A value-based plan for fans
The construction happening at Youngstown State University this off-season goes beyond the main athletic facilities, Stambaugh Stadium and Beeghly Center.
While the workers are putting the finishing touches on the new turf at Stambaugh's Beede Field and other crews are in the midst of a renovation at Beeghly Center, the Athletic Marketing and Ticket Staff is busy constructing the business side of the program "off the field and court" for the coming year.
"Within the next eight weeks, we have to have everything in place for the coming football season," said Rick Love, YSU's associate athletic director. "That includes season tickets, game promotions, stadium signage, the game program and our game broadcasts."
YSU recently signed a new four-year radio rights deal with ClearChannel Youngstown, and an agreement with FOX 17/62 to air a "Re-Pete" of all home games the same night.
"The university is a huge resource to this region," Love said. "Athletically, it provides our fans with a great entertainment opportunity for the entire family. We have made a concentrated effort to keep football and basketball tickets affordable for area fans, while providing the excitement of NCAA Division I athletics."
In midst of campaigns
Love, along with ticket director Tom Morella and YSU's marketing staff, are in the midst of the school's season-ticket and Penguin Club campaigns.
The Penguin Club is the support/booster group of the athletic department and coordinates numerous events, including the Scholarship/Ring Dinner and the Bill Dailey Golf Outing.
YSU placed among the top ten in NCAA I-AA attendance for the second year in a row last fall.
"Season tickets for all six games at Stambaugh Stadium this fall start at just $48," said Love. "The opportunity to view championship-level college football at that price is a great sports value. Our athletic director [Ron Strollo] did a tremendous job in scheduling, with a home slate that features NCAA playoff teams McNeese State and Northern Iowa along with several Gateway Conference rivals."
Northern Iowa captured the Gateway title last year and advanced to the I-AA playoff semifinals.
Hospitality program
In addition to season tickets, fans and companies can enjoy a game day at YSU through the school's hospitality tent program.
"YSU football has become an event on Saturday, with tailgating, fireworks and the YSU marching band," Love said. "Companies, groups and organizations have an opportunity to enjoy the game with family and friends through our tent program -- which allows for pre-game tailgating around Veterans Plaza and Beeghly Center prior to the game. This year's tent area will feature live bands as part of the entertainment leading to kick-off.
"The thing fans must remember is that every dollar they invest in tickets, the Penguin Club or sponsorship, goes toward scholarships for YSU's student-athletes," Love added. "We are responsible for raising almost $2 million for the coming 2002-03 season to cover our athletic scholarships."
YSU's football success, 120 wins over the last 12 years, has led to tremendous fan support at Stambaugh Stadium.
"Obviously, our best marketing tool is the success Coach Heacock and Coach Tressel have had over the last dozen seasons," said Love. "Success draws attendance and attendance draws corporate sponsors to the program."
Promotions on tap
Individual game promotions on tap for this season include fan give-aways of schedule magnets, team posters, trading cards and a Pete the Penguin bobblehead doll. In addition, B J Alan will provide post-game fireworks shows following the opener and the Indiana State game on October 5.
Fans interested in season tickets for the 2002 YSU football campaign can contact the athletic ticket office at (330) 742-1YSU. The Penguins kick off the season on August 29th in a 7:30 p.m. game against Clarion.
XPete Mollica covers YSU athletics for The Vindicator. Write to him at mollica@vindy.com.