Vaught-‐Hemingway Stadium: Gameday Experience Survey Results and Plan of Action Purpose of Survey
Survey Vitals
• The purpose of the survey is simple – as an athletics department, we recognize the need to constantly improve the products that Ole Miss fans have come to enjoy. • Valid customer research allows us to strategically invest in areas that will impact the fans in the most effective ways possible. • The survey also further opens lines of communication between the fans and the administration.
Response Details
• Two waves (Non-‐Student Season Ticket Holders and Student Season Ticket Holders) of surveys were sent out September 28 and closed October 6. • Approximate time to complete survey was 18 minutes.
• The area of focus for this survey was the fan experience satisfaction at Vaught-‐Hemingway Stadium. • In addition to gathering satisfaction information, we gathered information on the importance of categorical elements to the fan experience. • Each section also included an open-‐ended comment box that could be used for additional thoughts and feedback. • Comments were chosen because they represented recurrent themes found in the data. • The fan experience can be broken down into the following categories: o First Impressions o Pre-‐game o Concessions o Restrooms o Merchandise Sales o Band o Video Board and Sound o Cheers and Crowd Participation
Who Did We Survey? Student Season Ticket Holders • Surveys Sent: 7382 • Responded (Partial/Complete): 598 (95 / 503) • Response Rate: 8.1% • Opted Out: 4 • Bounced: 0
Non-‐Student Season Ticket Holders • Surveys Sent: 7839 • Responded (Partial/Complete): 3120 (273 / 2847) • Response Rate: 39.8% • Opted Out: 25 • Bounced: 217
Overall • Surveys Sent: 15,221 • Responded: 3,718 • Response Rate: 24.4%
What are we doing with the data? • Because of the extremely valuable feedback from our fans, we are excited to announce our plan to make the gameday experience in Vaught-‐Hemingway Stadium a competitive advantage: 100 improvements in 100 days. • In addition, we have set satisfaction goals for each element and will resurvey the fans in the 2011 season to monitor progress.
About the Fans:
Affiliation with Ole Miss Current Ole Miss student 16%
Other 26%
Games Respondents Planned to Attend Home Games
Away Games
100% 75% 50% 25%
Ole Miss graduate 58%
0%
Time Spent in The Grove 50% 40%
Pregame
30%
Post Game
20% 10% 0% None Less than 30 1-‐3 hours 3-‐5 hours More 30 minutes than 5 minutes to 1 hour hours
Of respondents arrive at the stadium between 30 minutes and 1 hour prior to kickoff
1 2 3
Gameday Element: First Impressions First impressions are a large factor in setting the expectations for what our fans will experience in other parts of the gameday environment. In this section, we asked questions about ticket taker
staff, security staff, overall appearance of the stadium, as well as display of program accomplishments. Next year, the survey will include questions about parking and The Grove. Because of the
type of questions asked in this section, we were also able to compare the importance of each element with the satisfaction of that same element.
First Impressions Importance and Satisfactions (4-‐Point Scale and Ranked by Order of Importance)
3.27
Overall Outside Appearance of Stadium
2.86
Overall Inside Appearance of Stadium
3.09
2.93
3.03 3
Professionalism of Security Personnel
2.82
Speed of Ticket Takers
2.82
Section, Row and Seat Markings
Friendliness of Ticket Takers
2.78
Display of Program Accomplishments
2.77 2.3
Directional Signage Around the Stadium
2 Overall Outside Appearance of Stadium
3.12
Importance Satisfaction
2.95 3.19 2.97 3.13
2.4
2.8
3.2
Overall Inside Appearance of Stadium
Very dissatisfied 6% Very satisfied 26%
Satisfied 48%
Somewhat dissatisfied 20%
3.6
Very dissatisfied 5%
Very satisfied 21%
Satisfied 50%
Somewhat dissatisfied 24%
Gameday Element: First Impressions Verbatim comments sampled from open-‐ended comment box in section
The concourse areas are approaching the point o f being a disgrace. -‐ David (Jackson, M S)
We have entirely too many shades of blue. The blue in the end zone should be the only color blue used ANYWHERE in the stadium. We now have royal blue seat cushion, end zone banners and some of the cheerleader flags. -‐ Kirk (Ridgeland, MS)
