Friday Night Lights Transformed: How Allen ISD Scored Big with Hometown’s Ticketing Revolution
Managing tickets for busy Friday night football games, summer camps, and other school events was a logistical challenge for Allen ISD. The district faced connectivity issues with their point-of-sale (POS) devices during peak times, leading to long lines and frustrated fans. Additionally, the season ticket renewal process was cumbersome and time-consuming for both staff and patrons. By transitioning to Hometown’s Box Office platform, Allen ISD revolutionized their ticketing process, optimized operations, and achieved a remarkable 19,000 ticket increase on Box Office year over year. Discover how Hometown emerged as the definitive solution for Allen ISD’s ticketing challenges and why it’s a transformative force for schools nationwide. The Challenges: Connectivity Issues and Ticketing Headaches Before moving to Hometown’s Box Office platform, Allen ISD faced significant hurdles. On the old platform, season ticket sales were cumbersome, and point-of-sale (POS) devices often suffered from connectivity issues during key events like varsity football games. Fans experienced long lines, and staff spent countless hours troubleshooting and managing outreach. Season ticket renewals, a major source of revenue for the school, were also complicated to handle. The district knew they needed a better solution that could simplify processes, improve fan experiences, and reduce workload for their administration. The Solution: Why Allen ISD Chose Hometown Last summer, Allen ISD switched to Hometown’s Box Office platform—and the results have been remarkable. Hometown’s advanced ticketing technology and user-friendly features addressed every challenge the district was facing. Here are some of the standout features that made the biggest impact: Point-of-Sale Devices with Reliable Connectivity: Hometown’s updated POS devices eliminated connectivity issues, ensuring smooth ticket sales and redemptions, even during peak events. Custom Fields for Added Flexibility: With Hometown’s customizable forms, Allen ISD was able to expand their offerings by adding summer camps and other programs to their ticketing site. Streamlined Season Ticket Renewals: The process for renewing season ticket packages became faster and more intuitive, resulting in increased sales. Ticket Resending Options: Fans now have the option to easily resend tickets via text or email if needed, reducing headaches for both staff and attendees. The Results: Smoother Operations and Happier Fans Since upgrading to Hometown, Allen ISD has seen impressive results: Faster Lines on Game Day: Smooth POS connectivity has significantly cut down wait times at varsity football games, creating a better experience for fans. Higher Revenue from Season Tickets: With a simpler renewal process, season ticket sales are up, boosting revenue for the district. Expanded Offerings: The ability to customize forms allowed Allen ISD to add summer camps to their offerings, expanding opportunities for their community. Reduced Fan Outreach: Fans no longer need to contact school staff or Hometown Fan Support as often, thanks to the platform’s intuitive design and easy-to-use features. “We’ve seen smoother operations on Friday nights, and the ability to expand to new events like summer camps has been a huge win for our school. Hometown made it simple.” – Jeff Chaney, Coordinator of Athletic Facilities | Allen ISD Why Hometown is the Ultimate Ticketing Solution for Schools For Allen ISD, Hometown didn’t just solve their immediate challenges; it elevated their entire approach to event management. From faster ticket redemption to new opportunities for engagement, Hometown has proven to be more than just a platform—it’s a partner in success. If your school or district is ready to simplify ticketing, improve operations, and deliver a better experience for fans, Hometown is the solution you’ve been waiting for. Ready to transform your school’s events? Get started with Hometown today!
