A Study of Variables that Effect Attendance at Rochester Rhinos Home Soccer Matches

During the 2009 and 2010 seasons the Rochester Rhinos soccer club has experienced a downturn in match attendance. The team has been in their new, soccer specific stadium, for the last five seasons. After two seasons of promising attendance, the last three seasons have been about the lowest in the team’s 15-year history. Is the “honeymoon” over already? What drives attendance to Rhinos matches? This study looked at 10 variables that have an effect on attendance. Using attendance data from the 2000 and 2010 seasons, this study ran correlation and regression analysis. After analysis it was found that there was significance in the start time, location, and opposing team at Rochester Rhinos home soccer matches. It was suggested that more research be done and an expansion of attendance data be analyzed to draw further conclusions