The new "Text Rebs if there is an issue in the stadium" signs located in the end zones are extremely unattractive and really not needed. A simple announcement at the end of the quarters would suffice. Also, the FedEx end zone banners are faded and look more electric blue than our true colors. needs to be a more consistent blue used by the There university. We have every shade of blue out there located throughout the campus and it is annoying. T he new field looks great. The lighting needs to be addressed. The field looks dim, even in person. -‐ Jason (Olive Branch, MS) We need to have someone accountable for inspecting all aspects of the stadium before and after games. There are many examples of deferred maintenance that goes unchecked. For example, the Men's Bathroom on the East Side near Section O had a broken piece First impressions are very important. Ticket of the block wall after the first year of stadium renovation. It is still takers should approach their job w ith at least not fixed. Also, it is time to remove the silly football helmet on the the attitude of the Walmart greeter. West Side of the stadium. Replace it with a painted Ole Miss script, -‐ Claude (Kosciusko, MS) or The University of Mississippi. The helmet looks "high schoolish" and not what an SEC charter member should present to its fans. -‐ Anonymous (Jackson, MS)
The outside and inside appearance of the South End zone is great. The outside appearance of the rest of the stadium needs work. Eventually making it look like the South Endzone would be nice, but if we are looking for a temporary fix I would propose getting rid of the painted helmet and having some banners of past players or accomplishments. -‐ John (Jackson, MS)
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Gameday Element: Pre-‐Game Pre-‐game activities play a vital role in setting the overall tone of the fan experience. Ensuring that all activities have a common goal of building anticipation for kick-‐off is paramount.
The Celebrity Hotty Toddy significantly outperformed the other elements, while music and video elements provide excellent opportunities for the 2011-‐ 2012 season. This section also included
the ability to overlay importance with satisfaction. This allows us to prioritize improvements, especially regarding music – both band and through the speaker system.
Pre-‐Game Favorite Elements (Fans could select up to three)
78%
Celebrity Hotty Toddy 64%
Watching the Team Run Onto Field 50%
Band Music 43%
Past Game Footage on the Video Board 29%
Music through Speakers Player Introductions
27%
Watching the Team Warm-up
27%
Cheerleaders
9%
Other
8% 1%
Sponsor Messages on the Video Board 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Pre-‐Game Importance and Satisfactions (4-‐Point Scale and Ranked by Order of Importance) 3.26 3.26
Celebrity Hotty Toddy
3.17 3.21
Team Runs Onto Field Band Music
3.02
2.69 2.82
Player Introductions Music through Speakers
2.81
2.49
3.04
2.63
Cheerleaders
3.03
2.37
Team Warm-up
3.16
1.72
Sponsor Messages on the Video Board 2
Importance Satisfaction
2.65
Past Game Footage on the Video Board
3.12
2.77
2.4
2.8
3.2
3.6
Gameday Element: Pre-‐Game Verbatim comments sampled from open-‐ended comment box in section
Too many sponsors on the video board. If I wanted to watch commercials, I’ll stay at home and watch the game on television. -‐ Eli (Birmingham, AL) I sit in the South End Zone and you can never hear or understand the audio for the pre-‐game Hotty Toddy It sounds like you are listening to Charlie Brown’s teacher. PLEASE FIX THE AUDIO PROBLEMS. This has been a constant complaint for years. -‐ Barry (Starkville, MS)
I think we should play more rap music. -‐ Anonymous Way too much rap music is played. -‐ Anonymous
Bring back “From Dixie with Love.” -‐ James (Petal, MS)
The band’s entrance should be more energetic and c rowd-‐involved. -‐Anonymous
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Gameday Element: Concessions As stadiums and arenas continue to compete with the convenience and comfort of the fan’s living room, concessions provide a powerful opportunity to make the in-‐stadium
experience unique. Moreover, concessions at some professional venues have been so popular that full-‐ time national distribution of some items was created. Considering the Ole Miss
fan base, The Grove and the Oxford culture, food and beverage are a natural tie-‐in to creating a unique Ole Miss experience inside Vaught-‐Hemingway Stadium.
