Cardinal Fans Set Football Attendance Record Despite Hurricane Isaac

I'll fully admit that to being very concerned about attendance in the face of yesterday's weather. It was a fear that was exacerbated when I saw next to no one parked or tailgating in the area around Cardinal Cafe, a place that's generally packed for big games by 10 a.m.

That proved to be an anomaly, as despite the fact that fans had to endure a steady downpour between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Louisville fans packed Papa John's Cardinal Stadium to the tune of 55,386 butts in seats, the largest crowd in stadium history. It's what you'd expect for a rivalry game that also signals the start of the most anticipated U of L football season in five years, and kudos to Card Nation for coming through despite the remnants of Isaac wreaking havoc. It was very cool to see.

And I wasn't the only one who took notice.

Great crowd today. Thanks to everyone in attendance. Big win. Time to move on to Missouri St.Special thanks to the student section

— Charlie Strong (@CharlieStrong10) September 3, 2012

Great win today. Big thanks to the fans! Packed house and great support. Let's do it again next week!

— Vance Bedford (@CoachBedfordUL) September 3, 2012

I Appreciate all the Louisville fans for coming out and supporting the team. Love yall #Cardnation

— DeVante Parker (@devante_parker9) September 3, 2012

Rain sleet or snow #CardNation gone come support. U seen it live today

— G Smooth™ Durant (@3K_GSmooth727) September 3, 2012

I want to thank everyone for the mentions and also all the fans who came supported in the bad weather!! Love you all!! #Cardnation

— Jamon Brown (@NFLBOUND_jBrown) September 2, 2012

Thanks to all the true fans out there! We love you all and appreciate all that you do! #GoCards

— Mario Benavides (@supermariob55) September 3, 2012

Great team win! Thanks to all the fans who toughed out the weather. Gona be a fun season! #gocards

— Nate Nord (@Nordo85) September 3, 2012

Thanks for all the fans who came out today and watched us keep the governors cup where it belongs!! What a great win to kick off the season!

— William Stein (@WillStein4) September 3, 2012

A fantastic start to the season all the way around. Much more coming later.