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Fansided

Virginia Tech’s Sellout Streak Ends At 93 Games

By Mike Catalino

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Dec 3, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Virginia Tech Hokies fan watches the game during the first quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Virginia Tech Hokies got the win Saturday, they saw a historic streak  come to an end. Virginia Tech football had a sellout streak of 93 games in a row. The streak lasted 15 years, and is among the longest ever. Just how historic was this particular sellout? It was the third longest active streak in the entire country, only trailing Nebraska (316 games) and Notre Dame (232 games).

Despite the streak coming to an end, fans and people involved with the program did everything that they possible could to keep it alive. Head Coach Frank Beamer jumped on a local radio station trying to convince fans to come out to Saturday’s game. Also, running backs coach Shane Beamer did the same by posting on twitter.

Reports about the streak ending came out earlier this week as ticket sales were not the same. Friday night, hours before game day, there was a number of tickets still available. Fans of VT are used to seeing Lane Stadium jammed packed, but more games with open seats seem to be ahead.

Just why exactly were ticket sales down for the home opener? There are a few factors. First, the team played Western Carolina. Western Carolina has posted a 2-20 record in the past two seasons and are clearly not a “must see” team. The next factor that contributed to the streak ending was perhaps how the team performed last season. Virginia Tech went 7-6, which was their worst season in 20 years. Both of these factors played a major role in the disappointing output from fans Saturday.

Virginia Tech is going to try everything that they can to fill the empty seats in Lane Stadium. Better opponents should definitely help with that goal as Western Carolina was not the ideal game to go see. The hope is that the Hokies will look to build on their first win of the season, and that more fans will come out and support the team.