Boys’ Sweet 16 attendance rebounds from pandemic, remains low compared to past years
With COVID-19 restrictions off, the 2022 UK HealthCare Boys’ Sweet 16 state basketball tournament drew 85,049 fans to Rupp Arena, a total well off the event’s average but good considering that pandemic worries linger.
“We are extremely grateful that so many people came out to support these fantastic teams. Every school from east to west should be proud of their support,” said Kentucky High School Athletic Association commissioner Julian Tackett. “Certainly extremely solid attendance and a volume level seldom heard in this building at any game. Just shows how much people continue to enjoy this grand tradition and supporting these great kids.”
Attendance for Saturday night’s championship game between Clark County and Warren Central numbered 11,957, just 10 fans shy of the pre-pandemic 2019 finals between Louisville Trinity and Scott County.
Clark County, located in nearby Winchester, appeared to draw more fans than Warren Central, which is 130 miles away in Bowling Green.
Masks were optional in Rupp Arena this year as COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed in recent weeks despite Fayette County remaining at “medium” risk, according to state guidance.
Last season, masks were required and attendance was limited for social distancing concerns. The attendance mark for the 2021 event was 47,686, its lowest since 1946 when it was held at the Armory in Louisville. The 2020 event was canceled because it was scheduled just after the onset of the global pandemic.
Tickets have become more expensive over the years and this year a walk-up ticket cost $22 per game and had to be purchased via credit card. But there were discounts off that rate during the week. Fans of winning teams could buy discounted tickets within certain time limits after each win. Another detrimental factor could be the construction in and around Rupp Arena as the venue continues to undergo its biggest remodel since it was opened in 1976.
This year’s attendance — outside of last year’s — was the lowest since 1994, the last time the event was held in Louisville’s Freedom Hall. From 1995 to 2014, Boys’ Sweet 16 attendance topped 100,000 fans 17 times. The tournament record attendance is 140,266, set at Rupp Arena in 1987 when Clay County defeated Ballard for the state title.
Five of 2022’s eight sessions topped 10,000 fans this week with Friday’s morning quarterfinals setting the highest mark at 12,479 fans for games featuring North Oldham, Lincoln County, Clark County and Pikeville. Wednesday’s session attendance rivaled 2019 numbers, but Thursday’s games fell below 10,000 fans.
Friday’s late quarterfinals featuring Lyon County, Covington Catholic, Murray and Warren Central drew the fewest fans of the week at 8,535. Three of those schools are from western Kentucky, a significant driving distance away.