How Hometown Makes Graduation Smooth, Stress-Free, and Unforgettable
Graduations are a milestone worth celebrating, but planning the ceremony can be overwhelming, from organizing seating and ticketing to managing crowds and ensuring a smooth entry process.Hometown simplifies the process with an all-in-one platform for ticketing, seating, and entry management. With Hometown, schools are able to provide a seamless graduation experience, one that even Grandma can do! With Hometown’s digital tickets and automated tools, schools can provide a seamless graduation experience—so simple, even Grandma can do it! Top Hometown Features for Graduation Success 1. Custom Seat Maps for Better Event Organization Making sure everyone has a seat — and knows where it is — can be a logistical headache. Hometown’s custom seat maps take the guesswork out of seating arrangements and help you deliver an organized, professional commencement experience. Tailored to your venue: Our team designs a seat map unique to your venue’s layout, whether you’re using reserved seating or general admission. Easy modifications: Need to adjust the seating for stage expansion or reserved sections? No problem. Seat maps can be quickly updated to reflect changes. Family Experience: Attendees can view the seating arrangement and select their seats online, giving them confidence in their choice. 2. Quick and Efficient Ticket Scanning Graduation day is busy enough without long lines and ticketing confusion. With Hometown’s Gate App, staff and volunteers can scan tickets in seconds, ensuring a smooth entry process for all attendees. Fast and reliable scanning: Whether attendees display tickets on their phones or bring a printed copy, each ticket is scanned in just a fraction of a second. Accurate validation: The system instantly verifies whether a ticket is valid, invalid, or duplicated, preventing entry issues. Capacity control: Scanning helps schools track attendance in real-time, ensuring the venue doesn’t exceed its capacity by providing an accurate count of attendees. This knowledge helps maintain safety at the event by preventing overcrowding and allowing for swift action in case of emergencies. Reduced wait times: Digital ticket scanning can cut entry wait times by up to 40%, keeping lines moving smoothly. By streamlining entry, Hometown makes graduation day more efficient and enjoyable for everyone involved. 3. Hometown Customer Support for Graduation Success Graduation day is a busy and important day for schools, staff, students, and families. Hometown understands that and offers excellent customer support to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for their customers. The Hometown customer support team offers extensive help and guidance for any questions about setup, implementation, and any unexpected issues that may arise. If any technical glitches occur, the Hometown team is available to troubleshoot and resolve them quickly. They can also offer advice and best practices for graduation event planning and execution. This level of support ensures that schools have the help they need for a successful graduation ceremony. Why Schools and Families Love Hometown Schools rely on Hometown to simplify the planning process, while students and families appreciate the convenience and professionalism of the platform. Here’s what makes Hometown stand out for graduations: No Stress for Staff: Automate ticketing and seating so your team can focus on the event itself, not the logistics. Convenience for Families: Digital tickets are easy to access, share, and use, reducing the risk of lost tickets and last-minute confusion. Memorable Experiences: From custom seat maps to quick entry, our features help create a polished event that reflects the importance of the day. “We use Hometown for a wide range of services—from general game tickets and season passes to reserved seating. It’s been instrumental for our booster club sponsorship levels and annual fundraiser events like our golf and pickleball tournaments. We also rely on it for graduation, school musicals, plays, and any order forms.” – Amanda Friday, Athletic Secretary | Midland Christian Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Hometown is here to make it unforgettable. Whether you’re managing ticket distribution, seating arrangements, or entry logistics, our platform offers the tools you need to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Ready to elevate your commencement ceremonies? Get started with HomeTown today and discover how simple graduation planning can be!
From Dreaming to Center Stage: How Hometown Rocked the First Grub and Groove Performing Arts Event
When Marquette High School Bands set out to organize their latest Grub & Grove event, they needed a seamless way to manage ticketing, seating, and guest preferences. Successful performing arts events require precision and professionalism, but the challenges of planning can quickly become overwhelming—especially when coordinating a live performance. Enter Hometown , the all-in-one platform that transformed their event planning process and delivered a flawless experience. The Challenge: Overcoming the Complexity of Event Organization Planning an event for a performing arts program comes with unique obstacles. For Marquette Bands, it wasn’t just about selling tickets—it was about creating a professional, memorable experience for attendees while simplifying logistics for their team. Their challenges included: Designing a seating layout that balanced functionality with audience enjoyment, ensuring every guest had a great view. Streamlining seat reservations to make the process easy and stress-free. Collecting guest preferences, such as meal options, to enhance the pre-show experience. Centralizing ticket sales, communications, and event data into one cohesive platform to avoid errors and save time. Using multiple tools to tackle these tasks created unnecessary complexity and increased the risk of mistakes. They needed a solution that harmonized all aspects of event planning. The Solution: Hometown Brings It All Together Hometown became the ultimate event planning tool, simplifying the entire process for the Grub & Groove. With this all-in-one platform, the team was able to: Streamline seating arrangements: “The ticketing system made it easy to set up a seating layout and allowed patrons to reserve seats effortlessly—one of the most valuable features for us.” – Candace Hall Selvidge Middle School Secretary & Event Volunteer Optimize pre-show logistics: By integrating a Google form with ticket purchases, patrons could select meal options during the checkout process, ensuring smooth concessions and an enhanced pre-show experience. Centralize all event details: Communicating event information, gathering customer data, and processing payments all in one place were critical to the event’s success. Marquette High School Bands Grub & Groove Event Custom Seat Map Powered by Hometown For a performing arts program, where crafting a polished experience is key, Hometown ensured every detail worked together seamlessly. The Results: A Perfectly Orchestrated Event Thanks to Hometown, Marquette High School Bands delivered an event that wowed both attendees and organizers. The platform’s user-friendly features ensured easy seat reservations for patrons, while the event team had everything they needed to manage the event flawlessly. “The process made both Hometown and Marquette High School Bands Grub & Groove look professional. We’re excited to use Hometown for future performances and events.” – Candace Hall | Selvidge Middle School Secretary & Event Volunteer Why Hometown is the Ultimate Solution for Performing Arts Programs Whether you’re hosting a school concert, a community theater production, or a large-scale fundraiser, Hometown is the go-to platform for performing arts events. With tools to handle ticket sales, seating, guest preferences, and payments, Hometown saves you time, reduces stress, and ensures a polished, professional experience for your audience. Want to deliver an event that hits all the right notes? Discover how Hometown Ticketing can transform your performing arts program today!
