NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana attracted a Convocation Center-record 3,267 fans Saturday to its 67-41 men's basketball victory against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic presented by Hotard Coaches.
The previous record in the third-year facility was 2,700 for Xavier's 62-54 Crosstown Classic victory against Dillard on Jan. 25, 2014.
Saturday's opening game of the doubleheader, Xavier's 60-57 victory against Dillard, attracted 2,491 fans, a Convocation Center record for a women's game. The previous record was 1,000 for the Gold Nuggets' 88-34 victory against Johnson & Wales (Fla.) on Nov. 3, 2012, the day the facility opened to the public.
To date, men's basketball has produced a 16.5 increase in average home attendance from 2013-14 and a 23.3 percent increase in total home attendance. Women's basketball has increased 20.3 percent in average home attendance and 38.8 percent in total home attendance. During the fall, women's volleyball increased 9.6 percent in average home attendance and 82.5 percent in total home attendance.
"We would like to thank our students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans for joining us at the Convocation Center on Saturday and all season long," said XU Director of Athletics and Recreation Jason Horn. "Our administrative staff has put a lot of time and effort into growing attendance. We plan to engage our fan base even more in the coming years."
Basketball capacity at the Convocation Center is 3,937. The facility's non-basketball capacity is 4,500.
Xavier's home doubleheader with Dillard attracted 7,189 fans on Feb. 1, 2003, and 6,175 on Feb. 28, 2004. The Crosstown Classics of those years were played downtown at New Orleans Arena, now known as Smoothie King Center.
Xavier will play host to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament this week. The Convocation Center will be the site of men's quarterfinal games Friday, men's and women's semifinals Saturday and men's and women's championship games Sunday. Dillard's Dent Hall will be the site of the women's quarterfinals Friday.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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