Maximizing High School Athletic Programs with Digital Ticketing & Online Fundraising: Time-saving techniques to get your athletic teams ready for the season
In the bustling world of high school athletics, success isn’t just about the scores on the board. It’s also about ensuring there are ample resources to back up our teams, from top-notch equipment to well-maintained facilities, and ample opportunities for student-athletes. Fundraising plays a pivotal role in making this happen. For Athletic Directors and Assistant Athletic Directors across districts, securing financial support is both a constant challenge and a vital necessity. Luckily, in today’s digital era, tapping into the potential of online fundraising and digital ticketing presents unparalleled opportunities to strengthen athletic programs and school districts alike. The Fundamentals of Fundraising Traditional fundraising methods like car washes and bake sales have long been go-to tactics for supporting high school athletic programs. While effective, they often demand significant time and resources, with returns that might not always meet expectations. Plus, they tend to be one-off events, putting pressure on coaches and athletes to raise funds within tight timelines. But the shift to online fundraising changes the game. Here’s why: 1. Accessibility and Reach Online fundraising offers unparalleled accessibility. With just a few clicks, supporters can contribute from anywhere, anytime, breaking free from the constraints of physical location and time zones. This broad reach extends well beyond the local community, tapping into alumni networks, friends, and family scattered across the country, all keen on the success of the program. 2. Cost-Efficiency Unlike traditional methods that may incur expenses for materials or permits, online fundraising platforms typically operate with minimal overhead costs. This means more of the funds raised can directly benefit athletic programs, whether it’s buying new gear, covering travel expenses, or maintaining facilities. With platforms like HomeTown + Schoolfundr, schools don’t have to worry about losing a chunk of their funds in transaction fees. All the money raised goes straight back to the programs, minus standard credit card processing fees. 3. Transparency and Accountability Digital fundraising platforms provide transparent tracking of donations, fostering trust between donors and the athletic program. Detailed reports and analytics offer insights into donor details and campaign effectiveness, enabling Athletic Directors to refine their strategies for year-round success. The Evolution of Digital Ticketing Digital ticketing isn’t just about facilitating entry to games; it’s about revolutionizing the entire fan experience. Platforms like HomeTown offer a range of benefits, from easy access to events to additional perks like season passes, concessions, and even access to other school activities beyond athletics. 1. Streamlined Operations Forget manual ticket sales; digital ticketing systems streamline the entire process. Tickets can be purchased online, printed at home, or accessed via mobile devices, slashing lines at the gate and reducing administrative hassles for athletic staff. “We don’t have to handle or count as much cash for any of our events. Our direct deposits go immediately from our treasurer’s office, right into our athletic department budgets. HomeTown saves a ton of time for our boosters, too. Now everything is streamlined and our boosters no longer have to manually count checks or cash…” – Wes Elifritz, Athletic Director I Westerville North High School 2. Enhanced Fan Experience Digital tickets mean smoother entry to events, allowing spectators to focus on the game rather than waiting in line. Mobile ticketing offers a seamless experience, with passes scanned directly from smartphones, bypassing the need for physical tickets altogether. 3. Data-Driven Insights Just like with online fundraising, digital ticketing systems provide valuable analytics that inform decision-making. From attendance trends to demographic breakdowns of ticket purchasers, this data helps Athletic Directors tailor marketing efforts and allocate resources effectively. Integration for Maximum Impact The real power lies in combining online fundraising with digital ticketing. Coordinated campaigns, personalized outreach, and continuous engagement amplify the impact, creating a comprehensive approach to supporting athletic programs and school districts. “As an Athletic Director, you have to do what is right for your student-athletes and your high school and by far, HomeTown and Schoolfundr is what is right for our schools and students.“ – Lori DeMarcus, Athletic Director I Hough High School Embracing the Future of Athletic Fundraising In an era defined by technological innovation, embracing online fundraising and digital ticketing is essential for propelling athletic programs to new heights. From expanding fundraising reach to enhancing the fan experience, these tools offer unparalleled opportunities to support athletic endeavors and foster community pride. As we look ahead, let’s harness the full potential of these digital resources to propel your athletic programs towards a future filled with success and achievement. Interested in hearing more about how HomeTown can help you handle all of this and more? Schedule a meeting to get started. BOOK A MEETING Written by: Nick Mirisis, CEO
Women In Athletics Timeline
It’s Women’s History month and we want to recognize the achievements made in an area very dear to us, athletics. Walk through a brief timeline with us, as we highlight the success of women’s athletics. There have been many women who have contributed along this storied path, and we hope you take a moment to read about this empowering topic and join us in supporting women in athletics everywhere. A special thank you to all of our female athletic directors and all to all those who promote gender equality and support female high school student-athletes.
