Memphis has a “Vision for Victory”

Football Indoor Facility Rendering

Recently, Memphis Athletics and the Tiger Scholarship Fund kicked off a campaign aimed at enhancing the school’s football program.  The Vision for Victory campaign will look to raise $10 million which will be used towards the construction of a 74,000 square foot indoor practice facility as well as improvements for part of the Murphy Athletic Complex.  Earlier this summer, the school hosted an event where they publicly announced the campaign which included special guest speakers such as former Tigers running back DeAngelo Williams, Memphis Head Football Coach Larry Porter, and legendary coach Lou Holtz.  The 1,200 Memphis donors, football season ticket holders, and former letterwinners in attendance were able to listen to each of the speakers describe the need to increase support for the football program.  The organizers of the event also showed this excellent case for support video which was created by Running Pony Productions.

As of June 2011, the school has raised over $1.2 million and has assembled an executive campaign committee that will aide in securing donors for this project.  The committee includes Isaac Bruce and DeAngelo Williams, both former Tiger football stars, who will serve as honorary national chairs.  To further publicize Vision for Victory, the Tiger Scholarship Fund created a campaign specific website which includes the Vision brochure, naming opportunities, and progress chart.

This campaign is a clear signal that the school is serious about enhancing the football program and is also a part of the University’s overall $250 million capital campaign.  Once construction is complete, Memphis will have some of the premier practice and completion venues in Conference USA and the country.

Drew Ossakow

Playmaker Summer Camp Event Highlights TAF’s Playbook Campaign

Tulane Athletics and the Tulane Athletics Fund (TAF) offered donors the opportunity to experience what it is like to be a Green Wave student-athlete.  In coordination with many of the departments within athletics, guests were led to different stations within the James W. Wilson Jr. Center where they got to meet with coaches and staff members.  At each station, participants heard about what that specific department does and were offered insights into how they specifically aid student-athletes.  For instance, groups were brought in to see the academic support areas and learned about all the services that are offered and how they impact Green Wave student-athletes.  Guests were also brought to see Tulane’s Director of Equipment Operations in which the kids in the group got to try on various football equipment.  Click here for a highlight video of the event.

The first ever “TAF Playmaker Summer Camp Event” received rave reviews from those that organized the event and those that attended.  It not only offered donors behind the scenes access into the full Green Wave experience, it also afforded the opportunity for current student-athletes to meet those that support them.  The Playmaker Summer Camp event also allowed Tulane Athletics supporters to see how their donations make an impact in a multitude of areas.

This event was a part of the TAF’s The Playbook Campaign, which is geared toward enhancing the football program.  Since Hurricane Katrina’s impact on the Tulane athletic program, a “playbook” was developed by the Tulane University president and athletic director on how to return the Green Waves to full-time Division I status.  This fall will mark that return, as the school will introduce Women’s Sand Volleyball and Women’s Bowling which will bring Tulane’s varsity sport count to 16, the required amount by the NCAA for a Division I institution.  In the playbook, the school makes a case for support to potential donors on the need to upgrade many aspects of the Tulane football program.  The needs outlined contain expanding academic services for the football team and facility upgrades, which includes a new football stadium.

It is apparent how much hard work has gone into The Playbook Campaign as it serves a vital need for Tulane athletics.  TAF has creatively branded this campaign, which even includes unique giving levels that tie in football season tickets, as well as provided innovative donor communication materials.  The Playbook Campaign provides a great example for any development office or athletic department that is looking to transform their football program.

Drew Ossakow

Arizona State Reinvents Brand with “It’s Time”

Through the “It’s Time” campaign, the Arizona State Sun Devils announced both an athletic and campus wide rebranding effort.  The school made the announcement at an April 12 press conference, after releasing a series of teaser videos online to build excitement.  Over the past 12 months the school, in collaboration with Nike, developed a strategy for the rebranding of the Sun Devils.  They utilized feedback gathered from focus groups and student-athletes, coaches, students, faculty, alumni and fans which resulted in three main recommendations.  These included having a secondary color scheme for uniforms, a specific ASU Athletics font, and a new trademark logo. 

