The Mississippi Hound Dogs indoor pro football team is home tonight at BancorpSouth Arena against the Florida Tarpons, and the big number to watch - besides the final score - will be the attendance.

Ticket sales represent the primary source of revenue for the team, and success in this current homestand - this will be the second of four home games in five weeks - will be crucial for the team.

The first game, on a Saturday night, drew almost 2,500 paying customers - a number that team owner Marty (Not the former ICC coach) Cooper said was sufficient for the adequate operation of the club, based on its budget.

Last week's game, the second at home this season, was held on a Friday night and drew about 1,500 paid. It's too small a sample size to draw many conclusions, but it does follow a familiar pattern seen during the two seasons of the Mississippi MudCats, where the season's best attendance was for the opening game.

Before the first two games this season, I tried to guess the attendance while chatting with the guys on the sports desk. First night, I said the over/under was 2,000 and I would take the "over." Last week, I said the number was 2,000 and I would take the "under."

Tonight? Let's say 1,500 and I'll take the "over." Last week's big win, and the fact that it looks like a lot of high school games might get rained out today could help.

Our Brandon Speck will be covering the game. I'll pop over there around kickoff time to get a look for myself.