Navigating Cash Laws and Embracing Digital Ticketing in K-12 Schools
As states implement stricter cash acceptance laws, schools are facing a complex challenge: balancing compliance with the need for modernization. At Hometown, we understand how critical this balance is and are here to help schools navigate these changes while maximizing the advantages of digital ticketing. Why Cash Laws Matter More Than Ever Ohio is leading the charge with one of the country’s most stringent cash laws, requiring all payment methods to be accepted without price differences. For K-12 schools, this has complicated the shift to digital ticketing systems. Schools must now adapt while remaining compliant, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of their communities. Cash Payment Laws Across Major States Ohio: House Bill 33 now requires schools to accept cash for tickets and at least one concession stand at school-affiliated events, including athletics and extracurricular activities. If a school cannot process cash payments, attendees with adequate cash for a ticket must be granted free entry. This law has been in effect since October 3, 2023. Indiana: A new bill introduced in the Indiana House aims to mandate cash payment options at extracurricular activities and athletic events, including those overseen by the IHSAA. The legislation is currently under review. North Carolina: Proposed legislation would require high schools to accept cash payments at extracurricular events. The bill is awaiting further action. Alabama: House Bill 364 has been approved, mandating that public K-12 schools and local school boards accept cash for admission to school-sponsored sporting events. South Dakota: House Bill 1017 requires all schools, from K-12 to universities, to accept cash payments for admission to school-affiliated events. This law ensures greater inclusivity, as reported by DRGNews. Oklahoma: House Bill 2972, filed by Rep. Rick West, would require organizations regulating interscholastic activities to accept cash for event admissions. The bill is currently under consideration, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This is where Hometown shines. Our tailored solutions strike the perfect balance between complying with cash laws and embracing the future of digital ticketing. Whether you’re dealing with hybrid payment options or ensuring seamless integrations, Hometown is your go-to partner for simplifying event management. Digital Ticketing: A Game-Charger for Schools Since day one, our mission has been simple: help schools simplify event management while delivering a better experience for fans. Digital ticketing offers a host of benefits, including: Increased revenue transparency Faster and more accurate financial reporting Streamlined gate operations Reduced risks associated with cash handling But the benefits don’t stop there. Digital ticketing empowers schools to market events more effectively, engage their communities, and collect valuable data for future planning. “We’re not just focused on Friday night football games. We want to bring people out for Tuesday volleyball games, Wednesday soccer matches—every event matters.” – Blake Lantz | Manager, Client Success at Hometown Hometown: Your Solution for Cash Compliance and Modernization Navigating cash laws while transitioning to digital payments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hometown offers flexible tools designed specifically to support schools, no matter where they are in their journey. Why Hometown? Hybrid Payment Solutions: Offer both cash and digital payment options to meet state regulations and community needs. Seamless Compliance: Stay aligned with cash acceptance laws while adopting modern ticketing solutions. Customizable Support: From large districts to small communities, we help you create the perfect solution for your unique needs. Even in smaller towns, many fans already use debit and credit cards daily. The transition to digital often happens organically when introduced as an option, not a replacement. With Hometown, you can roll out digital ticketing at your pace, ensuring adoption grows smoothly while still providing the option for cash-paying guests to purchase tickets at the gate. Building Safer, Smarter Venues with Hometown Digital ticketing is about more than just convenience—it’s a step forward in school safety. With Hometown, you’ll know exactly who’s in your venue at any given time, creating peace of mind and a reliable record for emergencies. Unlike cash transactions, digital systems leave a secure, searchable trail that’s critical for accountability. Tools Designed for Schools Our advanced point-of-sale (POS) systems make it easier than ever to accept both cash and digital payments. Fully integrated with our mobile app, you’ll get real-time reporting and transaction tracking at your fingertips. What Hometown Offers: Comprehensive transaction tracking Audit-ready financial reporting Marketing tools, including QR codes and graphics Seamless payment processing with Stripe integrations and upcoming