Where Have All The Fans Gone? And Are They Coming Back?

Every fall, Morehouse's Burwell Towns (B.T.) Harvey Stadium is abuzz with excited fans for Homecoming. However, for the other nine games, the stadium stands empty, leading the student body to ask: Where do all the fans go, and will they come back?

There are several reasons for the low attendance at the football games. To start, students are preoccupied trying to keep up with the high demand of student life at Spelman and Morehouse. They are working, completing their volunteer hours, participating in registered student organizations and doing their classwork. This does not even take into account the time required to maintain a social life, such as spending time with friends or resting. 

When students are stretched thin and the football team is struggling, it leads to a perception that attending games is a waste of time. 

Many students have yet to experience the excitement and camaraderie that football games can offer. The band, color guard, majorettes and cheer team all contribute to a vibrant experience that extends beyond the game itself.

“The energy and community of the band brings the game to life,” Maroon Mystique member Jade Strickland said. “I hope my sisters continue to come and watch all the teams performing this season.”

Morehouse is not the only school that does not excel at football. However, when compared to SEC schools such as University of Alabama and Louisiana State University, and even other HBCUs like FAMU or NCAT, SpelHouse lacks a thriving gameday culture. 

SpelHouse does not promote the fun of Saturdays, such as tailgating, dressing up and socializing with friends. The gameday environment and pre-game enjoyment contribute to the overall atmosphere of the games, fans and players, win or lose. What is SpelHouse missing?

In simple terms, a closed mouth does not get fed. Morehouse self-isolates when it comes to sports, particularly when it comes to including Spelman students.

 If Morehouse maintains a non-welcoming environment for Spelman students at B.T. Harvey Stadium, they risk continuing low fan engagement at games. After all, they are the ones dressing up, attending tailgates and taking pictures for social media. 

However, a vibrant gameday is a shared responsibility. Morehouse students can set the tone in supporting their brothers by attending games themselves, hosting tailgates and encouraging visitors from other schools. 

The siblinghood is alive, and opening football games to all students is an effective way to capitalize on the SpelHouse connection. It is a win-win situation, providing Spelman students with more social activities and affordable outings while attracting larger crowds to Morehouse games.