June 6, 2006
The University of Iowa’s men’s basketball program averaged 12,006 fans at 17 home games during the 2005-06 season, ranking the Hawkeye program among the top 25 in the nation for the 27th consecutive season.
Iowa’s average of 12,006 last season ranked 25th in the nation among all Division I programs. Iowa and Indiana are the only two Big Ten Conference schools which have ranked among the top 25 in attendance each year since 1980 (The NCAA kept only a top 10 prior to 1978).
“It’s great to maintain our place among the top attendance programs in the nation,” said Iowa Coach Steve Alford. “We appreciate the great support that Hawkeye fans have shown through the years, it’s a testament to their loyalty. The increase in student support last season added to the atmosphere as the fans and players fed off each other as the season progressed. We look forward to building on the current streak as we head into next season.”
Overall, the Big Ten Conference led the nation for the 30th straight season, averaging 12,581 at 181 home games during the season. Six Big Ten programs ranked in the top 25 for the 2005-06 season. Along with ranking 25th in home attendance, Iowa ranked 22nd in the nation for all games, drawing a total of 432,606 fans for 34 games.
Iowa posted a 25-9 overall record last season, winning the Big Ten Conference Tournament title after earning a second place finish during the regular season. Iowa won all 17 home games in Carver-Hawkeye Arena and will carry an 18-game home winning streak, third longest in the nation, into the start of the 2006-07 season.