tap-to-pay features Whether you’re selling tickets, concessions, or merchandise, Hometown provides everything you need to simplify operations and maximize revenue. Small Steps, Big Wins with Hometown Change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start with small steps — test digital ticketing at a single event or collaborate with local businesses to incentivize online purchases. Build momentum with your community before introducing digital solutions district-wide. Even with strict cash laws like those in Ohio, Hometown ensures you remain compliant without sacrificing the efficiency and convenience of digital tools. Simplify Event Management with Hometown Hometown is here to help you adapt, thrive, and future-proof your school’s event management. From cash compliance to digital transformation, we provide the tools and support you need to create a seamless experience for your staff, students, and fans. Ready to make the switch? Let’s simplify event management, boost engagement, and help your community thrive. Reach out today to learn how Hometown can help you stay compliant and future-ready! Get Started Now
8 Must-Know Tips for Districts & Schools Transitioning to Digital Ticketing
As more schools and athletic programs switch to digital ticketing, a smooth transition is the key to success in a market that’s expected to surpass $27 billion by 2028 (Communicate Online, April 2025). Companies like Hometown are leading the charge by making digital ticketing easier, more secure, and more efficient than ever. Here are 8 actionable tips—complete with examples of how Hometown helps—to ensure your transition is seamless, impactful, and worth the hype. 1. Choose a User-Friendly Platform The key to successful digital ticketing is simplicity. A platform like Hometown is designed with ease of use in mind—for both event organizers and attendees. With its intuitive dashboard, organizers can set up events in minutes, manage ticket sales, and track attendance effortlessly. For parents, students, and fans, Hometown offers a simple purchasing experience that gets them quickly through the gate and into the event. “What I like most is that Hometown allows us to have a pulse on who’s attending our athletic contests and who is in our athletic venues at a particular point in time.” – Antony Fisher, CMAA I ,District Director of Athletic at Minneapolis Public Schools How Hometown Helps: Customizable ticketing options designed to fit your school or district’s specific requirements. Easy-to-use apps that simplify the ticketing process for both staff and attendees. Secure systems to ensure transactions and sensitive data remain protected. Real-time Support to address any challenges quickly, so your events run smoothly. 2. The Secret to Stress-Free Events? Excellent Service & Support Making events accessible to everyone isn’t just about flexible ticket options – it’s also about providing stellar customer service. Hometown understands that high profile events, like rivalry games, graduation, or the playoffs, can come with unique operational challenges, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether attendees access their tickets via email, download them to their phones, or prefer a printed copy, our support team ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for everyone. How Hometown Helps: Our reliable support team is available to assist attendees with ticket questions quickly and efficiently. Reliable service ensures event organizers can focus on running the event, knowing ticketing is handled seamlessly. Flexible ticketing options, paired with top-notch customer care, guarantee a great experience for everyone involved. Success Story: “The support and willingness to continue to work with us to see how we need things or how things could work better for us. Recently the end of the year meeting y’all came and saw us to talk about ins and outs of the year. Moving forward from there a pre-season meeting before preseason tickets went on sale. The follow up and support is key.” – Chris Feris, Director of Athletics I Conroe ISD 3. Leverage Scalable Solutions: Never Worry About Capacity Again Event sizes can vary, but your platform should be able to handle them all. Hometown’s technology is built to scale—whether it’s for an intimate theater production or a sold-out playoff game. Hometown adapts and grows with your needs, so you never have to worry about capacity limits or system crashes during high-demand events. 4. Keep Costs Low with Streamlined Tools Say goodbye to expensive, outdated ticketing equipment. With Hometown, all you need is a smartphone or tablet to scan tickets at the gate. Volunteers can use the Hometown app to check in attendees instantly, cutting down wait times and eliminating the need for costly hardware. “We use Hometown for all our sports, summer programs, and performing arts productions. Going cashless helps so much—we don’t have to count money anymore. It usually only takes about 5 minutes to wrap up and head home after our games. We’re very grateful for Hometown!” – Vanessa Tover, Athletic Secretary I Harlingen CISD 5. Train Your Staff and Volunteers in Minutes Your event team is critical to a smooth experience. Hometown offers training resources, including quick-start guides, video tutorials, and dedicated support to help your staff feel confident using the platform. With just a short training session, your team can master ticket scanning, attendance management, and troubleshooting. 