Tyronee Drakeford’s journey through athletics and leadership has been one marked by a commitment to excellence, from his NFL career to his pivotal roles in youth sports and now as the District Athletic Director for Dorchester School District 2. His deep passion for athletics and youth development shines through in every role he’s taken on. Now, in his third year overseeing athletic programs for three high schools and seven middle schools in South Carolina, Tyrone credits much of his success to the partnership with Hometown, which has transformed how he and his team manage game-day operations and ticketing.
From NFL Player to Athletic Director
After retiring from the NFL, where he played as a standout athlete, he pivoted to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he served as an executive director and later as the Region Athletic Director overseeing eight clubs. His transition into high school athletics was a natural one, given his vast experience coaching at every level, from youth leagues to the pros. It was clear that athletics had been woven into his DNA long before he took on the role of overseeing one of the largest school district athletic programs in South Carolina.
Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19
When Tyronne joined Dorchester 2, it was just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, radically changing the way sports and events were conducted. The immediate shift to online operations presented a significant challenge for the district, particularly in the realm of ticketing and event management. However, Tyronne’s experience with managing large-scale athletic events, combined with his ability to adapt quickly, led him to find a solution that would allow his team to safely and efficiently manage the influx of spectators while maintaining the high standards expected by his community.
That’s when Hometown entered the picture. As the district moved toward a more digital-first approach for ticketing, the flexibility and ease that Hometown offered were game changers.
The Impact of Hometown
“Having the access and the ability to do online ticketing made our jobs a lot easier and safer,” Tyronne recalls. At a time when health concerns were top of mind, the ability to transition to digital ticketing not only ensured a safer environment but also streamlined the entire process—from ticket sales to entry. Hometown provided the tools that allowed Tyronne and his staff to maintain control over large events with minimal stress.
His district, with three of the largest high schools in the state, was now operating on a single platform that allowed for smooth coordination across multiple venues and teams. “It just made everything so much easier. We went from managing everything manually to having it all in one place,” says Tyronne. His team could easily upload schedules, assign staff, and coordinate ticket sales seamlessly, even if competing teams were also using Hometown for their own events.
Simplifying Game-Day Operations
Managing the logistics of high school athletic events is no small feat, especially in a district with over 3,500 students at each of the high schools and 1,200 students at each middle school. For Tyronne, the challenge wasn’t just in ensuring that tickets were sold and entry was efficient—it was also about ensuring that his staff, coaches, and volunteers had the tools they needed to handle the pressures of game days. iPads, card readers, and a user-friendly platform enabled his staff to scan tickets quickly and accurately, allowing the focus to stay on the athletes and the games, rather than the mechanics of managing event entry. Whether it’s a football game or a multi-team event, Hometown’s ticketing system has given Tyronne’s team the flexibility they need to run their events smoothly.
"When we have a jamboree or a large event, we don't have to worry about mailing physical tickets. Everything can be handled online, and people can pay easily through their phones or credit cards."
Fostering Community Engagement
Beyond making game-day operations more efficient, Hometown also played a key role in increasing community engagement. Tyronne and his team know that getting students, parents, and local community members to attend sporting events requires more than just a schedule—it requires proactive communication.
Tyronne’s team uses multiple channels to promote events, including social media, district-wide networks, and, notably, loudspeaker announcements throughout schools. “We found that promoting games over the intercom and social media makes a huge difference in attendance. It’s about making it easy and accessible for everyone,” he says.
The district’s unified approach, with all schools using the same platform for ticketing, has helped streamline communications, making it easier for families to find information on games and events.
The Benefits of a Streamlined, Digital System
One of the most significant changes that Hometown brought to Dorchester 2 was the ease of reporting and financial tracking. “In the past, we’d have to count everything by hand, but now, the system automatically generates reports,” Tyronne explains. The automated process saves his team valuable time and ensures that everything is accounted for without manual intervention.
The simplicity of using one system for all district events, from regular season games to playoffs, has allowed Tyronne to focus on what truly matters—supporting athletes and fostering a positive athletic culture. Additionally, the revenue-sharing options provided by HomeTown have proven to be a huge benefit for events like the football jamboree, where tickets are sold across multiple schools.
A Future Built on Efficiency and Collaboration
Looking ahead, Tyronne is focused on continuing to evolve the district’s athletic programs while ensuring that the tools his staff uses remain efficient and reliable. With the help of Hometown as a trusted partner, he feels confident that the district will continue to meet the needs of athletes, coaches, and the community.
“We’ve been able to save money, reduce manual labor, and make the whole process smoother, and the best part is that it’s easy to share the success with others. I can tell another district AD, ‘Here’s what we’re doing, here’s how it works,’ and it’s as simple as that.”
For Tyronne, the partnership with Hometown has been a critical piece of his success in making Dorchester School District 2 one of the most efficient and user-friendly athletic programs in South Carolina. With digital ticketing and streamlined event management, Tyrone can focus on what he loves most: empowering students and athletes to reach their full potential.
