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The brand new University of Nebraska-Kearney women's soccer team took the field for the first time this fall. Without a solid group of long-time followers, no one guessed the Lopers' first home game against Wayne State College in late August would have attracted over 3,000 fans.

But 3,227 spectators filled Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field, breaking the previous NCAA Division II women's soccer attendance record of 2,004 fans, which was set in 2007 when Dallas Baptist University visited the University of Central Oklahoma. Crowds of 200 to 300 showed up to watch Nebraska-Kearney's preseason scrimmages, so Head Coach Mike Munch thought turnout would be pretty good, but even he didn't expect numbers in the thousands.

"Our kids were pretty pumped," Munch told the NCAA News. "Since we have a new program, we have kids who haven't even played a high level of club soccer. The high schools where these kids played are located in small towns in Nebraska. They were used to having only their family at the games. So this was a unique experience."

The Lopers went on to win the game 2-1--the team's only win of the season so far. Spectators have stuck with the squad nonetheless, as home games have continued to draw hundreds of supportive fans.

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Nebraska-Kearney isn't the only women's soccer team drawing a crowd. Just last month, Division II California State University-Stanislaus drew almost 2,000 spectators to a Friday night game under the lights. Coinciding with the grand opening of the school's brand new student recreation complex and Warrior Stadium, fans were treated to a barbecue, face painting, and tours of the new fitness center.

The Warriors ended up losing to 13th-ranked University of California-San Diego, 4-0. Determined not to give up--in the win column or attendance record books--Cal State Stanislaus attempted to break its own mark on Saturday at "Break the Record Night." The athletic department advertised free team posters, halftime contests, and game-day giveaways to entice Warriors fans to pack the stadium.

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On the NCAA Division I front, the University of Illinois women's team recently held its fourth annual SoccerFest, coinciding with the kickoff of homecoming weekend. The four years of SoccerFest have given the team its four highest attendance marks--and a 3-0-1 record. At this year's event in September, the Illini drew its second-largest crowd to date: 2,347 fans.

In order to draw so many fans, the game is free to attend, the first 2,000 fans get free concession food, and there is a live performance by the school's drumline squad. To appeal to the younger crowd, there are inflatable games, and to appeal to older fans, motorcycle owners are allowed to bring their bikes to the field and roar their engines when the Illini score a goal. The Big Ten Network also televises the contest live.

"What makes SoccerFest special is that it's more like a soccer game with a festival involved," Assistant Director of Sports Marketing Elizabeth Klatt told the Daily Illini. "It helps our fans start to recognize that this is a good team to watch, that they're entertaining and that hopefully they'll be able to come home with a win as well."

Abigail Funk is an Assistant Editor at Athletic Management.