PSU Ranked Fifth in NCAA Division II in Football Attendance - KOAM TV 7

PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg State football team convincingly led the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and ranked fifth among all NCAA Division II schools in home game attendance during the 2012 season.

The Gorillas averaged 10,055 fans in five home games at Brandenburg Field/Carnie Smith Stadium last fall, with sell-out crowds in four of the five contests. Pitt State's average attendance represented an amazing 126 percent of capacity in the 7,950-seat venue.

The Gorillas packed more than 10,000 or more fans into Carnie Smith Stadium three times, including a season-high 11,910 fans for Homecoming on Oct. 20 – the second-largest home crowd in school history.

Pitt State ranked behind only Grand Valley State (12,034), Miles (11,117), Kentucky State (10,534) and West Texas A&M (10,379) in home attendance in 2012.

The Gorillas averaged 2,300 more fans than their closest MIAA competitor, Central Missouri (7715).

"Our alumni and fan support at Pittsburg State Univeristy is second to none," said Pitt State head coach Tim Beck, the 2011 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year. "Gorilla Nation is fully engaged in our football program, our athletic department as a whole and Pittsburg State University. We see it in unparalleled private funding for new facilities, we see it in community spirit for and support of our university, and it certainly was evident at Carnie Smith Stadium at home football games last fall."

2012 MIAA School Home Attendance Figures

School                G    Total     Avg.

Pittsburg State.......5....50276....10055

Central Missouri......5....38577.....7715
NW Missouri State.....6....45840.....7640
Washburn..............6....34971.....5829
Emporia State.........5....25585.....5117
Missouri Western......7....33178.....4740
Missouri Southern.....6....27417.....4570
Fort Hays State.......5....18259.....3652
Central Oklahoma......5....16800.....3360
Truman................6....19303.....3217
Nebraska-Kearney......5....15179.....3036
Lindenwood............6....16583.....2764
Northeastern State....5....12706.....2541
Southwest Baptist.....6....11044.....1841
Lincoln...............5.....7326.....1465