American Swimming Community Uplifts NCAA Numbers After Achieving a New ‘Ticketing’ High for Battle at the Burr II

The Battle at the Burr II has once again kicked off in a spectacular fashion. The fans assembled at the prestigious Burr Natatorium to witness swimming history in the making. Although this was just the second edition of the meet, this swimming championship has occupied a place of prominence in the HBCU fraternity. Fans can never forget the incredible competition from last year and were looking forward to its reprisal in the Battle at the Burr II.

The excitement revolved around the fierce rivalry between Howard University and Georgetown University. Last year, over 1200 tickets were sold, but few turned up to watch the match in person because of a storm. This time, they did not wish to miss the action once more. The incredible buzz surrounding the showdown impacted the ticket sales, which sold out in record time.

Record ticket sales reflect unprecedented buzz for Battle at the Burr II

Braden Keith, affiliated with Barstool Sports, pointed out the immense success of the meet in a social media post. He wrote an X-post saying, “The final numbers from Battle at the Burr II between @HUSwimming and @HoyasSwimDive: -564 PAID tickets ($5-$150 each) -397 tickets given to various community groups-250 wristbands at the door -1,211 total spectators“. The high number of ticket sales at this new swimming competition surprised Keith.

He surmised, saying, “1,211 is a huge number. And it could have been more”. The Burr Natatorium was packed with enthusiastic spectators who created an electric atmosphere throughout the competition. Braden Keith also informed that Howard head coach Nicholas Askew was “was getting blown up for a hookup,” but even the Hall of Famer could not manage one ticket for others.

But even more remarkable was that 564 swimming fans actually paid for the ticket, which is a huge feat considering there was going to be just one Battle. But the Bisons pulled off an impressive victory, which justified the investment for the fans.

Howard University trounces Georgetown University

The Bisons charged at their rivals from last year in their first home meet. They earned the top five finishes at the Battle at the Burr II and also created a new school record. The Howard women took the 200-meter relay medal and made the new program record with a finish of 1:43.69.

Isabella Fountain of Howard University, who anchored the race, said, “We had a vison for this meet and surpassed it”. This remarkable rising talent in swimming also won her individual swim in the 50-meter freestyle while her teammate from the relay, Zuilda Nwaeze, took home the 200-meter freestyle gold.

Read More: Swimming Community Claps Back at Lia Thomas As She Announces Her Exit From Competitive Side of the Sport: “Join Your Own Kind”

The Howard University women’s swimming team has their next match on October 14. They will face off against Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland. They will try to defeat the formidable challengers on their home ground and continue their impressive winning streak.

Watch This Story: LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Stuns Millions of Fans With Breathtaking Swimming Pictures During Adventure-Filled Holiday