Hatters’ Fans Polled to Improve Game Day Experience
DELAND, Florida – With the current trend of improving game day experiences and fan amenities increasing across the nation, Collegiate Consulting recently completed a fan survey for ticket sales partner Stetson University. The research aimed to collect quantitative and qualitative data of the fan experience for Stetson football games in order to identify areas of strength and weakness.
The survey collected a wide array of information, including fan demographics, attendance at home football games and feedback on Stetson events including the Hatter Village and Hatter Walk. Respondents that attended Stetson athletic events were also allowed to provide additional open-ended feedback regarding their experience.
Collegiate Consulting developed the 34-question survey in coordination with Stetson’s athletic development and marketing department. The Hatters then reached out to over 1,200 season ticket holders, single game buyers, group buyers and mini-pack holders.
“Understanding our fans’ needs and wants is very important to Stetson,” stated Stetson Director of Athletics Jeff Altier. “We want to make sure that our games are a fun family experience. The research that Collegiate Consulting conducts helps us to do that.”
With the information collected from the survey, the Hatters are able to assess a variety of game day facets, including ticket purchase habits, stadium arrival and parking, purchase habits and concessions within the stadium and ticket pricing. Many ticket buyers said that they preferred later kickoffs and wanted handrails to assist older fans in the stadium, both areas that the program will address for the 2014 season.
“In response to what we’ve learned from the survey, four of our home games have had their start time moved back to later in the evening,” said Assistant AD for External Operations Jeffery Higgins. “We are also in discussions with the City of DeLand to install handrails in Spec Martin Stadium. We believe these are the kind of improvements that make the Stetson Football experience memorable, and make Spec Martin Stadium the Best Little Stadium in College Football!”
Collegiate Consulting provides end-of-season fan surveys for all ticket sales partners. Currently, Collegiate Consulting holds the ticket sales rights for 12 Division I institutions.
“We find that our research helps fans to connect with each University,” said Collegiate Consulting Managing Director Russell Wright. “These surveys have become an integral part of our ticket sales success, and build a solid foundation for year-to-year improvement.”
2013 marked the first season in 57 years that the Hatters fielded a football team. The Hatters averaged over 5,500 in attendance through their six home games, including two sell-outs.
About Collegiate Consulting: Collegiate Consulting is a comprehensive solutions-based consulting company focused exclusively on the collegiate marketplace. Featuring a team of experienced and proven individuals, Collegiate Consulting enables athletic departments and conferences to increase revenue, create efficiencies and maximize operations to succeed and prosper in a diverse climate. Collegiate Consulting was founded as a partnership with Strategic Marketing Affiliate in 2005. Since its inception, Collegiate Consulting has worked with nearly 350 institutions. For more information, visit www.collegiateconsulting.com.
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