Providence College was a box office success in 2023-24, and the Friars are expected to repeat the feat the following basketball season.
The employment of two new coaches increased momentum with the men while generating new enthusiasm among the ladies. Kim English oversaw an increase in average attendance at Amica Mutual Pavilion, while Erin Batth profited from nearly double the crowd support at Alumni Hall.
Providence has already reported a 99% renewal rate for men’s basketball season tickets in 2024-25. The Friars have established a wait list that might exceed the 11,113 people they received on average over 19 home games last season. This was up from an average of 10,608 supporters for 17 home games in 2022-23.
“Everyone I talk to is so bullish and excited about the future,” Providence athletic director Steve Napolillo said. “That’s what it’s all about. People invest in something they believe in.”
Providence was stunned last offseason by the departure of coach Ed Cooley to Big East rival Georgetown. The Friars rallied around English, who was hired away from George Mason, and a collective feeling of defiance around the program. The motivation is to prove Cooley’s success in his hometown – seven NCAA Tournament appearances, regular season and conference tournament titles, a first Sweet 16 berth in 25 years – could be sustained regardless of who’s in charge on the sidelines.
“This is a special place,” Napolillo said. “I can’t go anywhere – on an airplane, out to dinner with my family. People want to talk about it.”
Providence finished 21-14 and reached the NIT behind league Player of the Year Devin Carter and largely without Bryce Hopkins, who suffered a season-ending left knee injury in early January. The Friars drew 8,069 for a regular-season low against Wagner and peaked at 12,608 for the finale against eventual national champion Connecticut. Cooley’s return with the Hoyas was one of 10 home crowds over 12,000, which is effectively a sellout.
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