6. Communicate with Your Community: The Key to a Smooth Rollout The key to a successful rollout is clear communication. Hometown provides customizable tools to help you notify attendees about the switch to digital. Highlight the benefits, like faster entry and better security, to get your community excited. Make entry seamless by using a fast and reliable ticket scanning system. Hometown’s mobile ticket scanning technology ensures quick check-ins, reducing long lines and improving the attendee experience. With real-time updates, you can track attendance as it happens, giving you better control over your event. Plus, it’s easy to train your staff, so the process stays smooth from start to finish. “The switch helped our district recover lost revenue during critical seasons. The revenue generated has been reinvested in student programs, creating a positive impact throughout the district.” – Jay Govan Assistant Athletic Director I Northside ISD 7. Track Revenue in Real Time: Ditch the Spreadsheets Gone are the days of manual calculations and complicated spreadsheets. Hometown provides real-time revenue insights, so you can track ticket sales as they happen. With detailed reports, administrators can analyze trends, plan for future events, and simplify their financial reporting process. 8. Enhance the Fan Experience: Putting Your Community First Digital ticketing isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a better experience for your fans. Hometown offers features like mobile ticket sharing, instant purchase confirmations, and quick entry options to make attending events easy and enjoyable. Fans appreciate the convenience and are more likely to return for future events. By following these tips and leveraging Hometown’s innovative tools, schools and athletic programs can confidently transition to digital ticketing. From advanced security to user-friendly designs, Hometown offers everything you need to streamline operations and enhance the attendee experience. Ready to make the switch? Start small, communicate clearly, and embrace the digital future with Hometown today! Hometown Ticketed High School Football Game I Ohio I October, 2024
Hometown Spotlight | Emily Wizner, Lakeland Union High School
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | APRIL 2025 School: Lakeland Union High School Athletic Director: Emily WiznerHometown is excited to announce April spotlight, Emily Wizner and Lakeland Union High School. About Emily Wizner is the Activities Director at Lakeland Union High School, where she has spent the past six years supporting students and athletic programs with her passion and expertise. A former high school and collegiate student-athlete with experience in college athletics, Emily brings a unique perspective to her role. At Lakeland Union, she and her team utilize Hometown for their fundraising efforts, making it easy and convenient for families and students. How you use Hometown? Emily and her team use Hometown for their fundraising efforts, making it easier for families and students to contribute and stay engaged. Using Schoolfundr, Lakeland Union High School students raised over $10,000 for a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience to Germany. What is your favorite Hometown feature? Emily loves how convenient and user-friendly the platform is, saying, “It’s so convenient for our families and students to use.” Fun fact When she’s not supporting students and programs, Emily loves spending time with her husband and their two sons, Wally and Judd!
Staying True to Your Purpose: How Jeff Whisler Transformed Athletic Events To Sell Out In Minutes
In the fast-paced world of school events, staying true to your mission can feel like an uphill battle. For Jeff Whisler, a passionate educator, athletic director, and activities leader, success wasn’t just about managing logistics — it was about delivering meaningful experiences for students. His journey highlights not only the importance of embracing change but the power of finding your “why” and using technology to bring that vision to life. From chaotic cash-only ticket lines to seamlessly managed sell-out events, Jeff’s story is a roadmap for any school leader looking to make an impact. From Teacher to Tech-Savvy Leader: A Passion for Student Success Jeff’s career began with a simple yet powerful goal: building meaningful relationships with students to help them grow as individuals. He poured his time and energy into creating unforgettable memories and fostering a sense of belonging for every student. Whether it was a Friday night football game or the annual school play, Jeff’s focus was always on the