Providence College was the box office winner in 2023-24, and the Friars are poised to get more out of the same basketball season.
The hiring of two new coaches increased momentum among men and created new interest among women. Kim English helped oversee an increase in average attendance at Amica Mutual Pavilion and Erin Batth benefited from nearly doubled fan support at Alumni Hall.
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Providence has already announced a 99% renewal rate on men’s basketball season tickets for 2024-25. The Friars have created a waiting list that could expand the 11,113 fans they welcomed on average to 19 home games last season. This represents an increase from an average of 10,608 fans at 17 home games in 2022-23.
“Everyone I talk to is very optimistic and excited about the future,” Providence athletic director Steve Napolillo said. “That’s what it’s all about. People invest in something they believe in.”
Providence was surprised last season by coach Ed Cooley’s departure for Big East rival Georgetown. The Friars rallied around English, who was hired from George Mason, and a collective sense of defiance surrounding the program. The motivation is to prove that Cooley’s success in his hometown — seven NCAA tournament appearances, regular season and conference tournament titles, a first Sweet 16 berth in 25 years — can be sustained regardless of who is in charge in the behind the scenes.
“This is a special place,” Napolillo said. “I can’t go anywhere – on a plane, out to dinner with my family. People want to talk about it.”
Providence finished 21-14 and reached the NIT behind league Player of the Year Devin Carter and largely without Bryce Hopkins, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury in early January. The Friars drew a regular-season low of 8,069 against Wagner and peaked at 12,608 in the final against eventual national champion Connecticut. Cooley’s return with the Hoyas was one of 10 home crowds attended by more than 12,000 people, which is effectively a sellout.
“They did an incredible job of creating an experience at AMP that is one of the best in the country,” Napolillo said. “I firmly believe that.”
How will Providence continue to market its product in the face of constant roster turnover? Carter has come out in favor of the NBA Draft and reforms at the NCAA — the transfer portal, money for players through name, image and likeness rights — making it less likely that programs will be built around developing recognizable stars from four years. Napolillo’s experience with the Pawtucket Red Sox before moving on to intercollegiate athletics gives him an idea of how to adjust.
“We always wanted to arrive and have an incredible experience with family, friends, children, grandparents,” said Napolillo. “Providence College has become the event in Rhode Island. Going to these games is the hottest ticket in town.”
Would the Friars be willing to give up a home game or two to strengthen their non-conference schedule? The Gavitt Games series with the Big Ten and the Big East-Big 12 Battle are expected to be completed within the next two years. Providence may be forced to challenge itself with home series or look for neutral floors at Mohegan Sun, Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center to schedule headlining opponents.
“We’re accepting all of those offers now,” Napolillo said. “I think you have to keep all these windows open. Which is best for your program?
“At the end of the day, the ultimate goal is to make the NCAA tournament. All of this is on the table and it’s real.”
The Friars jumped from a women’s average of 474 fans in 2022-23 to 809 in 2023-24. There was a renewed marketing push behind Batth, who replaced Jim Crowley. Providence reached the WNIT to complete 17 home meets on campus.
The University of Rhode Island continues to set the attendance standard when it comes to women’s soccer in the state. The Rams reached the Atlantic 10 title game after two consecutive WNIT appearances, and interest in their program is still rising. URI drew an average of 1,674 fans for 15 home games in 2023-24, another jump from 1,397 for 16 home games in 2022-23.
Consider the numbers at the Ryan Center before coach Tammi Reiss took over in 2019-20. The Rams drew an average of 429 fans across 14 home games in 2018-19 – a total of 6,011. It would have taken URI just four games last season to surpass that total.
bkoch@providencejournal.com
On X: @BillKoch25
This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: Providence baseball sells 99% of its tickets for next season
