Gulf Coast Classic Attendance: 8,495

The city of Mobile put up more than $70,000 for the 2009 Gulf Coast Classic, but how much bang did they get for their buck?

In October, the city council fiercely debated whether they should give the game the cash after the Classic's organizers couldn't account for much of last year's $275,000 investment. The council ultimately approved $42,500 in funding, and Councilman William Carroll, an outspoken supporter of the Classic, put up an additional $25,000 from his discretionary fund.

The game's executive director, Amelia Bacon, promised to pack the house in exchange for the money, but Saturday's attendance fell far short of filling Ladd Peeble Stadium's 40,000 seats. According to Alabama State University, there were 8,495 fans in the stands. The university released the number after classic organizers refused to make it public.

"Let's just look at what we've accomplished," said Bacon, declining to comment on the attendance. Bacon touted the game's success, saying the Gulf Coast Classic finally paid off a 192,000 debt, which they owed to Alabama State University and Southern University for participating in the 2008 game.