“Did you see how bad that crowd was?” In no other sport that I watch and have covered are fans more obsessed with attendance than some NASCAR fans. In fact, I’m not sure they’re even looking at the racing action; I think they’re spending more time looking at the stands trying to count empty seats.
And, here’s the part I really don’t get: the more they find, the more joy they seem to get out of it. Why? Are they old school fans hoping that poor attendance in these “new” placed will force NASCAR to move the whole schedule back to its southeastern roots?
That horse left the barn a long time ago, and the barn burned down.
TV is the driving force in sports these days and full stands look really good on TV and bring an air of excitement through to folks watching at home. When folks at home are engaged, it’s a win for everyone.
Perspective is also important. The L.A. Coliseum, for instance, seats around 80,000. Half to 60% full is still between 40,000 and 50,000.
“Yeah, but they’ve sold out North Wilkesboro for the All-Star Race” is the counter. They have, and it will look great having all 24,000 seats filled.