students. As time went on, the logistics of managing and ticketing large-scale events became a growing challenge. How could he balance offering quality experiences with navigating endless ticket lines, tracking finances, and coordinating schedules? Despite his passion for student success, the manual systems in place — like cash boxes, paper tickets, and long queues — were taking a toll on both administrators and attendees. The Minnesota State High School League’s Mission: A Perfect Match for Jeff’s Passion Jeff’s passion for empowering students aligned perfectly with the mission of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL): promoting growth, teamwork, and excellence for every student-athlete and performer. As Region 4AA Secretary, Jeff’s role extends beyond the classroom and the basketball court — it’s about creating impactful experiences that allow every student to shine, whether they’re on the field, stage, or sidelines. However, outdated systems were holding schools back. Event management wasn’t just a headache for staff, it was creating barriers for families, students, and communities. Long lines meant late arrivals to games, cash-only setups excluded fans without cash on hand, and manual processes created unnecessary stress for administrators. Jeff knew there had to be a better way. The Ticketing Transformation: From Manual Mayhem to Digital Dreams Gone are the days of cash-only sales, mismanaged lines, and endless paperwork. For Jeff, the turning point came in 2021 when he took a leap of faith and transitioned to digital ticketing with Hometown. The shift wasn’t just about updating a system, it was about embracing innovation to better serve students, families, and staff. With digital ticketing, Jeff saw the potential to completely transform how school events were managed: No more long lines crowding the entrances. No more worrying about lost cash or mismatched bookkeeping. No more stress for parents scrambling to find exact change. Hometown: Sell-Out Success In Minutes When Jeff partnered with Hometown, the results spoke for themselves. The platform offered a secure, user-friendly solution for managing events of all sizes, and the impact was immediate. Here’s how Hometown has helped Jeff and his team revolutionize their event management: Sell-Out Success in Minutes: A boys’ hockey section tournament recently sold out to 3,100 attendees in just 13 minutes. Digital presales and real-time tracking made it seamless to manage high-demand events. Streamlined Finances: Hometown’s itemized payment system simplified accounting and bookkeeping, saving administrators valuable time and effort. No more reconciling cash boxes or manually counting ticket stubs. Stress-Free Support: With a dedicated Hometown representative, Jeff always had expert guidance, ensuring the transition was smooth and any issues were quickly resolved. Better Experiences for Families: Parents and fans could purchase tickets online ahead of time, skip the lines, and enjoy the events stress-free. “We sold out in 13 minutes, and because everything is online, we didn’t have to worry about last-minute ticket sales.” – Jeff Whisler, Region 4AA Athletic Secretary The “Why” That Drives Success: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation At the core of every decision Jeff has made is his unwavering commitment to positively impacting students’ lives. Whether creating opportunities for student-athletes to showcase their talent or ensuring every attendee can enjoy an event hassle-free, Jeff’s “why” has always been the driving force behind his leadership. Digital ticketing didn’t just make Jeff’s life easier — it allowed him to stay true to his mission. By embracing innovative solutions like Hometown, Jeff has set a new standard for school event management. His leadership is a reminder that when you lead with purpose, the possibilities are endless. Key Takeaways for Athletic Directors and School Leaders If you’re navigating the challenges of managing school events, here are three lessons from Jeff’s journey to keep in mind: Embrace Digital Ticketing: Traditional methods can’t keep up with the fast-paced demands of modern events. Digital ticketing is efficient, secure, and future-focused. Find Your “Why” and Stay Committed to It: Let your mission guide your decisions. Whether it’s student success, community engagement, or operational excellence, your “why” is the foundation for growth. Partner With the Right Tools: Solutions like Hometown simplify logistics, improve efficiency, and allow you to focus on what matters most — delivering unforgettable experiences for students and families. Don’t Get Left Behind—Join the Digital Ticketing Revolution The days of cash boxes and manual ticket stubs are over. If you want to unlock the full potential of your school events and create meaningful experiences for your students, it’s time to embrace the future with Hometown. Streamline your process, save time, and focus on what truly matters—empowering the next generation. Ready to get started? Join the digital revolution today!
