Some ideas I had to get more students and fans to men's and women's basketball games:
Tailgate Parties/Pre-Game Events: Set up a tailgating experience before home games, complete with food, music, games, and giveaways (not just the Homecoming game)
Student Discounts: Offer discounted tickets to students, or even free admission to some games. Work with sponsors to fund free giveaways or other incentives for students who attend.
Campus-wide Promotions: Collaborate with clubs, academic departments, greek life, and other student groups to promote games and organize group attendance.
Social Media Challenges: Run fan engagement campaigns through Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Encourage fans to post videos or photos supporting the team with hashtags, offering prizes like tickets or team swag for the best content.
Media Partnerships: Work with local newspapers, radio stations, and TV outlets to get more game previews, player profiles, and team highlights. The more coverage your team gets, the more it will generate awareness.
Fan-Created Jerseys or Merchandise: Let fans submit their own designs for jerseys, t-shirts, or hats to be sold at the arena. This not only gets the fanbase involved but also supports local artists and creates unique items that fans feel proud to wear.
Gourmet or Local Food Pop-Ups: Work with local food trucks or restaurants to set up gourmet food or unique snack stands at the games. Offer fans unique or fun food options (like team-themed snacks or limited-time items) that aren't available at other sporting events.