Concessions Satisfaction (4-‐Point Scale)
3.29
Friendliness of Staff
3.04
Beverage Quality Beverage Selection
3
Condiment Selection
2.98
Cleanliness of Concession Areas
2.96
Condiment Convenience
2.95
Food Quality
2.86
Length of Wait Time
2.86 2.81
Food Selection
2.47
Food Price
2.44
Beverage Price 2
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
3
3.2
3.4
Gameday Element: Concessions General Concessions Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100%
96%
94%
90%
99% 91%
96%
93%
84%
80% 70%
99% 94%
83% 77%
74%
60%
Length of Wait
50%
Friendliness of Staff
40%
Cleanliness of Area
30% 20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Food Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100%
95%
90% 80% 70%
86%
89% 87%
86%
89% 81% 79%
79% 73% 61%
60%
Food Quality Food Selection
50%
Food Price
40% 32%
30% 20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Gameday Element: Concessions Beverage Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100% 90%
100% 99% 97%
97% 96%
91% 86%
88%
85%
85%
80% 70% 60%
Beverage Quality
56%
Beverage Selection
50%
Beverage Price
40% 30%
28%
20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Condiments Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100% 90% 80%
93%
96%
95% 97% 89%
83% 85%
92%
70% 60%
Condiment Convenience
50%
Condiment Selection
40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Gameday Element: Concessions Verbatim comments sampled from open-‐ended comment box in section
All I ever get to eat when I go to the games are BBQ nachos. It helps define the game day experience for me. It's almost as much of a tradition as being in the Grove. -‐Jay (Carthage, MS)
There is a distinct lack of originality in the food selections. Typical high school stadium fare. Does not match up with local cuisine and culture. -‐ Anonymous
At the Vandy game w e ran out of water before the half. When we finally got some more it was hot. There were no cold drinks on a very hot day. Also we don't have m any items available in other concession stands. -‐ Warren (Jackson, MS)
We need a wider selection of food at the games. Hot dogs, popcorn, and candy are not really options. Maybe incorporate local food like catfish, crawfish, BBQ, and others. I very rarely purchase food because of lack of selection. -‐ Anonymous
Cash only at concessions can be difficult in this day and age as a large percentage of people do not carry cash. Waiting in long lines at the ATMs is very inconvenient. Almost every other sports venue I have been too accepts credit or debit cards at their concession stand. -‐ Peggy (Canton, MS)
Losing Corky's was a big blow to the concessions. I like the addition of the sweet tea. I think the more you can play to the Mississippi food the better. Maybe add a catfish place or something along those lines. -‐ Kyle (Oxford, MS)
The condiment table areas are filthy by halftime and are not cleaned during the game. Napkins are usually found on the ground or in a pile on the table. Condiments are not filled after they have been emptied. Someone needs to monitor these areas better. -‐ Anonymous
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Gameday Element: Restrooms Restroom satisfaction at Vaught-‐ Hemingway Stadium presents a large challenge, but one that is not uncommon in large stadium venues. Peak restroom use naturally occurs at
breaks in the game, such as timeouts, between quarters and halftime. This heavy usage creates lines, strain on structural plumbing and an intense drain on supplies. While the short-‐term
improvements are important, the long-‐ term solution of building additional restrooms is the only way to completely rectify the restroom issues. T here are several ways we are attacking the short-‐ term improvements.
