Vicky Graff Photo
Rising ticket prices, hefty parking fees and inflated food and beverage options at stadium concession stands make it difficult for some fans to attend college football games or if they do they have to make other financial sacrifices.
However, one school — Coastal Carolina — has a novel way to help fans next season.
The school in Conway, S.C. — located just outside Myrtle Beach — will allow fans to eat free at Chanticleers games inside Brooks Stadium this fall.
Chance Miller, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics and University Recreation, made that announcement this week.
“Our fans are the heartbeat of Teal Nation, and we’re always looking for ways to elevate their game day experience,” Miller said. “With the CCU Kickoff Meal Deal, we’re excited to offer free concessions this fall as a way to say thank you for the energy, passion and support they bring to Brooks Stadium every game.”
Fans who purchase tickets will be able to get four free items per concession stand visit. The choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and fountain drinks. And get this — there is no limit to the number of in-game trips to the concession stand that a fan can make.
Specialty items, food from outside vendors and alcoholic beverages will not be free but will remain available for fans to purchase.
The Chanticleers will have six home games this season — Charleston Southern Sept. 6, East Carolina (Sept. 13), Louisiana-Monroe (Oct. 11), Marshall (Oct. 30), Georgia Southern (Nov. 8) and James Madison (Nov. 29).
Coastal Carolina hired a general manager for the football program after last season ended. Scott Aligo, who has spent the past four years as the director of scouting for the University of Kansas, has been hired as the program’s first GM. He oversees roster management, personnel and scouting along with being involved in negotiations with players, boosters and businesses for Name, Image and Likeness agreements.
Maybe it was Aligo’s idea to be this creative, give the fans a financial break and see if that would lead to more ticket sales or maybe even more spending on other items.
Would Kentucky ever try something similar? Maybe when donkeys fly. I cannot see UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart being this bold or taking any chance on losing revenue. Probably no SEC school will.
But it’s nice to see what Coastal Carolina is doing and if I lived in that area, I think it might persuade me to buy tickets.
11 Responses
Having really good football teams is compelling enough for me to come. Not hotdogs!
Wining is the best gimmick.
No way shape or form would I as an adult make a decision about attending any sporting event based upon free crap. Doesn’t say much for UK football if that’s what it takes.
I attended darn near every football game at KY for 30 years. Finally gave up six years ago. I now live in Florida and its a two-day drive to Lexington in addition to the cost of tickets that have gone through the roof along with parking. I’m a fixed income guy now. Sadly the product on the field just wasn’t worth the cost. Heartbreaking.
I drive from central Illinois once or twice a year for either a basketball or football game or both it can get quite expensive no doubt about that. But I’m getting more particular about what I’m going to watch. I’m pondering going to either Alabama Georgia or Lsu road trip this year with my 2 sons. Least the product will be good..
A new AD, HC, OL coach, Secondary coach would do wonders in filling seats, but it will take time. Many in the BBN may Pw decide to wait & see instead of just hoping to see a win.
It takes time to unravel the absolutely pathetic decline in the UK FB program the past 3 seasons. The locker room is now infected as well as affected by the “just mail it in” attitude the group of players present on game day.
Does the UKAA have enough funds to keep replacing the OC revolving door? After paying out the lottery money given to undeserving coaches, the coffers may be empty.
If Stoops actually cared about UK FB, he would offer to cut his salary by 60% with a bonus structure that makes it possible to get 100% if he does his job.
Maybe $500,000 per win for the 1st 6 wins and $1 Million for each win above 6. That’s $9 Million total for 12 regular season wins. Another $1 Million per win in the post season.
Hey, kids ( and grownups ) have been sneaking booze into Stool Field and Commonmouth ( yes I understand the spelling ) for 120 years. That’s free in my book. Free dogs would just make em’ puke 🤮.
We used to call Stoll Field the worlds largest cocktail party
That’s what they call the Florida Georgia game.
A good incentive would be to have a team that had pride and worked hard, and fought to win. Last year was such a collapse of pride in being a Kentucky Wildcat football player.
It was sickening and very sad.
Wry true!