The “Sold Out” notices have gone up once again on the windows at the University of Louisville ticket office, this time for the UofL-Temple football game Saturday. Temperatures are expected to be in the 40 to 50-degree range at kickoff.
And, no surprise, there’s the usual chance of rain later on in the day. The rain slickers should have dried out by now from last Friday’s soaker against Cincinnati.
While the 2012 season will be remembered primarily for a string of consecutive victories, some unpredictable comebacks and a return to college football’s top, it will tempered by memories of soggy fields, rain slickers and wet socks. The dreary conditions, combined with a noon kickoff, will challenge even the most ardent UofL football fan, as the observer’s wife will confirm.
The great news is that UofL partisans are braving everything Mother Nature has thrown at them thus far, with attendance rocking along at a record-setting pace of 52,386 fans per game. An undefeated season certainly helps, but one has to be encouraged about the growing loyalty to the sport based on some recent history.
As much as the weather annoys the fans, one has to acknowledge how much more challenging the soggy conditions are to the players than their followers. With no protection from the elements, they are forced to rely on fans for warmth and motivation. The fans have responded, many more showing up earlier and most leaving only at the final whistle. With so many games being decided on the last play, they are getting their money’s worth.