SEPTEMBER 10, 1998-vol30n3: Questions & Answers

VOLUME 30, NUMBER 3 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1998

Questions & Answers

Matt Stoll is a 1998 UB grad who has been hired by Student Affairs and Athletics to market the university's athletic programs to students.

What are you doing to get students to go to the games?

I probably could write a book, but after examining past strategies, I have decided to use the basics-publicity. As a student, I don't recall seeing much publicity about the games, which I'm trying to solve with banners in the union, flyers on the spine, ads in The Spectrum, a greater presence at orientation, setting up a table in the union, having presence at check-in, etc. There are many channels of publicity that I have been utilizing that haven't been used in the past. What about the cool stuff? At the first game, I am offering "Fall Feast '98," a Southwestern-style BBQ for students, co-sponsored by UB Dining Services. Students can have their Saturday evening meal at the stadium. I already have distributed 1,500 tickets and I am very excited about this event. There also will be a bunch of activities for students to get involved in, including a dunk tank, baseball throw, golf chip, hockey shot, a shot at the Guinness book of records and much more.

What sort of incentives do you have planned, and what's your favorite?

Let's talk about the Bullfighters, a brand new, student-run organization that completely revolves around the support of UB athletics. This group pays a one-time annual fee of $15 and they receive special privileges, including a hat, a pin, their own section at the games, a tent party, newsletters, and opportunities to meet with coaches and players. This is an awesome incentive for the students to take advantage of and it is also my favorite by far!

Why do you think students don't go to the games?

I think there are a few reasons. The first is, they do not know about them, when they are, where they are or who we play. Second, they do not know it is free. All UB athletic games are free for students. Third, students see the game as just a game and not as an event. For the past 4-5 years, every home football game has offered some kind of pre-game or post-game activity. These events or activities are geared to both the sports enthusiasts and to the non-sports fan, allowing any group of friends to come out and have a good time around football. Fourth, transportation. One of the most common suggestions that has been brought to me since I have been in this position is to run shuttles to the games from Ellicott, the South Campus and Governors. It already happens! There is a shuttle system that goes to Alumni Arena.

Over the past few years, how has student attendance at games improved?

If average student attendance was plotted on a line graph, you would see what looks like a roller coaster. There are many reasons for this, including the opening of a new stadium, the success of the team, weather, level of awareness, etc. Overall, my feeling is that students are starting to realize the deep tradition that exists here. It would be foolish if they did not want to be a part of that.

How regularly did you attend athletic events when you were a student?

In my five years at UB, I think I only missed a handful of athletic events. I am kind of an exception, though, because I interned with the operations team for two years during that time period. But when I finished interning with athletics, I stayed involved by attending, volunteering or working the games.

I also understand that you were an athlete. What sport did you play?

Yes, I was an athlete here at UB. I was a proud member of the Rolling Rhinos, UB's men's volleyball club. In my four years with the team, I was the treasurer, president and a dedicated member.

Is there a way the rest of the university community can help to drum up interest in the games?

One of the main responsibilities of my position is to link athletics and the rest of the campus. Student Affairs and the Residence Halls already have stepped up, but in order to have a successful athletics program, the university community must support it. From there, the fever spreads into the Buffalo community and so on. All it takes is a blue tie or blue and white dress the day before a home game; reminding students, co-workers, and peers about when the games are, or dropping by a game or two with the family. If anyone in the university community wants to get more involved, give me a call and I'll try to accommodate your ideas.

What's something people don't know about you and should?

If people want to start a conversation with me, they can ask the names of my frogs, what the temperature is like in Alaska in July and why do I always have a football schedule in my pocket?

What question do you wish I had asked, and how would you have answered it?

"What is Midnight Madness, anyway?" And I would have answered, it will take place on Oct. 16 in the awesome Alumni Arena. As far as what exactly it is, you will have to come and see for yourself....