Both ASU and its licensees are hoping to benefit from the newly released athletic apparel.  Currently the school brings in approximately $1 million in merchandise sales per year.  It is predicted that within the next 3 years that number will double.   However increased apparel revenue is not the only reason ASU decided to rebrand itself.  According to Associate Athletic Director Steve Hank, “its more about creating an image and a brand that reflects the image we want to project.”  Fans will be reenergized by the launching of a new era of Sun Devil Athletics when the latest uniforms are launched in the fall of 2011 along with the “All-Black” color scheme which is something similar to what the ASU football team wore back in the 1950s.

The Sun Devil Club has been very involved in the whole rebranding process.  The ASU athletic department’s fundraising arm took this opportunity to update its website and to include the new logo and color scheme.  A neat new feature on the site is the inclusion of a rebranding donor solicitation video which at the conclusion automatically takes viewers to a membership sign up page. Additionally an anonymous donor has stepped up and will pay for all of the new uniforms for each of the school’s 21 athletic teams.  This was an important part of ASU’s rebranding communication as the school made it clear that it used very little if any tax payer money for the It’s Time initiative. 

Furthermore, the Sun Devil Club treated its members to an exclusive unveiling of the new uniforms a few days before the public announcement.  Donors could pay $25 to attend the event and were asked to help preserve the secrecy of the rebranding before the April 12 press conference by not bringing their cell phones and other recording devices. 

The rebranding initiative comes at an interesting time as ASU received approval this past fall to use a local business fee to support renovations to Sun Devil Stadium.  A makeover of the historic facility, which opened in 1958, along with It’s Time would certainly usher in a new era of Sun Devil Athletics.  Furthermore, the Pac 10 (soon to be Pac 12) recently went through a major rebranding effort as did in-conference rival Washington State which was also organized by Nike.  The It’s Time campaign is a wonderful example of how to best utilize social media to generate buzz and create excitement surrounding an announcement of this kind for an athletic department.  Additionally, development offices are always looking for new ways to give their members behind the scenes access.  The Sun Devil Club did an excellent job of taking advantage of this opportunity to provide that for their donors. 

Drew Ossakow

Minnestoa hosts “Bottom of the 9th” Event

In early February, the University of Minnesota athletic department and the Golden Gopher Fund hosted a fundraiser in an effort to re-energize support to bring a new on-campus home for the UM Baseball team.  “Bottom of the 9^th” focused on reinvigorating donor interest in the Siebert Field Legacy Campaign as the project to replace the old on-campus baseball field nears its completion.  The evening attracted many potential donors along with current and former Gopher Baseball players, who came for a night that featured keynote speeches from Hall of Famers and former UM players Paul Molitor and Dave Winfield.  The athletic department was also able to utilize media personalities Michele Tafoya and Ryan Lefebvre, both of whom have previously been associated with the Gophers, to co-emcee the evening.

In total approximately 450 people attended “Bottom of the 9^th” which was hosted in the DQ Club at TCF Bank Stadium.  Tickets for the dinner and program were $250 and a table for ten could be purchased with a $2,000 donation to the campaign.  Furthermore, a VIP package option was offered at $3,000 and included a table for ten and a private pre-event reception with the keynote speakers.  Additional funds were raised for the campaign through a live and silent auction.

The urgency for a new baseball stadium project intensified recently as the Metrodome, which was scheduled to host all home games during the 2011 Gopher Baseball season, became unusable due to the roof collapsing in December.  Minnesota Head Coach John Anderson was able to secure a few alternative venues for this year but the fact of the matter remains that the Baseball program needs a permanent home close to campus.  To date, $4 million of the total $7.5 million goal has been raised.  Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi is optimistic about reaching the fundraising goal for the Siebert Field Legacy Campaign, but is also realistic on how much work needs to be done in the future.  Maturi stated, “We’ve never been so close to bringing a new baseball stadium to the University of Minnesota. We’re not behind in the bottom of the 9th, but we’re not ahead either.”

This event serves as a great example of how an athletic department can put momentum back into a capital project that is getting close to completion.  Additionally, the timing of the event provided a nice way to engage current donors and identify new prospects as excitement builds towards the new baseball season.

