On game day, NC State students line up in a sea of red and white to board the Wolfline to the football game. The crowds file into Carter-Finley Stadium, almost filling the 57,583-person capacity. The student turnout is always substantial, and the Wolfpack’s dedication is admirable. But where is this same dedication and excitement for NC State’s other sports?
NC State has numerous sporting events that students can attend to cheer on their school. While there are some dedicated Wolfpack fans that attend lower-profile sports such as soccer, there is certainly a different attitude surrounding football than other sports.
In 2017, NC State’s football team was in the top five of ACC schools. This year, men’s soccer was ranked number 8 by Top Drawer Soccer. Both teams are holding their own in their respective sports and both teams represent NC State, but only one sport is continuously getting Wolfpack support.
Perhaps football is perceived as more important because of its status as a tradition in our society. According to the website sport.one, American football was ranked number one of ten of America’s most popular sports, while soccer was ranked number five. Soccer has enormous popularity in other countries, but it does not match up to football in America. Other sports such as volleyball do not even make it on the list.
Another reason why NC State seems to favor football over other games is money. According to USA Today Sports, NC State football revenue totaled $83,741,572 in 2016-17. The more people that attend, the more profit will be earned. With this system, it is not surprising that soccer, volleyball, and other lower-profile sports do not get as much attention.
It should not be said that NC State has made no effort in advocating for students to go to these less-attended games. When the demand for football seats increased, a new system was developed for students to obtain tickets based on loyalty. Students who go to more games have a better chance to attend the most sought-after games.
The ticket lottery system that NC State employs involves both lower-profile games and football. To get more chances for a football ticket, students can go to games such as soccer and volleyball. This incentive, while pushing more and more students to go to games, is also perpetuating the idea that games like soccer and volleyball are less important than football in NC State.
Going to other games gives students more chances to support their school and show their school pride. Just like football games, there are student sections in soccer where the Wolfpack can cheer their team on. There are drums, flags and red smoke bombs that go off when a goal is scored, all producing a festive atmosphere.
Attending other games gives students a more personal experience. Instead of watching from bleachers far from the field, students attending volleyball and soccer are closer to the action. They can cheer on their peers close by and have a more immersive experience.
All of NC State’s student athletes deserve the attention and support of the Wolfpack. Going to soccer and volleyball as well as football games gives students more opportunities to hang out with friends, show school spirit and get invested in both teams. Students and the school as a whole could benefit in a major way if we as students attended more NC State games of all kinds.
