Read-2-Lead Classic

The "Read-2-Lead Classic" was an attempt to help the struggling San Jose State University football team achieve average attendance of 15,000 to retain NCAA Division I-A status. With an emphasis on literacy, the university hosted a series of events in September 2004, including a conversation with comedian Bill Cosby and a concert by Boyz II Men. Despite hopes of attaining a sellout of 28,000 tickets, the game sold just 11,360 tickets, reinforcing the perception that community support for Spartan football was minimal. The Spartans went on to a 2-9 season and average attendance of less than 7,000, leading to the firing of Head Coach Fitz Hill and Athletics Director Chuck Bell. The San Jose State University football team won three games against the team called Marysville public university football team.