7 Proven Strategies to Boost Attendance and Engagement at Your School’s Events
School events are the lifeblood of a thriving community, bringing together students, parents, educators, and residents to celebrate milestones, achievements, and shared aspirations. However, driving high attendance and involvement can be challenging, especially in today’s fast-paced world of competing priorities. To help schools overcome these hurdles, we’ve compiled seven expert strategies to enhance community engagement and ensure your events are a resounding success. These actionable tips focus on leveraging technology, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful experiences that resonate with your audience. 1. Make Event Information Easily Accessible Clear communication is the foundation of successful event planning. Ensure that event details are easy for every member of your school community to find and understand. Use a mix of communication channels—such as email campaigns, school newsletters, social media, and posters—to get the word out. For an even more streamlined approach, consider using platforms like Hometown. Hometown simplifies event management by providing a centralized hub where attendees can access all the information they need, including event details, ticket sales, and real-time updates. With an intuitive platform, you make it seamless for families and community members to stay informed and connected. “I really like how simple and easy it is. It’s very user friendly.” – Mason Harper, Assistant Athletic Director at Medina High School 2. Offer Convenient Digital Ticketing Options In today’s digital age, convenience is key. Paper tickets and cash-only payments can deter attendees, especially those with busy schedules. Digital ticketing platforms like Hometown provide a hassle-free solution, allowing attendees to purchase tickets online from any device. With mobile-friendly options and secure payment systems, families can buy tickets on their own time—even at the last minute. For schools, digital ticketing reduces administrative burdens, streamlines ticket tracking, and eliminates the chaos of managing cash transactions. By adopting modern ticketing solutions, you can boost attendance while creating a frictionless experience for everyone. 3. Leverage the Power of Social Media Social media is an indispensable tool for building excitement and promoting your school events. Create engaging posts, countdowns, and sneak-peek content to generate buzz. Highlight key event features, such as performances, guest speakers, or fundraising goals, to capture attention. “Did you know that 54% of social users use social media to research events?” (Source: Hootsuite, 2023) Platforms like Boxout, which partners with Hometown, make it easy to design professional, eye-catching graphics for your social media campaigns. These visuals help amplify your event’s visibility, drive ticket sales, and foster community engagement. Encourage students, parents, and staff to share your posts to further expand your reach and strengthen your school’s sense of community. 4. Involve Students in Event Planning Empower students to take an active role in planning and organizing events. When students feel a sense of ownership, they’re more likely to encourage their families and peers to participate. Provide opportunities for students to contribute through volunteering, performing, or helping design activities. This involvement not only boosts attendance but also fosters leadership, teamwork, and pride among students. When students see their efforts come to life, they create deeper connections with the school community. Texas High School Hometown Ticketed Basketball Game(November, 2024) 5. Collaborate with Local Businesses Forge partnerships with local businesses to enhance your event’s reach and value. Invite businesses to sponsor activities, donate giveaways, or contribute to raffles. In return, highlight their support by including their logos in event promotions and recognizing their contributions during the event. These collaborations strengthen community ties while offering businesses meaningful exposure. By working together, schools and local organizations can create mutually beneficial relationships that add a unique touch to your events. 6. Create Incentives to Drive Attendance Incentives are a powerful motivator for increasing participation. Offer perks such as door prizes, raffles, or discounts on future events to encourage attendance. Consider exclusive incentives that resonate with your audience, such as gift cards, school merchandise, or VIP seating. Research shows that offering incentives can increase event attendance by up to 20% (Eventbrite, 2022). By adding value to the event experience, you can generate excitement and ensure more community members turn out to support your school. 7. Celebrate and Share the Success The work doesn’t end when the event does. Sharing the highlights and achievements afterward helps keep the momentum going. Post photos, videos, and key statistics, such as the number of attendees or funds raised, on social media and your school’s website. Celebrate milestones like record-breaking attendance or impactful donations to build excitement for future events. Platforms like Hometown make it easy to track attendance and revenue, providing valuable data to share with your community. This transparency fosters trust and encourages ongoing participation in upcoming school initiatives. Lead the Way in Community Engagement By implementing these strategies, your school can become a leader in fostering strong community bonds and creating events that people genuinely look forward to. Embrace technology like Hometown to simplify event management, engage your audience, and maximize attendance. Kickstart Your Next School Event Today Don’t wait to transform your school’s events into thriving community hubs. Begin planning your next event today with the tools and techniques designed to inspire connections, celebrate achievements, and unite your community. With the right approach, your school events will become the cornerstone of a thriving, engaged community. Curious to learn more about how Hometown can transform your events? Learn more.
