Jake's Take: Fans First Initiative
With that purpose in mind, I have commissioned a group of SU Athletics Department senior staff and friends of the program with professional experience in customer service and marketing to explore ways to 1) better convey the University’s appreciation of its fans 2) increase attendance by improving the "game atmosphere" and enhancing customer service at SU sporting events and 3) develop a systematic platform to reach out to the community to receive feedback to aid in consideration of our future actions.
Based upon a recommendation of this committee, I announced Tuesday on the floor of the Carrier Dome the Fans First initiative. What is Fans First? It's a way of ensuring that patrons of SU sporting events enjoy the total fan experience.
The first stage of Fans First focuses on Orangemen football. As always, we must remain mindful of striking a balance between managing the considerable costs of operating a major Division I-A program and offering our fans affordable entertainment. To this end, we regularly compare our prices to those of our counterparts. In order of expense, Orangemen football ticket prices rank sixth out of eight BIG EAST schools and Orangemen basketball ticket prices rank 11th out of 14 BIG EAST schools.
On Tuesday, I introduced new season and single ticket packages to provide fans more varied - and economical - options. These include special third-level east endzone seats, an "O-Zone" section for truly spirited fans, and a SUper Saver Family Value Pack. Detailed information on these and other ticket offerings can be found at suathletics.com or by calling the Carrier Dome Box Office at 1-888-DOMETIX.
Also new this year is Select a Seat Day, which coincides with the free Spring Game, Saturday, April 27. Prior to the 1:10 p.m. kickoff, fans will be able to try out specially marked seats available for the 2002 football season and purchase tickets at the Box Office. Following the game, the football team will remain on the field for autographs and photos.
This is just the beginning. The Fans First committee is exploring enhanced customer service training for event staff; new gameday promotions; additional ways to solicit fan comments; and new community activities involving student-athletes, coaches and staff. More announcements will come over the summer and just prior to the start of basketball season.
SU Athletics is one of the signature intercollegiate athletic programs in the country. Our football, men’s basketball and men’s lacrosse programs are annually ranked among the elite nationally in their respective sports. And our 18 other men's and women's teams are highly competitive and well represent their host community and state.
Our student-athletes, coaches and staff give their best on the field and on the court. They deserve encouragement and support. Our fans, too, give of themselves and are worthy of appreciation.
I invite you to come to the Carrier Dome this fall, and to our other athletic venues, and see in person what Fans First is all about.
