WKU is making it about as easy it can for fans to go to this weekend’s games.

Fans will be able to see the 5-10 Toppers for just $1 at 7 p.m. Thursday night against Louisiana-Lafayette and at 4 p.m. Saturday against Troy if they pick up tickets at select local businesses.

With the team averaging 3,211 fans at home games this season in Diddle Arena, which holds 7,326 people, WKU Senior Associate Athletic Director Todd Stewart said the promotion was done simply to get more fans in the seats.

“Obviously we wish that our attendance was better than it has been,” he said. “We’re just trying to create ways to get people to the games.”

The tickets are available at Crossroads IGA, Houchens Market and Jr. Food Stores in Bowling Green. Stewart couldn’t confirm any specific amount of tickets that were distributed, but said WKU gave the stores “enough inventory to work with.”

WKU did something similar during the football season, offering tickets for $6 and concessions for $1 in hopes of filling out Smith Stadium for the Toppers’ Nov. 5 game against Florida International.

On Saturday fans can either pick up the $1 tickets, or they can bring in certain items as part of what’s called the “Critter Classic” and receive free admission.

Fans can bring in items such as cat litter, copy paper and bleach or liquid washing detergent and get in free of charge. All products donated will go to the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society. 

While the $1 ticket promotion was a recent idea, Stewart said the partnership with the Humane Society had been planned before the season. He said WKU is simply trying to pack Diddle Arena on Thursday and Saturday. 

“It’s no secret that our attendance needs to be better. We wish it was better,” he said. “This is a vehicle that we’re utilizing to try and make it better. These next two games are home conference games and we obviously want to get off to a good start in conference play.

“It’s just an attempt to get more people in the building and more support.”