Fall kick-off events: Football isn't alone

With the fall sports season just around the corner, several athletics departments are generating excitement with football kick-off events. Dinners, auctions, and fall practices are all on the list of fun events for donors to attend in anticipation of the upcoming season. However, some schools take these events beyond football and embrace the other fall sports that many donors have a deep loyalty towards.

Stanford University: The Stanford volleyball team opened up their 2009 efforts with an open practice, chalk talk, and barbeque, all open to the public. While the practice and chalk talk (with head coach John Dunning) were free, the price to attend the barbeque was $20 per person with all proceeds benefiting Stanford volleyball.

Marquette University: The men’s and women’s soccer teams at Marquette are kicking off the 2009 with a soccer-themed Fan Fest. The event is free and will have skill stations, player autographs and photo opportunities. Food for the event will be provided by Qdoba. The players and coaches for each of the teams will be available to the fans for face-to-face interaction in a personal setting.

University of Northern Iowa: At the University of Northern Iowa the volleyball team is hosting a team golf outing with donors where all proceeds will benefit the volleyball program. Entry into the tournament is $40 per golfer includes green fees, prizes and special flag events. An after-tournament meal is also available to any donors that participate.

Many universities are realizing that fall kick-off events are not just limited to football, and that many supporters are incredibly loyal to other fall sports. In order to satisfy the needs of all donors, schools must consider how to cater to a variety of donors who follow all the university’s sports programs.