Spokane Cougar fans will soon have an easier trek to Pullman

This year's state transportation package could be a be a boon to increasing attendance to Cougar sporting events. The bill calls for a new passing lane between Colfax and Spangle on US 195. This is the road that most fans take from Spokane to Pullman to see games. In addition a new passing lane will be added on Highway 26 which will help the Seattle fan base make the drive safer and possibly a little faster.

Growing up in Spokane, I can testify to the difficulty of going to games on a mostly one way highway. A passing lane like this is badly needed and will hopefully put more fans at ease in making the drive to the Palouse. I have found that convience is an underrated factor in boosting attendance at sporting events especially among older fans. It's a lot easier for people to go to a Gonzaga game right now, but maybe this will bring WSU alumni in Spokane back to Beasley. If people think that the journey to the game will be less of a pain -- and safer especially during winter months -- they may be more likely to attend. Between this and the 48 hour ticket plan for football recently announced, there are a couple of positive trends in helping boost attendance.

Two state senators from the east side of the state, Mark Schoesler and Michael Baumgartner voted for this crucial legislation. Baumgartner added a Go Cougs hashtag in referencing the bill on Twitter and talked to me about the impact it will have on the Cougar Nation.

"As a senator I think the transportation package is a huge win for Eastern Washington with over a billion dollars for Spokane County alone." Baumgartner told CougCenter in a phone interview. He laughed and continued.  "As a Coug fan I'm excited for the passing lanes on US 195 and Highway 26 which will make it easier for Cougar fans to get to games in Pullman."

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