September 2026

Collegiate Consulting Study: FIFA Friendly Pumps Over $27M Into Auburn, Lee County Economy

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Key Factors in College Stadium Fan Experience

The editorial staff of WeAreCollegeTown.com recently published research on 47 athletic programs’ plans for “managing game day as a consumer product.” Stadium improvements and renovations have amplified the fan experience (sometimes literally) in myraid ways – not only driving ticket sales, but also creating new revenue streams. Along with inherent reasons for stadium upgrades, like facility improvement and expanded food and beverage options, the following trends have seen success for football teams across the country:

  • Technology: From tickets to concessions to venue wi-fi, apps give fans more “one-touch” customer service
  • Friction removal: Athletic departments are working to the muss and fuss of attending a live game (streamlining traffic, parking and stadium navigation).
  • Premium seating and experiences: Besides the tried and true luxary boxes, fans can now access “behind the scenes” extras like tunnel runouts and on-field photos. High-level donors can be rewarded with rare opportunities; bolstering athletic fundraising.
  • Pregame: Elevated pregame events gets fans to games earlier and increases merchandise/concession sales. Added benefit? More exposure for sponsors.
  • Tradition: One of the advantages college football has over the NFL is that it has been around a lot longer. Stadiums are capitalizing by highlighting historical games and encouraging audience participation in campus rituals.
  • Student attendance: Offering “student-only” zones and student discounts strengthen the feel of a campus community, with the added bonus of creating new life-long fans.
  • Entertainment: Bands and DJs, pyrotechnics, high-watt sound systems and videoboards boost crowd energy and makes necessary lulls in games less tedious.

 


In addition to those listed, athletic departments are also focusing on more affordable, tiered ticket prices, family-friendly activities, opening new fundraising avenues and, perhaps the most telling, using fan feedback to guide operational decisions

Collegiate Consulting Valuation Studies Find Athletics More Than Source of Pride

Visibility is just one of the benefits of college athletics: With more exposure a program gets, more revenue is generated for the university, local businesses and often entire regions.

Collegiate Consulting comprehensive economic impact studies quantify the measurable value athletics provides and highlights why continued investment in athletics is essential.

Our studies, which also analyze media exposure, examine sources such as media rights, NCAA and conference distributions, bowl game proceeds, sponsorships, licensing and endowment income. Combined with economic impact metrics, studies also measure economic impacts over several years providing financial effects on the university as a whole, surrounding towns and cities and sometimes entire states.

Measurable impacts not only assist athletic departments in assessing current success but can also be used in future planning.

As we continue to partner with institutions of varying size and conference competition level, we are excited to explore opportunities for each new and existing clients. Several moving pieces to research give our university partners an expanded perspective for potential excellence.

We thrive on connection with our college athletic community and we seek to champion their notable actions and achievements.

Please follow us so we can celebrate and elevate each other together.

Managing Director
Russell Wright
Collegiate Consulting

1040 Grant St SE, Atlanta
GA 30315 United States