Key Takeaways:
- Marshall University is launching a new program called Herd Hospitality and Entertainment to increase revenue streams and enhance fan engagement.
- The program aims to utilize athletic facilities for alternative events such as concerts, weddings, and meetings.
- The department will focus on creating exceptional experiences for fans, increasing attendance, and generating new revenue.
- Herd Hospitality and Entertainment will be led by Ryan Crisp, with a team of staff members responsible for different components of the program.
- The program aims to build lifelong Herd fans through personalized and thoughtful experiences.
Introduction to Herd Hospitality and Entertainment
Marshall University’s athletics department has made a significant stride in its efforts to increase revenue streams and enhance fan engagement. The launch of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment, a newly-structured department, aims to unify revenue generation, fan engagement, marketing, premium experiences, and analytics under a coordinated strategy. This move comes after the success of a Zach Bryan concert at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, which drew a sellout crowd of over 30,000 people. The concert’s success has prompted university officials to explore more opportunities to utilize athletic facilities for alternative events, such as concerts, weddings, meetings, and other special events that can create lasting memories for fans.
The Purpose and Goals of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment
The primary objective of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment is to enhance the overall fan journey while driving sustainable revenue growth that supports the mission and competitive success of Marshall Athletics. According to a statement from Marshall Athletics, the department is designed to create an electric and entertaining atmosphere in every venue, making fans feel proud to be part of the Herd community. The initiative aims to increase attendance, generate new revenue, and strengthen the sense of pride and connection that makes Marshall Athletics special. By delivering exceptional experiences on game day and beyond, the department hopes to build lifelong Herd fans and support student-athletes.
Leadership and Structure of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment
Herd Hospitality and Entertainment is being led by Ryan Crisp, a veteran Marshall Athletics staffer who will oversee the coordination of ticketing strategies, fan acquisition and retention, and integrated marketing efforts. Crisp expressed his excitement about the launch of the program, stating that the goal is to not only grow ticket and revenue performance but to build lifelong Herd fans through personalized and thoughtful experiences. Each component of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment has its own leadership and staff, including Emily Suter, who will be responsible for premium seating, donor experience, and special events. Suter will market premium spaces at MU Athletics venues, such as the Dutch Miller Deck and Big Green Room at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
Enhancing Fan Engagement and Experience
The launch of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment represents an exciting step forward in how Marshall Athletics engages with the Herd community. According to Gerald Harrison, Marshall Vice President and Director of Athletics, the initiative is about creating an electric and entertaining atmosphere in every venue that fans can feel proud of. By delivering exceptional experiences, the department aims to increase attendance, generate new revenue, and strengthen the sense of pride and connection that makes Marshall Athletics special. The program will leverage data, creativity, and a true understanding of the community to create opportunities for every supporter to feel connected and valued.
Expanding Revenue Streams and Utilizing Athletic Facilities
The success of the Zach Bryan concert has shown that Marshall University’s athletic facilities can be utilized for alternative events, generating significant revenue and creating lasting memories for fans. Herd Hospitality and Entertainment aims to build on this success by exploring more opportunities to host concerts, weddings, meetings, and other special events. By doing so, the department hopes to increase revenue streams and support the mission and competitive success of Marshall Athletics. The program’s focus on creating exceptional experiences and building lifelong Herd fans will help to drive sustainable revenue growth and strengthen the sense of pride and connection within the Herd community.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, the launch of Herd Hospitality and Entertainment marks an exciting new chapter for Marshall University’s athletics department. The program’s focus on creating exceptional experiences, building lifelong Herd fans, and driving sustainable revenue growth will help to support the mission and competitive success of Marshall Athletics. With a strong leadership team and a clear vision, Herd Hospitality and Entertainment is well-positioned to achieve its goals and make a significant impact on the Herd community. As the program continues to evolve and grow, it will be exciting to see the new and innovative ways in which Marshall University’s athletic facilities are utilized, and the lasting memories that are created for fans and supporters.
