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, 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.