Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Troy Aikman shreds ‘embarrassing’ UCLA attendance amid undefeated season
Troy Aikman has criticised UCLA’s home-game attendance as “a little embarrassing”, despite the Bruins’ unbeaten start to the season. The former quarterback said the small crowd at the Rose Bowl made it difficult to understand how a team ranked eighth and 7-0 at the time had not drawn more support.
The stadium can hold 90,888 people, but 24,611 attended UCLA’s 27-0 win over Nevada, its eighth victory. Aikman said that turnout could make the venue look almost empty and questioned what would excite supporters if a 7-0 record did not. UCLA was due to play Minnesota away before hosting Illinois.
In short
- Aikman says UCLA’s home attendance is embarrassing.
- 24,611 attended the Rose Bowl, which holds 90,888.
- UCLA began the season unbeaten at 8-0.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Strong attendance can help sustain a successful programme, build a lively home advantage and recognise the players’ achievements. With UCLA unbeaten and highly ranked, Aikman’s criticism can be seen as a fair challenge to supporters and the university to show greater commitment, especially when the team is playing at a famous venue.
The case against
Attendance figures alone do not show how much supporters care, and a large stadium can make a crowd look sparse even when thousands attend. Fans may face practical barriers such as cost, travel or scheduling, while UCLA and college football can compete with other local attractions; criticism is more useful if it considers those factors rather than implying that a strong record entitles the team to a full stadium.