Coastal Carolina University is making headlines by offering free snacks and drinks at football games for the 2025 season. This makes them the first Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program to do so. Athletic director Chance Miller expressed the excitement, saying, “Our fans are the heartbeat of Teal Nation.” This initiative aims to enhance the game-day experience for fans who fill Brooks Stadium.
If you buy a ticket, you can pick up to four items each time you visit the concession stand. Choices include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and drinks. There’s no limit to how many times you can go back, but you’ll need to use an app for each visit.
In 2024, the average attendance at Coastal Carolina games was about 21,415. While the school hasn’t shared exact figures for concession revenue, other schools with similar attendance often make around $250,000 per game. Interestingly, Coastal Carolina has kept ticket prices stable over the past two years. For the 2025 season, a premium seat will cost $230, up from $200 last year.
While this promotion is exciting, it doesn’t cover alcoholic drinks or specialty items from third-party vendors.
Coastal Carolina is known for creative ways to engage fans. For example, they once offered a full refund on season tickets if the men’s and women’s basketball teams won at least 35 games. They fell just short of that goal with 33 wins last season.
This innovative approach is a response to the growing trend of enhancing fan engagement in sports, especially as attendance fluctuates. A recent survey from the National Federation of State High School Associations showed that 63% of fans are more likely to attend games with enhanced experiences like those offered at Coastal Carolina.
As sports teams look for unique ways to attract fans, Coastal Carolina’s model may set a trend for others to follow. It shows the importance of fan loyalty and how universities can adapt to keep their supporters engaged. This strategy could not only boost attendance but also create a more vibrant game-day atmosphere.
For more about this story, check out reports from trusted sources like ESPN and local news outlets.
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