[WILDCAT NATION]

I love the fact that in a "basketball state" Bluegrass Rivals always has more people viewing and talking football than basketball. I think the tide has changed that other than 3 weeks a year (tournament time), Kentucky is now a football state. And I for one could not be happier! I have always felt football was underestimated for years, but now that we have message boards and websites that show the numbers, there is no more debate.

Like the shirts we had printed up for our youth leagues this year said:

"There is only one perfect ball. The rest are just round."

[Stardust]

Well, there are what, 70-100 to a football program in comparison to 25-35 for basketball? Lot more parents of Football players are on here than possible for Basketball.

[WILDCAT NATION]

Well, there are what, 70-100 to a football program in comparison to 25-35 for basketball? Lot more parents of Football players are on here than possible for Basketball.

You missed my point....My point was the level of interest in the sport vs. basketball.

[foxtrot1]

Kentucky is and always will be a basketball state. You can't simply look at numbers on message boards to determine which sport is bigger. Stardust made a great point in what he said. Football players and parents outnumber most basketball players and parents around 3 to 1.

[#1 Blackcat Fan]

I agree with your logic, but it is funny that even after football is over there are still more viewing football than basketball.

[Jarons]

Basketball is only more popular at the college level in Kentucky. UK's and UofL's success in basketball gives the perception that Kentucky is a basketball state.

[goscots56]

Not that this is a HUGE point....but there are 35,000+ fans every year at the Trinity X football game and not nearly as many at the basketball game.

[Bobcat_Dad]

Basketball is only more popular at the college level in Kentucky. UK's and UofL's success in basketball gives the perception that Kentucky is a basketball state.

:Thumbs:

[Big Five-0-]

Agree wildcat Nation. Good post.

[ekff]

So people KENTUCKY WILL NEVER be a football state..... Sweet 16 20,000 and Football finals around 5,000 to 7,000......

[3wishes]

So people KENTUCKY WILL NEVER be a football state..... Sweet 16 20,000 and Football finals around 5,000 to 7,000......

What are you talking about? Bowling Green entertained over 20,000 fans this year for 12 teams (4 less than basketball) and it was cold outside. The elders who watch at Rupp is a time honored tradition and rarely go to the games themselves rather sit around the lobby and talk.

Besides what would those basketball players wear to the sweet 16 if it weren't for the revenue generated by the #1 sport in the state, football?

[3wishes]

Let me re-phrase my earlier number of attendance because I don't think just saying football had over 20,000 is a fair statement.

The correct statement would be that football actually had twice the amount of fans then add on almost 10,000 more so football had 48,000 to basketballs 20,000 and football had 2 days basketball has 3 and it is outside in terrrible weather.

[Stardust]

Let me re-phrase my earlier number of attendance because I don't think just saying football had over 20,000 is a fair statement.

The correct statement would be that football actually had twice the amount of fans then add on almost 10,000 more so football had 48,000 to basketballs 20,000 and football had 2 days basketball has 3 and it is outside in terrrible weather.

Well, you have not made a good argument yet. I have no idea what your numbers are above, how did you come up with 48,000 football and 20,000 for basketball? but let's take the numbers you have and and play around with them to see who's argument makes more sense.

One of the primary drivers of High School sports is the family members of the players. Since football teams average 70 players who dress for the football championship games, and Basketball dresses 13, it certainly appears that Basketball could put more buts in seats with a 70 player squad than does football. If football drew 70% more attendees, it too them 85% more players to do it!

[Tica]

What!!! Off season interest in Ky. prep football. The KHSAA will have to move quickly to stomp that down.

[MTNS RULE]

All you have to do is go to a H.S. gym on friday night and see what the attendance is.Basketball has virtually fallen off the map.The quality level is not close to what it used to be and football has gotten much better.When you mention UK or UL basketball its a social event,a status symbol and a place to be seen.Kids used to keep score in a notebook when Caywood was on the radio now they could care less..same as me.1 and dones,coaches go to the highest bidder.When you take ex-players out of the administration and the coaching of a college you lose the traditions of a program.The true fans leave with them.Now we are left with fans who have the financial means to be the highest bidder for tickets.The working man and his kids are out of the loop,those are the fans that built programs with followings, not corporate sponsors.The same holds true for baseball and other sports.

[3wishes]

Well, you have not made a good argument yet. I have no idea what your numbers are above, how did you come up with 48,000 football and 20,000 for basketball? but let's take the numbers you have and and play around with them to see who's argument makes more sense.

One of the primary drivers of High School sports is the family members of the players. Since football teams average 70 players who dress for the football championship games, and Basketball dresses 13, it certainly appears that Basketball could put more buts in seats with a 70 player squad than does football. If football drew 70% more attendees, it too them 85% more players to do it!

Pay attention Stardust:

A 5761
AA 7918
AAA 5792
AAAA 13167
AAAAA 5959
AAAAAA 9116

Grand Total: 47,713

That is the where I got 48,000 for football.

I was just comparing the basketball numbers that ekyfb posted, I have no idea on Rupp attendance, however, I can spin your argument as well because while basketball rosters have less players, they also have heat and inside accomodations as well as being located in a much bigger city as well as having time on its side considering basketball has been around longer.

