Before calling the Save Mart Center home, Fresno State basketball teams played at the Selland Arena, drawing multiple sellout crowds and earning multiple NCAA Tournament appearances during what fans called the “Tarkanian era.”
However, in recent years, the Save Mart Center has struggled to attract fans, with attendance numbers dwindling year after year.
Whilst attendance may be low, Fresno State men’s basketball Head Coach Vance Walberg still appreciated those who showed up.
“I know it’s been a tough year—not the year anybody wanted—but I’m very appreciative of how [the fans have] treated the team and myself,” Walberg said.
With a high amount of buzz once the Save Mart Center opened, the men’s basketball team in particular has seen a drastic dip in attendance, even in times of notable success.
During the 2015-16 season, when the men’s basketball team finished with a 25-10 record and made an appearance in the NCAA Tournament, the Save Mart Center attracted an average of 6,296 fans, ranking 84th among Division I schools. For context, capacity during basketball games is 15,596.
However, during the 2024-25, even after reaching historic lows, the team still drew an average of 5,149 home fans, compared to last season’s average of 4,863 fans, where they finished the season with an 11-23 record. So, what efforts have been made to increase attendance?
Fresno State’s athletic department has been active in engaging fans during a stoppage in play, such as media and team timeouts and halftime. For instance, fans were able to sign up for different activities like the Raising Cane’s shooting challenge, where fans must make a layup, free throw, 3-pointer and a half-court shot to win free Raising Cane’s for a year.
There also has been special events during halftime at both men’s and women’s basketball games. On Jan. 25, new football Head Coach Matt Entz and his staff spoke to the Red Wave during halftime of a men’s basketball game. On Feb. 1, during halftime of a women’s basketball game, a game of flyball—a relay-style race between dogs— was held to entertain fans. But even cute dogs weren’t enough to lure in fans.
This season, Fresno State students were able to get free tickets for any men’s basketball home game at the Save Mart Center with a valid Fresno State ID. Even so, there is little to no student attendance during games either.
Jordon Luc, a student at Fresno State and an avid Fresno State fan, often attends games at the Save Mart Center, influenced by a variety of factors.
“I like that the student tickets are free and I love basketball and the fans,” Luc said.
Often donning his Fresno State chain and his cape, others have most likely seen Luc in attendance. Luc said he enjoys the atmosphere of the Save Mart Center and the fans.
“People love my gold Fresno State fan chain, my Bulldogs flag as my cape and my appearances—the fans love me,” Luc said.
With the men’s basketball team finishing the season towards the bottom of the Mountain West standings, Luc still encouraged the men’s basketball team and urged fans to do the same.
“I attended lots of the games because I want to support the team and cheer them on with my flag,” Luc said. “If I were to tell a fan to come back [to a game], I would say to just enjoy the basketball game and the fun.”
However, only so much can be done to get people into seats. Therefore, how much does team performance determine fan attendance?
The women’s basketball team, despite having a better 2024-25 season than the men’s team, still drew in significantly fewer fans, with an average attendance of around 1,100. The volleyball team, which also plays at the Save Mart Center, finished the 2024-25 season with a winning record of 16-14 and a 12-6 record in conference play, attracting an average of about 560 fans—a little over half of the women’s basketball team.
Despite the attendance numbers, women’s basketball guard Taija Sta. Maria still appreciates the fans.
“The fans and the support we get—especially on days where we have an autograph line and you get to interact with everyone—that’s when it’s the most fun,” Sta. Maria said.
Even with a losing season, the men’s basketball team has a strong fan base, and its attendance averages compete with those at the top of the Mountain West Conference. For instance, Colorado State University, who finished in second place in the Mountain West, had an average attendance of around 5,079 fans at Moby Arena.
With Walberg having high aspirations, Fresno State has a solid foundation to work with, along with a heavily devoted fanbase. It’s up to them to capitalize.