Fans Make Hattiesburg Baseball Regional A Record Event

Hattiesburg, Miss. -The regional college baseball tournament hosted by Southern Miss last weekend resulted in remarkable attendance figures at Pete Taylor Park, including setting single-game records on consecutive days. With a combined total attendance of 24,004, Hattiesburg was one of the more highly attended tournament locations nationwide.

"We are truly grateful to the Hattiesburg community for its support of the Southern Miss baseball program throughout the year and especially during the NCAA Tournament," Southern Miss Director of Athletics Richard Giannini said. "The NCAA Regional was one of the top events in the nation as evidenced by the attendance figures and that is a tribute not only to our team but also to the outstanding support that we enjoyed from our loyal fan base."

The single-game attendance record for the park was shattered twice in as many days. In Southern Miss' 18-1 victory over Southern University on Saturday night, a new Pete Taylor Park record was set when 4,553 fans were in attendance (former record of 4,315 vs. Mississippi State, 4/30/97), while Sunday’s championship contest between Southern Miss and Baylor topped that with an all-time high of 4,601 spectators.

Of the 16 regionals held nationwide last weekend, Hattiesburg ranked in the top half with the eighth best overall attendance. The Hattiesburg region outdrew eight of the 16 regions, seven of which were hosted by teams ranked in the top 10 last week and/or this week by Baseball America.

Hattiesburg averaged more fans per game (4,000) than the Tallahassee regional (3,731), which featured the top-ranked team in the country, Florida State. Attendance figures also were similar to those of Southern Miss' neighbors to the south at the Baton Rouge site (26,918) hosted by LSU, a program historically known for substantial crowds.

Feedback from the fans, visiting teams and staffs confirmed Hattiesburg's and Southern Miss' success at hosting the tournament.

“The Hattiesburg Regional hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi was a first-class experience." Baylor Head Coach Steve Smith said. "The event was well-organized and the hospitality of everyone was wonderful. I know it will be an experience that all the participants will remember and appreciate in the years to come.”

2003 NCAA Regionals Average Attendance Numbers

Site, Total Attendance, Average Attendance (Games)
1. Starkville, Miss., 37,345, 6,224 (6)
2. Lincoln, Neb., 34,826, 4,975 (7)
3. Austin, Texas, 33,588, 4,798 (7)
4. College Station, Texas, 33,320, 4,760 (7)
5. Baton Rouge, La., 26,918, 4,486 (6)
6. Coral Gables, Fla., 29,469, 4,210 (7)
7. Hattiesburg, Miss., 24,004, 4,000 (6)
8. Tallahassee, Fla., 26,119, 3,731 (7)
9. Houston, Texas, 19,876, 3,313 (6)
10. Auburn, Ala., 17,361, 2,894 (6)
11. Fullerton, Calif., 13,221, 2,204 (6)
12. Long Beach, Calif., 11,024, 1,837 (6)
13. Atlanta, Ga., 10,732, 1,789 (6)
14. Wilson, N.C., 10,714, 1,786 (6)
15. Palo Alto, Calif., 10,477, 1,746 (6)
16. Tempe, Ariz., 10,072, 1,679 (6)