At a Monday news conference, Texas Tech head football coach Joey Maguire took a moment to address the disappointing attendance at the University of Southern California’s season‑opening game at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Maguire, who leads a program known for its emphasis on moral character and family values, said he has “a lot of respect for USC and Lincoln Riley,” but could not ignore the sparse crowd that watched the Trojans host San Jose State.
USC’s low turnout sparks criticism
The Trojans played the Spartans on a scorching noon kickoff, with temperatures in the mid‑90s and unusually high humidity for Southern California. Maguire noted that the timing and weather, combined with LA’s notorious traffic, limited parking and forced fans into long security lines, leading many to stay home. “It was absolutely embarrassing,” he said, echoing the sentiment of many commentators who have called the turnout “pathetic.”
Texas Tech expects a sold‑out home crowd
In contrast, Maguire expressed excitement about the Red Raiders’ upcoming game in Lubbock, where the stadium is expected to be filled with 60,000 fans. “We’re playing in front of a sold‑out crowd in Lubbock, Texas, and the fans love their football,” he said. He added that while the forecast calls for 92‑degree heat with lower humidity, the 4 p.m. kickoff will allow the sun to set over the stadium by the second half, offering a more comfortable experience than the relentless midday heat in Los Angeles.
Weather and ticket pricing affect fan decisions
Maguire pointed out that weather conditions often dictate attendance in college football, especially in hot‑summer markets. He noted that USC’s ticket prices are higher than many regional rivals, and the university’s increasingly international student body may have less interest in football. “When you price tickets beyond what the market can support, you risk empty seats,” he said.
Local fans in Lubbard face their own challenges
While Texas Tech fans are praised for their dedication, Maguire acknowledged that Lubbock’s summer climate can be unforgiving. “Most Texas Tech home games in August and September are going to be miserable because the weather is objectively awful for two straight months,” he said. Yet he emphasized that the community’s commitment to supporting the team outweighs the discomfort, noting that there are few competing entertainment options in the area.
Implications for college football attendance trends
The coach’s comments highlight a broader issue in college football: the balance between scheduling, ticket pricing, and fan experience. As programs across the nation grapple with rising costs and competing entertainment options, attendance figures may become a key metric for evaluating the health of a team’s fan base.
For Texas Tech supporters, the message is clear: show up, endure the heat, and back the Red Raiders as they aim for a strong start to the season. For USC, the criticism may serve as a reminder to consider more fan‑friendly kickoff times, pricing strategies, and transportation solutions to avoid future low‑attendance games.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
