Exclusive Auction Set to Give Gators Forever a Significant Boost
This is the first post from Matt Kirinovic, a 2009 graduate of the Ohio University MBA/MSA program. Matt is a new contributor to the site and readers can expect more great work from him as we continue to cover the innovations, practices, and results of athletics development departments around the nation.
The scholarship endowment program for Gator athletics, Gators Forever, will soon receive a very lucrative, one-time contribution, thanks in part to the Nike Pro Combat Uniform Locker Exclusive. The University of Florida was selected, as one of the nation’s top 10 most elite college football programs, to benefit from the auctioning of this unique collection of Nike product (a complete list of items is shown below). A special website devoted to the auction will allow fans to bid on this rare collection until Thursday, December 10.
Auctions have continued to play a large role for athletic development efforts. Not every athletic department has the opportunity to create a partnership with Nike, but most schools have unique product to offer to fans. This example may prove that making these products into an exclusive collection of items, commemorating a champion season or special player, may entice donors.
The most successful items in many auctions are those that are labeled as “once in a lifetime” chances or experiences. The Nike Pro Combat Uniform Locker Exclusive includes items that will never be released at retail and only three lockers were produced, one of which is available to the public. This exclusivity will ensure the Gators receive a healthy contribution.
Florida Gators Nike Pro Combat Uniform Locker Exclusive Contents:
· Authentic Nike Pro Combat Hypercool top with Florida Gators’ artwork
· Authentic Nike Pro Combat jersey with the number 1
· Authentic Florida Gators’ helmet worn by the team on Nov. 28
· Pair of Nike Zoom Vapor Fly cleats (size 9) in Florida Gators’ colors, autographed by head coach & former player
· Pair of Nike Trainer 1 shoes (size 9) featuring Florida Gators’ colors and artwork
· Titanium D-ring belt with screen-printed Florida Gators’ football slogan
· Custom-designed, rolling locker with Gator artwork and detailing
By Matt Kirinovic
