DELAND, Florida – In the current climate of college sports, football reigns supreme. At Stetson University, you don’t have to look far to see the effect that the gridiron game has brought to the community.
“Local businesses are behind the program and residents are excited,” exclaimed David Shelton, Stetson’s Director of Ticket Sales and DeLand native. “People are excited to see these guys compete on the field and watch a program be built from the ground up.”
In this case, that “ground” is the 57-year gap since the last time the Hatters strapped on shoulder pads. Stetson Football returns to DeLand this week, as the Hatters open up their inaugural season in the Pioneer League and Division I FCS against the Warner University Royals. Increased coverage and advertising have insured that the opener at Spec Martin Stadium will have a packed house.
The buzz surrounding the new program has helped Shelton in his sales efforts, which have so far produced over 3,000 new season tickets and $300,000 in football ticket sales. Venturing into football meant that Shelton and Collegiate Consulting, Stetson’s outbound ticket sales partner, had to develop and implement a carefully laid-out strategy. “We primarily focused on reaching out to alumni, faculty and local businesses, in addition to participating in multiple community events within Volusia County,” Shelton explained.
Yet the Hatters are seeing benefits outside of football as well.
“Stetson is already seeing an increased interest in other sports through the addition of football,” said Shelton. “Football provides an opportunity to showcase and highlight other Hatter sports. Fans are more inclined to come check out additional events not only to learn more about our teams but to see what Stetson University has to offer as well.”
Though they’re days away from their first game, Hatter Football is already scoring in sales and winning in the community.
For more information about Stetson University tickets, visit www.gohatters.com/tix.
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 Affiliates in 2005. Since its inception, Collegiate Consulting has worked with over 325 institutions.