Aztecs Return to Football in Droves
Trolley ridership to the games is at an all-time high.
The success of and excitement surrounding the San Diego State football team last year has apparently spilled over to this season, where the Aztecs are leading the Mountain West Conference in average attendance going into its fourth home game this Saturday against the University of Wyoming.
Through three home games, 122,321 people have come out to Qualcomm Stadium to cheer on the Aztecs. It’s also no coincidence that a record number of those fans got to the stadium via the trolley.
Trend should continue
“Student ridership has been a big contributor to the difference so far,” said Rob Schupp, MTS director of marketing and communications. “In fact, we have already surpassed last year’s season total for trolley ridership.”
Tickets for the Aztecs’ remaining home games, particularly against Boise State University on Nov. 19, are moving briskly. The Department of Athletics encourages fans to get their tickets soon. And, it would seem, the trolley will continue to be a popular means of transportation to and from the games.
According to the Metropolitan Transit System, more than 25,000 people have taken the trolley to Aztec games this year. At this time last year, 85,715 people attended the Aztecs’ first three games, with 14,983 of them taking the trolley. In 2009, 82,921 people came to the Aztecs’ first three games, with 13,621 of them arriving via the trolley.
Student support
Led by The Show, the SDSU student section that has made Viejas Arena one of the most challenging places for visiting teams to play basketball, the atmosphere in the student section at Qualcomm Stadium brings back memories of some of the most exciting times in SDSU football history.
“The resurgence of our football program over the past couple seasons has, not coincidentally, inspired more and more of our students to come out and support the team,” said Athletic Director Jim Sterk.
“The excitement that they create is really contagious. Just like Viejas Arena has become the place to be during basketball season, Aztec football games are becoming an event in San Diego again.”
Faculty-staff barbecue
In addition to Homecoming and the KGB Sky Show, which each drew more than 45,000 fans, SDSU’s Athletic Department has some other things planned as the season moves forward.
Prior to the game against the University of New Mexico on Nov. 5, SDSU Athletics will host an all-university barbecue for faculty and staff. Tickets for the special pregame tailgate party, including lunch, can be purchased for $5 at the Viejas Arena ticket office. Faculty and staff who do not already have football season tickets can also purchase a discounted game ticket for just $5.
Las Vegas road trip
Additionally, the Aztec Club is giving fans the opportunity to join a road trip to the University of Nevada Las Vegas game on Nov. 26. The three-day trip will include lodging at the MGM Grand Hotel, game ticket and transportation to and from the game. Packages can be purchased by contacting the Aztec Club Office at 619-594-6444.
