2 - In regard to this "#50 averaged 9800 last year". Don't give me some raw figure of attendance across the country and tell me it matters. Stadiums are of different size, thus 9500 somewhere is a sell out - at Rupp Arena it is nothing. At The Octagon it is about 70-75% capacity. We need to be nearly selling games out to get an elite program in Manhattan. We just do not have any locational advantages to draw many players or coaches, so we have to make it up in other areas (such as attendance).
1st, you've got to compare with something. And the programs with 20K capacity are few and far between, most high-majors are going to be about like us, 10-15K. And IMO in what is likely an NIT year, 9500 would be a pretty good number. Last year was great, but the draw was 2 NBA players, now Frank has to build a program that draws.
IMO that is a big difference, and while the diehards will show, we haven't reached the point where the "average" K-State fan is going to pack up and go to watch a game vs Wagner for $30 per. We can complain about it, but that is reality. You don't become an "elite program" by going to the 2nd round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in 20+ years.
To me it isn't just about the fans or just about the product. Its going to take both, and college basketball experience over time has shown that usually the product brings the fans. Hopefully Frank can continue to build where 10K will be the smallest crowd we have, but those days aren't here yet.