You also have to be kidding yourself thinking that basketball rosters have just 13 compared to football's 60-70 players as well. First of all, very few teams in football at Bowling Green had that many on the roster. Secondly, basketball has more than 13 roster players, sure that may be all that gets to play varsity but do you think all 40-50 players in football get to play varsity? The answer is no.
Belfry and Hazard did not play over 20 players probably in their state game.

Both sports have a 9th and JV schedule as well and last I knew the counted as being on the team and certainly the mommys and daddys would be there supporting their sons team regardless if they are playing or not because of the social aspect and school support. But just in case you don't believe that, then don't fall for believing that all the parents of football players show up either because they most certaintly DO NOT. I have seen a lot of seniors show up on senior night without an escort before.

[RichBrooks]

What is the most popular thing in Kentucky? UK basketball! Will never ever change, that's why its a basketball state. I enjoy high school football much more than basketball but it will always be a basketball state because of UK.

[Aslan]

Kentucky will always be a basketball state.

[papagrit]

I love football and like basketball....I used to love UK basketball, when they played with more players from the state. I'm absolutely no Louisville basketball fan, but, the Cards have sure developed a lot more players in recent years from this state and I admire them for that. Currently, Knowles, from Clark County can provide substance to this argument. When has UK really relied on a Kentucky talent in the last few years? It's sad to me when the Kentucky boys come in the game to be the Steve Masiello "Cigar Men". I will be rooting for Louisville's girls team for the next four years after this one as Sara Hammond from Rockcastle will be on the Louisville women's team...after that...I'll come back to my senses! UK didn't give her a look until it was too late, while Louisville courted her since she was at least a freshman.
I do think that football popularity, if not the favorite sport in the state, has gained on basketball at the high school level. Basketball will always be the favorite at the college level.

[LClion4life]

Kentucky will always be a basketball state! Just compare the talent levels of the teams to neighboring states, such as Ohio. Ohio football dominates Kentucky football year after year but Kentucky is known to have better high school basketball play than Ohio. Ohio is a football state, Kentucky is a basketball state.

[Stardust]

Pay attention Stardust:

A 5761
AA 7918
AAA 5792
AAAA 13167
AAAAA 5959
AAAAAA 9116

Grand Total: 47,713

That is the where I got 48,000 for football.

I was just comparing the basketball numbers that ekyfb posted, I have no idea on Rupp attendance, however, I can spin your argument as well because while basketball rosters have less players, they also have heat and inside accomodations as well as being located in a much bigger city as well as having time on its side considering basketball has been around longer.

You also have to be kidding yourself thinking that basketball rosters have just 13 compared to football's 60-70 players as well. First of all, very few teams in football at Bowling Green had that many on the roster. Secondly, basketball has more than 13 roster players, sure that may be all that gets to play varsity but do you think all 40-50 players in football get to play varsity? The answer is no.
Belfry and Hazard did not play over 20 players probably in their state game.

Both sports have a 9th and JV schedule as well and last I knew the counted as being on the team and certainly the mommys and daddys would be there supporting their sons team regardless if they are playing or not because of the social aspect and school support. But just in case you don't believe that, then don't fall for believing that all the parents of football players show up either because they most certaintly DO NOT. I have seen a lot of seniors show up on senior night without an escort before.

You have not made an accurate point to make me believe in your comparison of the attendance based on player ratio. It has nothing to do with "Who" plays, and yes, the parent of the #40, 50, 60, or 70th player on the football sideline will come to see their son stand on the sideline, just as the parent of the 13th player who sits the bench. It is ALL relevant. Football will draw more fans in High School, because there are more football players, thus more individuals who will come to see that players game. And it's going to be the same ratio for the football player and the basketball player as to how actively involved the parent is.

And for real, you are going to say that football fans don't go the state championship because of the weather? No, the parents and family members & Friends are going at the same ratio as the Basketball family and friends!

[OrangenowBlue]

Pay attention Stardust:

A 5761
AA 7918
AAA 5792
AAAA 13167
AAAAA 5959
AAAAAA 9116

Grand Total: 47,713

That is the where I got 48,000 for football.

I was just comparing the basketball numbers that ekyfb posted, I have no idea on Rupp attendance, however, I can spin your argument as well because while basketball rosters have less players, they also have heat and inside accomodations as well as being located in a much bigger city as well as having time on its side considering basketball has been around longer.

You also have to be kidding yourself thinking that basketball rosters have just 13 compared to football's 60-70 players as well. First of all, very few teams in football at Bowling Green had that many on the roster. Secondly, basketball has more than 13 roster players, sure that may be all that gets to play varsity but do you think all 40-50 players in football get to play varsity? The answer is no.
Belfry and Hazard did not play over 20 players probably in their state game.

Both sports have a 9th and JV schedule as well and last I knew the counted as being on the team and certainly the mommys and daddys would be there supporting their sons team regardless if they are playing or not because of the social aspect and school support. But just in case you don't believe that, then don't fall for believing that all the parents of football players show up either because they most certaintly DO NOT. I have seen a lot of seniors show up on senior night without an escort before.

