For Pete's Sake

Mizzou saw bump in attendance after letter from Kim Anderson to students


Missouri coach Kim Anderson.
Missouri coach Kim Anderson. The Kansas City Star

Kim Anderson is in his first year as Missouri’s men’s basketball coach, and he noticed that attendance at Mizzou Arena hasn’t been the best.

That’s why he wrote in an open letter to Missouri students before Thursday’s contest against Kentucky.

Anderson wrote: “Between making it to all of your classes and getting your homework done, we need you at Mizzou Arena to cheer on the Tigers. If you come to the game, you help us win.”

Later he added: “Thank you for your continued support, and let’s make Mizzou Arena rock for these final six home games.”

Whether it was the letter or an influx of Kentucky fans, the Tigers did see a boost in Thursday’s game. The Star’s Tod Palmer tweeted that the attendance of 13,034 was the largest crowd at Mizzou Arena since 14,132 were at a game last Feb. 15.

To reach Pete Grathoff, call 816-234-4330 or send email to pgrathoff@kcstar.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/pgrathoff

This story was originally published January 30, 2015 at 12:13 PM.

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