The Fairfield University women’s basketball team will compete in the NCAA sponsored “Pack the House” Challenge, along with the other nine members of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).  The Stags have selected the Friday, Feb. 1, contest versus Niagara, at Alumni Hall as their bid to set a single-game women’s basketball attendance record.

“Having a vocal and supportive home crowd is one of the best things about Fairfield,” said first-year head coach Joe Frager.  “Our players are energized every time they step on the court in front of their home fans, and we are especially excited about the prospects of a record-setting crowd for that evening.”
 
Each of the 31 NCAA Division I conferences and a group comprised of the independents are taking part in the challenge.  The NCAA will select a winning institution from each of the 32 groups based on the school’s that sellout the selected game or have the largest percentage increase from the previous year’s highest single-game attendance number.

“Our women’s basketball fans have always shown great support for our program and we consider them among the best anywhere,” said Assistant Athletic Director Roy Brown.  “We are excited to take part in this challenge and look forward to having a great crowd for the game with Niagara.”

The Department of Athletics has several plans in place to help Fairfield become the MAAC representative in the “Pack The House” challenge.  All fans wearing red will be admitted for $1.00.  Fairfield has reached out to local elementary schools with information regarding the game, and the school that has the best turnout will receive a thank you visit from the Stags.  In addition, the first 500 fans at the game will receive a Stags sling bag.

University students are also being encouraged to fill the “Red Sea” that evening.  The first 100 students at the game will receive a free t-shirt.  Each floor of the University’s residence halls will compete for the best attendance, with the winning floor receiving a pizza party in thanks for its support.