The Tarleton State University Athletics Department is now offering a monetary incentive to attend Texan and TexAnn basketball games. The five students who attend the most games throughout the season will receive $500. However, students have to attend a minimum of 13 games to qualify.

“We have consistently had the reputation of being one of the hardest gyms for a visitor to come in and win because of the excitement and the fan support,” said Associate Athletic Director Susan Burton.

Whether it is the fans, the band or the cheerleaders, visiting teams have not had much luck when playing in Wisdom Gym. However, as of late, attendance has dropped.

“Our student attendance is not very good,” said Burton. “When you consider that we have over 9,000 students on this campus alone and we have 275 that come to a game, the student participation is not very large.”

Burton and Athletic Director Lonn Reisman came up with the idea, now known as “March Madness Money,” to bring in more student support. March Madness Money is an alternative to the Tuition and Fees Shot, where students would take a half court shot for a chance to have tuition and fees covered for the next semester.

“A lot of the time students don’t want to go out there and do it,” Burton said. “They’re embarrassed if they don’t shoot well. So we decided not to do that again.”

So far there has been no increase since November when the giveaway was first mentioned. Burton hopes more students will start attending games but is thankful for those that already do.

“We really appreciate the support of the students that do come because they come, they’re loud, they bring posters, and they show a lot of spirit,” said Burton. “It brings so much to the game environment that this promotion was thought of to help encourage more people to come and to become a part of that game experience and to become a part of our Wisdom Warriors.”

For more about Tarleton basketball, including schedules, visit http://www.tarletonsports.com