No More Cash, No More Chaos: The Digital Ticketing Revolution at Rancho Rio Public Schools
The Challenge: Managing 12,000+ Fans on Game Night For New Mexico’s Rancho Rio Public Schools, Friday nights mean one thing — game night. With over 12,000 fans attending their events, ensuring a smooth game day ticketing process wasn’t just a goal — it was a necessity. Long lines, misplaced tickets, and cash handling created unnecessary hassles for both staff and fans. With a community accustomed to cash transactions, the transition to a digital ticketing solution had to be user-friendly and seamless. “Hometown has made it really easy.” – Todd Resch, Executive Director, Rancho Rio Public Schools The Solution: Hometown’s Cashless Ticketing System Rancho Rio found the perfect partner in Hometown, the trusted leader in digital ticketing solutions. On a busy Friday night, ensuring fans can enter quickly and easily is essential. Transitioning to a modern cashless ticketing system wasn’t just about convenience—it was about elevating the entire game experience. Now, parents, students, and community members can purchase tickets effortlessly, freeing up more time to enjoy the excitement of the game. Here’s how Hometown makes it simple: Buy tickets directly from your school’s website. Pre-order season passes for the entire season. Enjoy mobile-friendly payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. With Hometown, Rancho Rio has truly transformed the way their community experiences game day. “We want to make the fan experience our top priority and Hometown has enabled us to make a seamless transition to cashless ticketing for our community,” – Todd Resch, Executive Director, Rancho Rio Public Schools Unparalleled Support from Hometown What makes Hometown’s solution stand out isn’t just the technology, but the dedicated support they provide. Hometown’s exceptional support has been a game-changer for Rancho Rio. The team is always available to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Instead of struggling with ticket sales logistics, the school can now focus on creating memorable game day experiences for fans. “What sets Hometown apart from the rest is the support they provide us.” – Todd Resch, Executive Director, Rancho Rio Public Schools The Results: A Frictionless Game Day Experience For attendees, cashless ticketing systems solve major game day frustrations—no more long lines, lost tickets, or scrambling for cash. The result? A smoother, more enjoyable experience from start to finish. Since launching the system in August of 2024, the district has seen impressive results. Two high schools, Rio Rancho High School and V. Sue Cleveland High School, have already sold tickets for 161 events this year. In total, they’ve sold over 19,000 tickets—14,500 online and 4,800 at Points of Sale – bringing in $128,040 in ticket revenue. Looking ahead, the district plans to expand cashless ticketing to middle schools, ensuring an even broader impact across its community. A Winning Formula for Schools Everywhere Rancho Rio Public Schools’ success shows how cashless ticketing solutions can revolutionize school sports events. By partnering with Hometown, they’ve created a system that prioritizes the fan experience, simplifies operations, and keeps the focus on the game. For schools looking for a reliable ticketing platform, Rancho Rio’s story is proof that Hometown isn’t just selling a product—they’re building partnerships. Discover how Hometown’s ticketing platform can transform your school’s game day experience with seamless digital ticketing and unparalleled support. Ready to get started? Learn more about cashless ticketing for schools and how Hometown can help simplify your events today!
You Always Find Your Way Back Home: How Hilliard City School District Achieved Seamless Ticketing with Hometown
Hilliard City School District sought a reliable and efficient ticketing solution for their athletic events to accommodate thousands of fans. After experiencing challenges with another provider, the school returned to Hometown, a platform known for its exceptional customer service and dependable technology. The decision proved to be instrumental in ensuring smooth operations and a better experience for both staff and community. Their Challenges A few years ago, Hilliard switched from Hometown to another provider in an attempt to explore alternative solutions. Unfortunately, the switch led to numerous problems, including: Technical failures: Equipment often malfunctioned, especially during high-traffic events, causing frustration for staff and fans. Self-scan complexities: The lack of scanning options created confusion for spectators and ticketing staff. Cumbersome interface: Fans found the online ticket purchase process difficult to navigate. After enduring these challenges for a year, Hilliard decided to return to Hometown. Marking an Impact The return to Hometown had an immediate and positive impact on Hilliard City School District’s event management: Reliable technology ensured smooth ticketing operations, even during high-attendance events. Hometown’s exceptional customer service provided immediate troubleshooting—critical for Friday night football games with up to 5,000 fans. The platform’s user-friendly interface made it easy for fans to purchase tickets online, reducing confusion and complaints. “Hometown has always been a call away, and their customer service is the best. On a Friday night football game with 5,000 fans, it’s comforting to know you can call and get immediate help.” – Chris Ludban, Assistant Athletic Director at Hilliard High School The Results By returning to Hometown, Hilliard achieved: Streamlined operations: One ticketing provider for all events eliminated confusion and inefficiency. Better fan experience: Fans enjoyed an easy-to-use online platform for purchasing tickets. Reliable technology: An iOS- and Android-friendly app and responsive customer support ensured smooth ticketing, even during the busiest events. Hilliard’s experience underscores the importance of choosing a ticketing provider that prioritizes reliability, user experience, and exceptional customer service. For them, Hometown proved to be the perfect partner, delivering consistent results and peace of mind. “There’s no comparison between the two companies—Hometown just does it better… PERIOD.” – Chris Ludban, Assistant Athletic Director at Hilliard High School
