This past weekend, the sports marketing student employees stood in front of a full box of lacrosse pinnies, waiting to give them away to fans attending the Loyola men’s lacrosse team’s game at Ridley Athletic Complex. But the box stayed full as the team broke a new school record for lowest attendance at a sporting event, with only two ticketed fans in attendance. Both fans were parents of players on the team.

“I don’t understand why people aren’t coming to our games. We’re doing well!” said Brett Longbow, senior attackman on the nationally ranked Loyola team.

Contrarily, Loyola’s women’s lacrosse team has sold out Ridley four games in a row.

“It’s just way more fun to go to a women’s game,” said John Farrow, a sophomore lacrosse fan. “Men’s lacrosse is boring to watch.”

The sports marketing department has tried a myriad of tactics to draw people to the men’s games, with different giveaways and free food at nearly every home event. During doubleheaders with the women’s team, the sports marketing department has even offered free admission to the men’s game with purchase of a ticket for the women’s game.

“I honestly think it’s just because we’re men,” Longbow said.

Head coach Charley Toomey is disappointed by the lack of attendance. “They work so hard every day. It’s really a shame that students don’t come out to the games to recognize that.”

Jana Witt of the women’s lacrosse team acknowledges the inequity. “It’s really sad that people don’t go to the men’s game. They really deserve a lot of fans and they’re having a really great season.”

But when asked if Witt attends the men’s games herself, she said no. “I’m more concerned about our games,” she said.

As the season winds down, the sports marketing department will continue to use incentives in an attempt to draw fans to the men’s games. “We’re always trying new ideas and trying to see what students are receptive to,” said Marissa Jansen, director of sports marketing. “Everyone says students will come if you give away t-shirts or free food, but so far that hasn’t really worked. We just have to keep trying.”