Iowa Women’s Basketball Sells Out Season Tickets for the First Time in Program History
The Iowa women’s basketball team has achieved a significant milestone by selling out its entire season allotment of tickets for the first time in program history. The Hawkeyes, who were the NCAA runner-up in April, have become college basketball rock stars within the state of Iowa. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development:
Record-Breaking Attendance
Last year, Iowa set the Big Ten record for average attendance with an impressive 11,142 fans per game. This year, they are aiming to surpass that number and create a new record. The capacity at Carver-Hawkeye Arena is 15,056, and the Hawkeyes led the nation with eight games that drew over 13,000 fans last season. The overwhelming support from their loyal fan base has been instrumental in their success.
Historic Achievement
Before this announcement, the Hawkeyes had only sold out three regular-season games in program history. However, both of their last two season finales reached capacity. This year, every game will be a sell-out event. The demand for season tickets was so high in April that the athletics department had to halt sales. Despite increasing ticket prices by at least $25 per regular-season ticket, fans eagerly bought out the entire season three months before the opening tip.
Unprecedented Fan Support
The Hawkeyes’ popularity extends beyond their home arena. When playing at Big Ten road venues, their opponents experienced an average increase of 3,482 fans compared to their season average. The Hawkeyes’ appearance in the title game against LSU garnered the largest audience in women’s basketball history, with 9.9 million viewers tuning in. Even when a home non-conference game against Cleveland State was moved to Des Moines, tickets sold out within 90 minutes.
The Caitlin Clark Effect
One of the main reasons for the overwhelming demand for Iowa women’s basketball tickets is the presence of Caitlin Clark. Clark, who was named the consensus national player of the year, had a phenomenal season, averaging 27.8 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game. She made history by recording the first 40-point triple-double in NCAA tournament history, breaking records for most 3-point field goals made (24) and most points scored (191) in a single tournament.
Clark’s Impact
Clark’s impact goes beyond her individual achievements. She is the first player in Division I women’s basketball history to amass over 1,000 points and 300 assists in a single season. In fact, no player in the last 20 seasons, whether in men’s or women’s basketball, has reached 1,500 career points faster than Clark. Her exceptional performance earned her the unanimous title of women’s basketball player of the year.
Strong Team Foundation
While Clark has been the standout player, the success of the Iowa women’s basketball team is also attributed to the contributions of other key players. Starters Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall are returning this season, along with budding superstar forward Hannah Stuelke. With this strong foundation, the Hawkeyes are poised to continue their winning streak and captivate their fans.
Looking Ahead
To further engage their passionate fan base, Iowa women’s basketball will be staging an exhibition game at Kinnick Stadium against DePaul on October 15. This unique event will provide an opportunity for fans to witness their favorite team in a different setting. Tickets for this game will go on sale soon, with priority given to season ticket holders.
In conclusion, the Iowa women’s basketball team has achieved a remarkable feat by selling out its season tickets for the first time in program history. The overwhelming demand can be attributed to the team’s success, the exceptional performance of Caitlin Clark, and the unwavering support of their dedicated fan base. As the Hawkeyes gear up for another exciting season, their sold-out games are a testament to the growing popularity and impact of women’s college basketball in Iowa.