The University of Mississippi Athletics
Electric Atmosphere At Oxford Regional Draws High Praise
6/3/2014 | Baseball, Blog
Coaches and players alike had high praise for the atmosphere at the NCAA Oxford Regional this past weekend. Fans flocked to the regional, creating an electric atmosphere and an average attendance of 8,219 fans per game. The total for the weekend pushed Ole Miss into third nationally in attendance with 271,920 fans packing Swayze Field this season. The three Ole Miss games averaged 9,796 fans, including 10,394 for the regional opener, which was the largest NCAA crowd in stadium history and fifth largest all-time.
Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco:
"They have been unbelievable. I told the players in our meeting that I haven't seen them like this since 2009, in that Monday winner-take-all game when (Drew) Pomeranz struck out the 16 guys against Western Kentucky, where you could feel the fans on the field, you could feel the fans in the dugout, you could feel the energy every time a pitch was made, not just a play or a hit. Every time, especially the last few innings, you watch Scott (Weathersby), and the fans knew it.รย
"We're fortunate that we have such a great fan base that cares so much about baseball. We're fortunate we have an administration here at Ole Miss that cares so much about baseball. It's a special place. It's a special place, especially in June."
Jacksonville State outfielder Griff Gordon:
"Playing right field with the student section out there, they're definitely in your ear the whole game. I try to not really let that affect me that much, but it's pretty tough not to."
Jacksonville State first baseman Paschal Petrongolo:
"This is definitely the largest crowd I've ever played in front of. It was definitely an experience. One I'm never going to forget. It was enjoyable, even with what happened. It was something that I'll carry with me for a while."
Washington head coach Lindsay Meggs:
"I want to congratulate Ole Miss and its staff and all its players; what a great team. They are great competitors that understand how to play the game. They can win a one-run game or pile it on you. Best of luck to them. It was fun to play those guys.
Washington first baseman Branden Berry:
"It was the best atmosphere I've ever played in. It was a blessing to be able to go out there and take the field; it was unreal. The fans here have been great to us. The town has been great. We're thankful we got to come out here and play."
Washington pitcher Alex Nesbitt: รย
"It was an amazing experience being down here. We couldn't have asked for a better regional to come to. It was a great atmosphere to play in and everyone competed. I had never played in front of that many people before. Even as the opposing team, you could feel the energy coming from the stands."
Thanks to all the fans that were at Swayze this weekend and all year long! Y'all are difference makers! We appreciate it!
-- Coach Mike Bianco (@CoachMikeBianco) June 3, 2014I freaking love this town! Best baseball atmosphere of all time!! #notdoneyet
-- Aaron Greenwood (@AaronGwood44) June 3, 2014Good luck to Ole Miss the rest of the way through. Hell of town & better people. Best college baseball setting in the country #HottyToddy
-- Boo Meggs (@JWMeggs12) June 3, 2014@RFhater @OleMiss_Logo @OleMissBSB Thank you for an unbelievable environment this weekend good luck the rest of the way #HottyToddy
-- Brian Wolfe (@BWolfe5) June 3, 2014Swayze is a tough place to win. Great team, well coached and loud. Thank you fans the experience was unreal! Good luck the rest of the way!
-- Braden Bishop (@bradenbishop7) June 3, 2014@RFhater by far best baseball atmosphere I've ever played at and best fans to play against/for! #PackSwayze #BEERSHOWER
-- Griff Gordon (@GGordon11) June 2, 2014
