Tostitos Football Fun Zone to Debut at SU Home Opener
8/27/2002 2:29:46 PM | Football
The initiative will be modeled after the very popular and successful Family Fun Zone established in the basketball backcourt area.. All activities will be free and a "pay-as-you-go" food service will be available. The only difference is that no alcohol will be available at the "Tostitos Football Fun Zone".
"We need to address the question of how can we maximize the typical SU football fan's game experience and insure that they will return," said Associate Director of Athletics Michael Veley. “The Total Fan Experience begins once people arrive in the parking lots. Our goal is to provide entertainment value for fans of all ages and to enhance the overall ambiance and football game atmosphere."
The "Tostitos Football Fan Zone" will include:
- Several tents for fans to gather and purchase a variety of food and beverages.
- Either live music or mobile sound unit.
- Live, on-location radio broadcast of SU football pre-game show (ESPN Radio 1260 AM).
- A variety of interactive games for people of all ages.
- Pre-game music performed by the SU "Pride of the Orange" Marching Band 30 minutes prior to kickoff, along with appearances from the SU cheerleaders, dance team and Otto the Orange mascot.
- Autograph signing area featuring current and former SU student--athletes.
- A corporate hospitality area for client entertainment.
- Product sampling, prize giveaways, coupon distribution, etc.
"We hope to include some national attractions and improve fan amenities," Veley said. "For example, we are working to bring the College Football Hall of Fame tour exhibit to the Virginia Tech game in November." Veley said. "We recognize there is a need to improve the overall football atmosphere for SU fans and how it affects spectators. It starts with the pre-game festivities and carries into the Dome. If we can improve the ‘experience’ of attending an SU sporting event, we hope to enhance attendance. This is the beginning."
The intent is also for the "Tostitos Football Fun Zone" to create a sense of "student connectedness" for SU students, especially those living on-campus. The plan is to involve student organizations, the Greek system and individual student entertainment such as bands, singing groups, etc., to showcase their talents and promote their organizations and community service work.
