I know many of you do not want to hear this, but here goes:
I believe the real problem for YSU mediocre attendance is: many of the faithful fans of the 1990's are a lot older; also many have moved away from the area (like me). I remember the stadium in the 90's being filled and the place was rocking with great excitement!
Now many of the remaining fans are dedicated Ohio State and Penn State fans because of their preeminence in the bowl series format and usually their winning records. Many of these fans thinks YSU football is minor league. Many on this board like the playoff format (FCS) and expects YSU to be chosen every year, but that has been far and few times since the Tressel era.
I believe they can get back to averaging 13-15,000 fans in the current format, but they have to have several good playoff years were they go deep into the playoffs and have good weather.
Their best chance to get a larger fan base is the BSC format. Yes, it will cost a lot more money, but it allows YSU to play recognized schools and sets up all important game rivalries (which we do not have currently). Just look at the schools that have went to the BSC format since the Tressel years: Boise State, Marshall, Fla. Atlantic, Nevada, UCF, Fla. International, North Texas, Connecticut, UMass, South Fla., Western Ky., Ga. State, UTSA, Idaho, Troy, Appalachian St., Ga. Southern and the list goes on. Why?? Because they get to play the big named schools, get a lot more recognition via TV and media plus they make a lot more money!!!!
What ever happens, I will remain a YSU fan!