Michigan State Hockey: Average attendance finishes top 10 in nation

Michigan State hockey had a major bounce-back season under Adam Nightingale in 2022-23 and fans are excited.

Like the quote in the movie Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come.” That is exactly what Adam Nightingale and the Michigan State hockey program are currently experiencing.

For years, the Michigan State hockey program has not been one of the bright spots of the athletic programs in East Lansing. Ever since it won the national title over 15 years ago, Michigan State has not only struggled on the ice but struggled to fill Munn Area. That struggle seems to have recently ceased to exist under Nightingale.

When Nightingale was hired, there was optimism that he could bring winning hockey back to East Lansing. This optimism turned into results in his first season as he brought not only winning hockey to East Lansing but a first-round series win in the Big Ten Tournament against Notre Dame. This is exactly where the quote comes into play.

Nightingale is currently building a hockey program that should get better every year especially because of the players that are coming into Michigan State. This building of the hockey program has brought excitement back to East Lansing and that has brought more people into Munn Arena. It has actually brought enough people that Michigan State averaged an attendance of 5,767 people per game last year according to Everything College Hockey. This put Michigan State at No. 8 in total average attendance, one spot ahead of Michigan.

MSU finished 9th in average attendance ?

(Via @TeamECH IG) pic.twitter.com/fmfTOnGqKZ

— Michigan State Hockey Hub (@MSU_H_H) May 20, 2023

There is still room for improvement as the capacity at Munn is 6,114. While there is room for improvement, the 5,767 people in attendance each game has to be the largest that the program has had in quite a while.

This is not only a great sign for Michigan State but it is a great sign for all the teams in East Lansing. It shows that if you build a great and winning program at Michigan State, that fans will show up to support you and that is exactly what is happening for Spartan hockey. Hopefully, this momentum and attendance continue to grow for the hockey program as it has been way too long since the program has been good, especially for one that has had a lot of success in the past.

If you are a Michigan State fan, you should definitely try to attend a hockey game next year and experience Munn because next year will be fun with the expectations and fan base attending the games continuing to grow.