HomeTown Spotlight | March: Westerville North High School
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT I MARCH 2024 School: Westerville North High School District Athletic Director: Wes Elifritz This month HomeTown is excited to spotlight Westerville North High School Athletic Director, Wes Elifrtiz, in recognition of how he has been using HomeTown to support the needs of his school and athletic program. Wes has been with the district for 8 years and has been using HomeTown since the fall of 2020 for everything from single game tickets and season passes to youth camp registration. Wes is truly an asset to Westerville North High School and we are excited to recognize him this month. Watch the full spotlight https://vimeo.com/924592366?share=copy
A Day in the Life of an AD: Afternoon Sprint
A Day in the Life of an AD: Afternoon Sprint As we continue on in our “A Day in the Life of an AD” blog series, we will jump right in where we left off, it’s lunch time! AFTERNOON SPRINT 11:00 AM: School Lunches This is a perfect opportunity to interact with students; chat with student-athletes about the game last night or check in on how a student is feeling about their grades. Connecting with students is the best part about being an Athletic Director, and any extra time with students can be used to build relationships and a sense of community at your school. If you need to make any phone calls this may be an ideal time as well since you are away from your desk. Cue multitasking. The next part of the day is where things start picking up quickly. Coaches, students, and teachers will ask questions. There will be constant interruptions. This is when multitasking, and staying focused and prioritized become an important skill for ADs. There will be thing that will pop up that need immediate attention, so trying to keep up with the day’s tasks when possible is essential to remain efficient. Also, don’t forget the AD needs to eat too. 12:30 PM: Athletic Director Necessities The AD is just getting back to the office from lunch duty and prioritizing what needs to be completed for the day: Confirm student-athlete eligibility, academic progress, and physicals Check-in with coaches on active or upcoming fundraisers Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and school administrator on high priority items Promote upcoming games and events on social media Secure Officials for weekly games Organize buses and transportation schedules Confirm gates are set to open 1:00 PM: Tonight’s Event Prep It’s time to make sure everything is in place for this evening’s games. Starting your pre-game checklist now will help make your events go smoother later on because you never know what will happen between now and then that pulls the AD attention in a different direction. Get with the bookkeeper to count the bank and sign out the cash box. Or go digital and skip this step entirely. Correct gates/doors are locked/open Flag is ready to be put up Promote games on social media Pre-approved music playlist is set Chairs and tables are in place to be set up Custodians are aware of the night’s schedules and needs 1:30 PM: Athletic Trainer Time About this time, most athletic trainers start their day. Touching base with your athletic trainer is a must to maintain open communication surrounding your student-athletes and their health. Athletic trainers are such an important part of the athletic department. They are an added level of safety for students and it’s vital to make sure they have what they need to be successful. 2:00 PM: Off-Campus Coaches Off-campus coaches will start swinging by the AD’s office trying to get last minute items taken care of before they are off to practices and games. Since these coaches often have day jobs that are off school grounds, making sure they have face to face time with the AD is a priority. These coaches may frequently email, call, and text with the AD to make sure they are following all school policies. Athletic directors usually have two different types of coaches on their staff, on-campus and off-campus coaches. On-campus coaches have access to student grades and frequently see and meet with students throughout the day, off-campus do not have that luxury so sometimes off-campus coaches require more time with the AD. 2:45 PM: School Is Out The bell has rung, and class has been dismissed. Most ADs have another assignment for dismissal or bus duty. After the campus clears, it’s go-time, and the AD’s job really begins… Interested in how HomeTown can make your afternoon easier? Reach out to a HomeTown representative to learn more. BOOK A MEETING Tune back in for our next post: Game Time…
Creating Opportunities for Schools & Students: Navigating Budgetary Challenges in Athletic Programs