Drew Ossakow

Crabfeeds prove to be unique, popular fundraisers

Crabfeeds are popular fundraising events in California.

Sacramento State Athletics recently held their second annual crabfeed fundraiser which has become an instant hit and a significant source of funding for student-athlete scholarships for the department.  This year they hosted 650 people and raised an estimated $50,000, an increase of 200 people and $22,000 from the inaugural event.  Ticket prices for the crabfeed were $45 per person or $450 for a table of 10.  Donations were also collected from the event’s raffle, beverage sales, and live auction which included a painting from local Sacramento artist Thomas Kinkade.  In addition, donors that attended the event were able to mingle with current and former Sacramento State student-athletes, along with department administrators.  Hornet Athletics followed up by thanking all those who attended through the school’s twitter account.

Crabfeeds are a popular charity event throughout northern California, as each year millions of pounds of crab are served as a part to support various service, church, and school groups.  These events typically happen in the early winter months just as crab fishing season is kicking off.

As state support to universities continues to decline, athletic departments will need to continually look for unique opportunities to raise money. Creative fundraisers, such as crabfeeds, afford the chance for development offices to reach out to new donors and interact with current ones. In addition, by having the event at an off-campus location, such as what Sacramento State did this year, the opportunity to attract potential prospects increases.

In another example, the University of San Francisco’s athletic department uses their annual Baseball crabfeed fundraiser to help kick off the team’s season with all proceeds going towards the baseball program. This year the Don’s are incorporating an appearance from San Francisco Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper to help attract more attendees .  These examples illustrate how athletic development offices can benefit by seeking to incorporate non-traditional athletics activities into their event calendar.

Drew Ossakow

Idaho State Fundraises with Walk to Weber and Back

Today, university athletic departments are always looking at new and unique ways to fundraise alongside sporting events.  Next weekend, Idaho State Athletics will embark on a creative fundraiser for its Strength and Conditioning Department.  On October 15^th and 16^th, the Idaho State Strength and Conditioning Department will launch the inaugural To Weber and Back Fundraiser.

Prior to home football and volleyball games against Weber State on October 16^th, Athletic Director Jeff Tingey and other Idaho State head coaches will kickoff the 24 hour fundraiser by completing one mile walking, running, or riding a stationary bike.  From there, the football and volleyball teams will start completing miles and beginning student-athlete participation in the fundraiser.  Next, other Idaho State student-athletes will continue in a round-the-clock fashion until they reach 262 miles, signaling a round trip from Pocatello to Weber,  and back.

Preceding the event, student-athletes are asked to solicit at least five sponsors at a minimum level of $10.  More importantly, the team that raises the most money will be allowed to keep 25 percent of the money raised for their team budget.  Additionally, each team will be raising additional funds through sales of team merchandise along with “White out Weber” T-shirts at the fundraiser.

Overall, fundraisers like To Weber and Back are great examples of how athletic departments can effectively fundraise at particular sporting events or rivalries.  Additionally, such fundraisers serve as great publicity announcements for special events and can really energize supporters to contribute.

Michael Speight

Membership Benefits Allow Alcohol Sales

The idea of alcohol at collegiate sporting events has been heavily debated on college campuses for many years.  In most cases, the issue stems around the presence of alcohol sales when students are in attendance.  Nevertheless, some university athletic departments have begun to advertise alcohol sales at collegiate sporting events as a membership benefit strictly offered to certain supporters.

This fall at Bowling Green University home football games, supporters are allowed the opportunity to purchase beer and wine at the Falcon Club member hospitality tent.  The Falcon Club hospitality tent is located at the South end of Perry Stadium, and sales will end at the conclusion of halftime.  In fact, other universities like the University of Texas at Austin, which also offers alcohol sales as a membership benefit for some of its sports, concludes sales at halftime as a mechanism of control.

Although the idea of alcohol at collegiate sporting events is still an extremely polarizing issue for many athletic departments, it is becoming more and more accepted as an option in donor areas.  Practically, as long as athletic departments can confidently monitor the sale and distribution of alcohol, it should continue to be adopted as a viable benefit for supporters on gameday.

Michael Speight