Restroom Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100% 90% 83% 82%
80% 70% 60%
79%
84% 85% 83% 74%
71%
71% 61%
63%
62%
Wait Time
50%
Cleanliness
40%
Overall
30% 20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Gameday Element: Restrooms Verbatim comments sampled from open-‐ended comment box in section
Restrooms are the same as when I was a freshman in 1966 despite the many improvements to the rest of the stadium. My wife is more negative in her feeling about this than am I. -‐ Dewey (University, MS)
Bathroom floor (below section M) is CONSTANTLY wet -‐ not sure if this is an overflowing toilet issue or bad drainage, but it is extremely disgusting when your stall has two to three inches of standing water. -‐ Ashley (Oxford, MS)
Restrooms are dingy, dreary, and dark and always seem to have plumbing issues (i.e. water leaking onto floor from toilets). Concession stands are dark and dreary also; prices are also ridiculous. -‐ Brandy (Meridian, MS)
The bathrooms are always dirty, flooded, and out of toilet paper. -‐ Kelsie (University, MS)
Paper towels run out before halftime. Lots of water on the floor. -‐Sally (New Albany, MS)
The men's restroom has only two sinks and one paper towel dispenser. I don't feel that this is enough for the amount of people. I would also like to see some hand sanitizer dispensers installed. Secondly, I would like to address the handicapped/children's bathroom located around section C&B. I have two young girls who attend the games with me. y wife is not with us I take them to the family/children If m restroom and it never fails that we have to wait because of students or someone who is neither handicapped or with children using this restroom. I would like to see some security or facility supervision to see that this restroom is used as it was intended and not for others who can use the normal restroom facilities. -‐ Dee (Oxford, MS)
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Gameday Element: Merchandise Sales Officially-‐licensed merchandise has traditionally been an area that will improves year after year. As new apparel becomes available from certain manufacturers and licensees, our
demand will grow. The consensus is that there could be more selection, but overall fans are very satisfied with our current vendors and quality of products that are sold. As our contracts grow
with vendors, so will the merchandise and the need for the newest and best apparel on the market.
Merchandise Satisfaction (4-‐Point Score)
3.2
Friendliness of Staff 3.05
Quality of Products
3.04
Length of Wait Time 2.88
Item Selection 2.78
Price 2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
3
3.1
3.2
1 2 3
Gameday Element: Band The band is obviously a very important part of any gameday experience. We have begun work with the band to increase the participation of the band before the game, during the game, and
after the game. Some areas that will have an immediate impact are the new uniforms that the band will wear this season. They will also move from section A over to Section 6. Other areas
of improvement are entrance to the stadium, exit and march from Grove to stadium, pre-‐game and updated stand songs/cheers which will move in line with fans expectations and desires.
Band Importance
Band Satisfaction
(Importance of Band to Overall Stadium Experience)
(4-‐Point Scale by Category)
Not Important 3%
Uniforms and Appearance
3.11
Music Selection - Right Music at Pivotal Times
Somewhat Important 30%
2.61
Music Selection - Overall Songs
2.55
Volume
2.53
Extremely Important 67%
2
2.5
3
3.5
Importance of Time the Band Plays
Playing During the Game
1 (Least Important)
Playing the Pre-game Show
2 3 (Most Important) Playing the Halftime Show
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Gameday Element: Band Verbatim comments sampled from open-‐ended comment box in section
The band does not play anything current. The youngest people are most likely to get loudest, so at crucial points in the game, why not play something to keep them excited? Also, the Hey Song works extremely well to keep the crowd into it during timeouts at critical DEFENSIVE points in the game. The half time shows are beyond boring. Please play some songs that people under the age of 50 have heard of. -‐ Jessica (Southaven, MS)
Our band should form a tunnel for our players to run through while playing our fight song. -‐ Anonymous
My section has a difficult time hearing the band when they play during the game. I would like to see them in the section next to the student section on the other side of the field. -‐Cheryl (Clinton, MS)
I wish our band was more involved in the game-‐-‐-‐playing for the crowd during crucial points in the game like third down defensive stands, etc. -‐-‐and served to get the crowd into the game. The band playing the right things during the right times has the MOST impact on stadium atmosphere. Things like the Star Wars Imperial March when we stop the other team on 3rd down, or the Jaws Theme when we make a sack, Forward Rebels when we score. These things are far more important than the party songs and sentimental things like Dixie (that stuff may be fine for the Grove pre or post game or halftime. But doesn't do much good in the stadium, during the game). Having the band involved in the game and setting the tone is an essential element of college football atmosphere nationwide that seems to be extremely lacking at Ole Miss. -‐Tom (Oxford, MS)
The band should always play music that is popular and updated. The opposing teams’ bands always play better, more recent music and are always louder. -‐ Anonymous
I would love to see the band be a little more “rowdy” and less concert-‐ish, a la LSU Band. -‐ Anonymous
1 2 3
Gameday Element: Video Board & Sound The video board and sound system are the most important messaging tools in Vaught-‐Hemingway Stadium. The video board’s superior HD quality picture, overall size and placement
make it extremely effective at communicating with the fans. In the past, the video board has been used to run corporate commercials during breaks. However, moving forward the
content will be focused on enhancing the fan experience. The speakers will also receive a much-‐needed upgrade to ensure consistency of volume and clarity throughout Vaught-‐Hemingway.
