As UTSA ran onto the field at the Alamodome to kick off last week's matchup against South Florida, coach Jeff Traylor could sense that some of the Roadrunners were disappointed by the number of empty seats.
UTSA announced attendance at 17,632 for the 31-24 win, marking the Roadrunners' fourth-lowest total in the Alamodome since 2021.
But Traylor could point to many reasons that expectations for the crowd size should have been tempered. The Thursday night game was competing for eyes with the San Antonio Spurs' preseason opener across town and a Dallas Cowboys game on television.
Now sitting 5-1 at the midpoint of the season entering a matchup against Navy at 7 p.m. Saturday, Traylor doesn't hesitate to raise the bar for the fan base.
"I hope 30,000," Traylor said. "If we're not there, we got a problem."
UTSA vs. Navy: 5 key players to watch as Roadrunners set new single digits
The Roadrunners have hit that mark eight times in Traylor's tenure, including the final three games of UTSA's run to a Conference USA championship in 2021.
With a potential boost in attendance from San Antonio's military community and UTSA on a path toward league title contention, running back A'Marion Peterson said he hopes to see as many people in the stands as possible.
"I really don't know, but it's up to the fans to decide," Peterson said. "Hopefully people do show up, because we really need San Antonio's support, for sure."
How to watch Navy at UTSA
TV: ESPNU
All-time series: First meeting
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Fan information
-Saturday will mark UTSA's annual Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans game presented by USAA. There will be several recognitions honoring the military community, as well as a special halftime ceremony.
-Parking in Alamodome Lots A, B and C will open at 12:30 p.m. Alamodome doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the spirit walk takes place at 4:15 p.m. between parking lots B and C.
-Rowdy Town Live opens at 4 p.m. in the H-E-B Plaza on the north side of the Alamodome, featuring a live DJ set and carnival-style attractions.
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There’s more to San Antonio with the Express-News. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at UTSA-Navy football: How to watch Roadrunners' Saturday night clash.