Attendance up so far for Roughriders

CEDAR RAPIDS - The population of Rider Town USA is growing.

“That's a perfect way to say it,” Cedar Rapids RoughRiders President/CEO Jeff Jauch said with a laugh.

The RoughRiders go into their weekend set against Team USA and Dubuque at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena averaging about 600 fans more per game this season. Average attendance is 2,675 through 15 games, compared to 2,109 last season. A small crowd in Game 16 whittled that 2009-10 average to 2,066.

Jauch said the club expects good crowds this weekend, meaning the improvement should be even more pronounced. He said an online chart analyzing attendance in 98 junior hockey markets shows the RoughRiders with the fourth-best improvement.

“Obviously, we feel very good about the whole direction we're headed,” Jauch said. “We're excited about the trend and where things are going. I think it's a combination of a lot of things. Number one, obviously, is the product on the ice. The product on the ice here is second to none.”

Cedar Rapids is 22-7-4 and second overall in the United States Hockey League with 48 points. But it's more than that.

The second-year ownership group, which includes head coach/general manager Mark Carlson and his wife, have made RoughRiders games an event. Video screens, an enhanced audio system and the hiring of Metro Studios in Cedar Rapids have created a show-like atmosphere at the Ice Arena.

Newco Riders LLC has made $775,000 in improvements at the arena.

“I think the entertainment that we began last year and what we've continued to do this year has helped things a lot,” Jauch said. People are coming, they're having fun, they're involved in the game. It's just a fun place to be. They enjoy the environment here.”

The RoughRiders averaged 2,616 fans last season. Attendance usually spikes from here on out, so it'll be interesting to see what this season's final numbers are.

“People are having fun, they're telling their friends,” Jauch said. “Then you've got momentum. I think momentum is a big part of things, here, too.”