INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA has released its most recent football attendance figures, and the University of West Alabama ranked 20th in NCAA Division II in average home crowds in 2010. The Tigers also ranked 24th in total home attendance. UWA has ranked among the top 25 in attendance four of the last five years.

While averaging 5,600 fans per their five home games, UWA boasted an outstanding total home attendance of 28,002. The Tigers had a season record crowd of 7,521 fans versus Henderson State for Homecoming on Oct. 16.

“West Alabama football is back,” said UWA Director of Athletics Dr. E. J. Brophy. “The University has made a commitment to recruiting quality student-athletes and winning football games, and that commitment is paying off. We are so very grateful to our terrific football fans that have helped us climb into the top 20 in attendance with the nation's elite."

West Alabama was the second highest ranked school from the Gulf South Conference, as North Alabama finished fifth nationally.

Texas A&M in Kingsville was tops in Division II with an average 11,989 fans in 2010. West Texas A&M was second (10,760) followed by Morehouse (10,651) and Grand Valley State in fourth with 10,152). Henderson State, West Georgia, Arkansas Tech and Delta State all ranked in the top 30.

The GSC was fourth among Division II conferences in attendance. The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was tops, followed by the Mid-American Conference and the Lone Star Conference.