Your statistics are a little skewered when you state that football has drawn more then basketball. Anybody around the KHSAA will tell you that the Boys Sweet Sixteen is the moneymaker that keeps it afloat. The 2010 boys state tournament sold 118,419 tickets last year for the whole tournament. The average attendance per session was 14,802. The championship game attendance was 15,048. That is almost 2000 more then the highest attend championship game of the football championship. At the boys state tournament they sell quadruple as many programs and quadruple as many concessions. I do think the attendance and support for football is getting better but the problem is the primary fan attendance at the football games is the fans from the participating schools. The core group who attends the basketball state tournament is third parties who come every year. Once the football starts averaging 10,000 to 15,000 people a game no matter who is playing, then they can put theirselves in the same category.

[nky]

By the way football lends itself to discussion boards posting- one game per week you have time to banter and blow smoke toward your next opponent. Basketball not some much- each team plays multiple times a week so the hype is muted during the regular season

[Beetle01]

Kentucky isnt a basketball state. If the UK football team had as much success as the basketball team, no one would give a darn about basketball. It would be like every other SEC school.

Kentucky football is still what drives UK's athletic programs, and thats without even having luxury sweets which would add another 20+ mil a year in revenue. Its pathetic how the UK AD runs their programs. No one cares if the girls volleyball team, or the soccer team is any good.

[BlackcatAlum]

Kentucky isnt a basketball state. If the UK football team had as much success as the basketball team, no one would give a darn about basketball. It would be like every other SEC school.

Kentucky football is still what drives UK's athletic programs, and thats without even having luxury sweets which would add another 20+ mil a year in revenue. Its pathetic how the UK AD runs their programs. No one cares if the girls volleyball team, or the soccer team is any good.

Agreed.

I do think that this state is more of a football state than basketball state now. Sure those who graduated from small schools are more of basketball fans than football fans, but that's only because their school probably didn't get a football program until within the past 20 or so years, while basketball has been around for as long as the school has.

SD posted some interesting facts above, but I still think that most on here and around this state would rather goto a football game than basketball game. Although, I would rather goto the sweet 16 rather than to Bowling Green to see the football state championships.

[3wishes]

Your statistics are a little skewered when you state that football has drawn more then basketball. Anybody around the KHSAA will tell you that the Boys Sweet Sixteen is the moneymaker that keeps it afloat. The 2010 boys state tournament sold 118,419 tickets last year for the whole tournament. The average attendance per session was 14,802.

My stats aren't skewed for football, I was only going by 20,000 by what ekyfb stated earlier in the thread. I have no idea, however, if the Sweet 16 sold 118,419 tickets last season and there are 15 games played, how do you get an average of 14,802?

I get an average of 7,894 per game regardless of sessions, etc. Per game there was an average of 7,894 people at the Sweet 16 in Lexington sitting inside and as you stated 1/3 are thrid parties that go as tradition and don't attend the games themselves.

Football averaged 7,952 people per game outside in the freezing cold in an upcoming city.

Those are the facts and do I think any of this makes KY a football or basketball state? Absolutely not, but one cannot seriously use the Sweet 16 as the force behind why they think basketball is king either based on attendance because football beats them.

Honestly, if a state has to argue this question then they are probably neither a football or basketball state, because I doubt you ever go onto a Ohio website and see an argument for basketball being superior because they all know footbal is king and vice versa I doubt you go to an Indiana website and see them acting as if football is superior when basketball clearly is.

[LClion4life]

My stats aren't skewed for football, I was only going by 20,000 by what ekyfb stated earlier in the thread. I have no idea, however, if the Sweet 16 sold 118,419 tickets last season and there are 15 games played, how do you get an average of 14,802?

People stay for more than one game at a time. You don't need a ticket for each individual game.

[OrangenowBlue]

Each ticket covers one session which is two games. Anyway why argue about it. Why can't people like both sports equally. To me this is really a dumb thread.

[BeReal]

A basketball squad has WAY WAY WAY less players than a football squad. Therefore, there are more football parents than basketball parents. The numbers you are seeing are accounting for the larger amounts of parents. It does not mean football is favored.

[BeReal]

All you have to do is go to a H.S. gym on friday night and see what the attendance is.Basketball has virtually fallen off the map.The quality level is not close to what it used to be and football has gotten much better.When you mention UK or UL basketball its a social event,a status symbol and a place to be seen.Kids used to keep score in a notebook when Caywood was on the radio now they could care less..same as me.1 and dones,coaches go to the highest bidder.When you take ex-players out of the administration and the coaching of a college you lose the traditions of a program.The true fans leave with them.Now we are left with fans who have the financial means to be the highest bidder for tickets.The working man and his kids are out of the loop,those are the fans that built programs with followings, not corporate sponsors.The same holds true for baseball and other sports.

As far as basketball falling off the map, this would differ from school to school. Sure maybe YOUR local H.S. has fewer basketball numbers. But there are still a great many flourishing basketball programs out there.