers football team needs it’s fans. But where are they? Why have they not shown up consistently this season?

Thursday night, prime time, national TV. It’s your time to shine Rutgers fans.

It’s not a Saturday afternoon game, there are no high school game conflicts. Sure, there will be some teams still practicing for their state playoff matchups, but the 7pm kickoff should provide plenty of time to get the the stadium for kickoff. It’s not Thanksgiving weekend. The students are not home with family for the holiday. All the typical excuses are gone, it’s time to show up.

When ESPN cameras pan the stadium, there should be nothing but a sea of scarlet.

All season, there have been plenty of empty seats that the naked eye can see. Rows empty, even some sections deserted. That can’t happen Thursday night. Rutgers fans have wanted big time football, championship football. It’s been promised. It’s now here to be taken. The chance is now. Sure, the football team needs to show up and put together their best four quarters of football, but the fans can do their part as well.

High Point Solutions Stadium has a seating capacity listed at 52,454. This season, attendance numbers have reached 50,000 just twice, games early in the season against Howard and Connecticut. The three home games since then have all been under 50,000 people in attendance.

The students have done a fairly good job of showing up, showing their pride and support. However, every student should be gathering their friends and even family, convincing them to head to the game this week. This is what so many of us have been waiting for, a chance to win the Big East title. And it’s Jersey, we don’t like to share.

Despite putting the schools best ever defense on the field, Rutgers will need every advantage it can get on Thursday night. Scarlet Knights fans have the opportunity to be a difference maker. Pack the stadium. Get inside early. Imagine what would go through the minds of the Louisville Cardinals team if they could feel the stadium shaking prior to taking the field. Let them hear the noise when inside the locker room.

Imagine how pumped up your Rutgers team will get if they hear and feel that same thing inside their locker room. This teams needs your support, they deserve your support. DJ Yoshi will have the music pumping. Rutgers fans must be loud, from start to finish.

Help the Scarlet Knights become sole Big East Champions!