In the ever-evolving world of K-12 public education, Athletic Directors and Activity Directors juggle a multitude of challenges, and one of the most pressing is stretching resources to support sports programs within tight budgets. As guardians of athletic development and student involvement, these professionals bear the responsibility of making every penny count towards the growth and triumph of their programs. In this blog, we’re diving into the strategies for tackling budgetary hurdles, spotlighting how ticketing and fundraising can open doors for schools and students alike. Getting a Grip on the Situation Let’s face it: budget constraints are a reality for many K-12 public schools. Fluctuating funding levels, competing priorities, and economic uncertainties often make for a tough financial landscape. In such times, Athletic Directors must put on their strategic hats, maximizing the impact of available funds while brainstorming innovative ways to supplement their budgets. Making Tickets Work for You When it comes to raising revenue and covering costs, ticketing for athletic events stands out as a solid strategy. By setting up a well-organized ticketing system, schools can tap into the excitement and support of students, families, and the wider community, all while fostering a sense of pride and belonging among participants. Finding the Sweet Spot with Pricing and Promotion The secret sauce to a successful ticketing strategy? Finding that sweet spot where accessibility meets revenue generation. Athletic Directors need to carefully craft pricing models that reflect the value of the experience while keeping tickets affordable. Plus, strategic promotion and marketing efforts can give ticket sales a boost, leveraging social media, email newsletters, and other channels to drum up excitement among potential spectators and supporters. Leveling Up the Game-Day Experience But let’s not stop at just selling tickets. Schools can supercharge the appeal of attending athletic events by offering an unforgettable game-day experience. Think halftime performances, mouth-watering concessions, stylish merchandise, and interactive fan engagement activities. By creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere, schools can draw in larger crowds and ramp up revenue potential. Tapping into the Power of Fundraising In addition to ticket sales, fundraising represents another potent tool for filling the coffers of athletic programs. Whether it’s securing sponsorships, rallying donations, organizing events, or selling products, there’s a myriad of fundraising avenues to explore. Athletic Directors should roll up their sleeves and forge partnerships with local businesses, alumni networks, and community organizations to rally support and foster mutually beneficial relationships. Getting Everyone on Board But here’s the thing: successful fundraising requires a team effort. Athletic Directors should rally the troops, getting coaches, athletes, parents, and alumni involved in fundraising initiatives. By empowering everyone to pitch in their skills, resources, and networks, schools can magnify the impact of their fundraising efforts and lay down a solid financial foundation for their athletic programs. Embracing the Digital Frontier In today’s digital age, technology opens up a world of possibilities for streamlining fundraising efforts and expanding reach. Online platforms and crowdfunding tools provide a gateway to a broader audience, facilitating seamless donation transactions. Similarly, mobile ticketing solutions can simplify the ticket-buying process for attendees while serving up valuable data insights for event planning and marketing purposes. Measuring Success and Staying Agile Of course, no strategy is complete without a way to measure its impact. Athletic Directors should keep a keen eye on the effectiveness of their ticketing and fundraising initiatives, tweaking strategies as needed. Establishing clear metrics for success—whether it’s ticket sales, revenue generated, or return on investment—keeps everyone focused on the goal. Regular evaluations and feedback loops ensure that schools can fine-tune their approaches and make the most of their resources over time. In Conclusion In the face of budgetary challenges, Athletic Directors and Activity Directors are the unsung heroes, paving the way for schools and students to thrive in the world of K-12 sports. By embracing innovative strategies like ticketing and fundraising, schools can not only bolster their financial standing but also foster community engagement and support for their athletic programs. Interested in hearing more about how HomeTown can help you handle all of this and more? Schedule a meeting to get started. BOOK A MEETING Written by: Nick Mirisis, CEO
