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SALT LAKE CITY — With just over a week before the Utes gymnastics team has its first home meet, more than 7,000 season tickets have sold for the 2015 season. That's a new school record. Last year the Red Rocks broke the record for the highest season attendance average (14,376).
Attendance records are nothing new to Utah. Every NCAA gymnastics attendance record belongs to the Utes. This includes the most people to ever watch a collegiate gymnastics meet (15,558 vs. Florida in 2011). The Huntsman Center has a capacity of 15,000, but has hosted 11 crowds of 15,000 or more — versus Florida, Georgia, BYU, Cal-State Fullerton, Boise State, Washington, Utah State and Southern Utah.
It was amazing. I felt the vibe of all the fans.
–Kari Lee
The average attendance has risen since Utah joined the Pac-12. The Utes have averaged more than 11,000 fans per meet since 1992, but in the last five years the numbers have jumped to more than 14,000.
Fans support Utah gymnastics even before the season begins. Last month the team held its annual Red Rocks preview. The event debuts the lineup and allows the freshmen to get a feel for the Huntsman Center's atmosphere. A total of 4,346 people attended the event.
"It was amazing. I felt the vibe of all the fans," freshman Kari Lee said.
This season marks the 40th anniversary for No. 6-ranked Utah gymnastics team and co-head coach Greg Marsden. The reigning Pac-12 champions are looking to head to the National Championship and claim another victorious season. It’s not an easy task, but the support of dedicated fans makes the journey a little easier.
"We are ready to get the season started," said Marsden.
Utah will compete against BYU for their first meet at the Marriott Center Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Their first home meet is Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. against No. 19 Boise State, Southern Utah and UC Davis.
