Oklahoma State University Athletics
BRING ON THE STUDENTS!!
August 25, 2008 | General
BRING ON THE STUDENTS!!
As discussed before on web communications, we value our students. They bring a unique element to our home contests and represent the future of donors, ticket holders and loyal fans.
That stated, Athletics has more student-focused marketing/communication initiatives than ever before (e.g. Camp Cowboy, Alpha, Lights on Stillwater, push e-mail, etc.). We are utilizing new tools (Fridays at the Fountain, Polaris vehicle shooting free tee-shirts, student-focused promotions...) as a way to further drive messaging and interest.
Background:
When Athletic Administrators talked to student groups about proposed changes in the ticket plan, we asked them for input on having a reserved section. There was only 1 student in over 200 expressed interest, but only if seats were in the best location. All other students were STRONGLY opposed to a prime area being held for reserved seats. Responses from these input/feedback sessions reflect the following positions:
- Students did not like the validation process for ANY game
- Students would rather arrive early to get the best seats
- Students feel that if they arrive late to an event they shouldn't expect the best seats
- Some students like to camp out, just to camp out. Seat location is a bonus.
- Students like the idea of Men's Basketball and Football tickets being independent of each other. (Don't have to buy one to get the other.)
- Students like having printed ticket in their hands for every home game
- Students like having multiple payment options
- Students appreciated having “dedicated” new gates near their seating sections
- Students wanted to sit with/near the band and have Spirit Squad focused on their gameday energy
- Students loved the idea of getting in free with ID to all sports except Football and Men's Basketball – we put this policy into action for '08-'09 season.
We feel we are improving on student gameday experience based on many factors; current changes in programming came about as a result of listening to students and acting on input.
PRICING
OSU Athletics offers a special student discount for the 2008 football season. The cost of a season ticket for students was “held” to $150 while adding a 7th home game (costs decreased from $25/contest to $21.42/contest). Dedicated sections for students represent much of the northwest and west sections of the stadium.
We value our students. They bring a unique element to our home contests and represent the future of donors, ticket holders and loyal fans.
If you have ideas, promotional concepts and communication elements that help us in this area, please submit them. We will listen. We have twenty-plus new outreach elements currently focused on students, but new ideas are always welcome.
Go STATE!
Craig
