Spring games offer unique opportunities

With basketball season officially over, sports fans usually view spring as a time to relax and enjoy the beginning of a long summer of baseball. But before summer begins, spring offers an increasingly popular event as college football once again takes center stage with spring practice and games. Therefore, the unparalleled passion and excitement surrounding college football can provide yet another chance for development officers to reconnect with their donors.

Mississippi State University has continued a successful initiative from last year’s spring game, which includes auctioning off two head coaching positions for their Maroon-White game. Fans are being encouraged to submit bids to be eligible for selection. The two highest bids will then be selected as head coaches for the game. These lucky fans will participate in game preparation, will make game-time decisions and will follow the team throughout the weekend. All proceeds from the auction directly benefit the MSU football program.

Although Mississippi State’s initiative is not directly development-related, it does exploit a popular development-related activity by offering a unique fan experience. A large number of development departments currently take advantage of their spring game to host donors and replicate regular season game-day activities. The excitement surrounding spring games has grown along with the popularity of college football. Alabama hosted nearly 80,000 fans for their spring game in 2009, further highlighting the untapped potential of this event for development departments.

Matt Kirinovic

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