Milwaukee vs. Auburn Basketball
Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl celebrates an 83-73 victory over Milwaukee with fans Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at Auburn Arena in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/ jbennett@al.com)
Auburn's average attendance for home games at Auburn Arena increased by more than 2,000 fans in Bruce Pearl's first season.
The Tigers' jump in average attendance ranks second in the country for the 2014-15 season, according to figures released Monday by the NCAA.
Auburn averaged 7,825 fans per game, an increase of 2,002 fans compared to Tony Barbee's final season (2013-14) as head coach.
"I want to thank the Auburn family, students and alumni for their support this past season," Pearl said in a news release. "Our hope is to match on the court, the phenomenal success in the stands. Our fans were tremendous this year and made the atmosphere at Auburn Arena one of the best in the nation."
Auburn recorded sellouts in the 9,121-seat arena in four of its 17 home games. The Tigers sold out its allotment of season tickets for the season.
Pearl's contract calls for a $50,000 bonus if Auburn sells out half of its home games.
1. NC State, +2,795
2. Auburn, +2,002
3. Virginia, +1,972
4. Utah, +1,790
5. Penn State, +1,787