Attendance at Alhambra Games Falters, ASB in Efforts to Raise Student Support

KEVIN KONG
Sports Editor

Imagine Homecoming night. Hundreds sat together under Friday Night Lights as they cheered on the football team. However, for many athletes, a crowd can be a rare sight.

In fact, many athletes perform without an audience. There are a variety of reasons for a decline in attendance, such as a lack of transportation to games and the cost of tickets.

Most teams play at offsite locations like Moor Field, Granada Park or Almansor Park. For example, out of the seven fall sports, only volleyball and tennis have on-campus games. Furthermore, the cost can increase as students begin to attend more events. However, the Associated Student Body (ASB) card allows a student unlimited entry to games so that they are able to support their Moors. Another issue that vexes many students’ efforts to attend games has been time restraints.

“No one has the time to go to a game and then come back home and do homework. If games were [played at an] earlier [time], then more people would [go],” junior Nourhan Ateout said.

Though there are multiple reasons students may not go to games, students may benefit from being in the stands. They are able show support for their fellow Moors, have the opportunity to get involved in the community and earn service hours for their club by watching a game. Athletes benefit in the sense that they gain confidence when they see supporterswho believe in them.

“Although [an audience] may put […] pressure on players, I feel like it also boosts their confidence as they think that all these people came out […] because they […] have confidence in us,” junior volleyball player Kiyomi Takemoto said.

ASB has also been raising support by having pep rallies for teams during lunch on Third Street. During these rallies, athletes introduce themselves, announce future games and play interactive games with a few audience members.

“[ASB] want[s] players to feel like the school supports them in every single way. It also brings school spirit if kids take part in encouraging our athletes as a community and a school. Being encouraged by fellow student[s] brings encouragement, motivation and excitement,” ASB Director of Athletics Ricky Martinez said.