The Ohio State Buckeyes are facing off against the No. 14 Illinois Fighting Illini, but it doesn’t seem like that many people care.
A video from just minutes before tipoff showed thousands of empty seats, despite a top-15 team being in the building. As player’s names were announced there was a spattering of applause from the fans in attendance.
“I’d like to apologize for making fun of the Michigan crowd two weeks ago because this is… wow. Had no idea it had gotten this bad here. During player intros,” IlliniBoard.com writer Robert Rosenthal pointed out.
I’d like to apologize for making fun of the Michigan crowd two weeks ago because this is… wow. Had no idea it had gotten this bad here. During player intros: pic.twitter.com/sIv8v2nnKD
— Robert Rosenthal (@ALionEye) January 31, 2024
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Just how many people were in attendance? Illinois basketball writer Scott Richey suggested fewer than the average of 11,600 were in the building.
“Value City Arena seats 19,500. The last five Ohio State home games have drawn an average of 11,600. It’s roughly ~30 minutes to tip, but I don’t know that tonight’s crowd is going to hit that average,” he said.
As for the actual game, Illinois opened at 41-34 lead at halftime and remain in control of the contest early in the second half.