Video and Sound Satisfaction (4-‐Point Scale)
3.43
Quality of Picture 2.96
Amount of Graphics
2.91
Amount of Video
2.9
Quality of Announcer Sound
2.87
Volume Level of Announcer 2.7
Amount of Commercials
2.68
Quality of Music Sound 2.59
Volume Level of Music Music Selection
2.5
Display of Other Football Scores
2.49 2
2.25
2.5
2.75
3
3.25
3.5
Gameday Element: Video Board & Sound Announcer Sound Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100% 90% 80%
82% 77% 77%
79%
83% 74%
70%
88%
71%
60%
Announcer Volume
50%
Announcer Clarity
40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Music Sound Satisfaction (Percentage of fans who responded “Satisfied” or “Very Satisfied”)
100% 90% 80% 70% 60%
75% 66%
62%
68%
63% 56% 50%
50%
Music Sound Clarity
50%
Music Sound Volume
40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bowl
Rebel Club
South Club
Students
Gameday Element: Video Board & Sound 50%
“Sponsor commercials on the video board disrupt the flow of the game.”
40% 36% 30%
30%
20%
19% 13%
10% 2% 0%
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neither Agree Nor Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
“I am more likely to buy products of sponsors that add to my overall experience in the stadium.” 50% 42%
40% 33%
30% 20% 10%
11%
9% 5%
0%
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neither Agree Nor Disagree
Agree
Strongly Agree
Gameday Element: Video Board & Sound Verbatim comments sampled from open-‐ended comment box in section
Sound quality needs to be improved, either through more or better speakers. It can be difficult to hear all video board audio in certain parts of the stadium. -‐ Bruce (Covington, TN)
The sound needs major tweaking. As previously stated, sometimes it's very loud, sometimes nearly inaudible. -‐ Billy (Memphis, TN)
Highlights (past) are best way to educate young on Ole Miss tradition. -‐ William (Canton, MS)
The sound system in the stadium is still truly awful. It is one of the most needed upgrades at this point. -‐ Albert (Oxford, MS) Local commercials have to go. KILL the atmosphere of the games -‐ embarrassing as a fan. U se the video board to our advantage-‐ to pump up the p layers and team. -‐ Will (Oxford, MS)
The video board is our best tool to reach all 60,000+ at one time. It must be used effectively. -‐ Kyle (Oxford, MS)
A complete revamp of the way corporate sponsorships, commercials, and ads are used in the stadium needs to be addressed. Its bush league, and makes the fans think you care more about the money taken in from ads, than the game itself. -‐ James (Memphis, TN)
Post more scores on Ribbon Boards more often. -‐ Rodney (Olive Branch, MS)
Sound quality is awful in South end zone, especially spoken words. Music is okay, but it's hard to understand the Hotty Toddy. -‐ Joey (Oxford, MS)
I'm going to say this again: maybe we can do a Hotty Toddy on the video board after halftime -‐ it doesn't have to be a celebrity, maybe random Grovers, ex-‐players or students. Maybe there can be a contest every week to determine who does the post-‐halftime Hotty T oddy, either on campus, through alumni (revenue source, perhaps?), or for "best Grove tent." This would give us one more big cheer for the team, and give people something to look forward to. -‐ Nathaniel (Iuka, MS)
Gameday Element: Crowd Participation
5 (Most Effective) 4
Current Effectiveness of Each Element to Maximize Crowd Participation 16
3
14
2
12
1 (Least Effective)
10 8 6 4 2 0
Student Section
Other Audio or Public Address
Band
Video Board
Cheerleaders
Most Important Elements to Introducing a New Cheer with Maximum Crowd Participation (Respondents Could Select up to 3)
66%
Video Board 46%
Band 41%
Student Section 21%
Cheerleaders
18%
Other Public Address or Audio 5%
Other 0%
25%
50%
75%
Gameday Element: Crowd Participation
Current Number of Organized Cheers During the Game
Very Satisfied 4%
Satisfied 54%
Very Dissatisfied 10%
No effect 0%
Some effect 8%
Dissatisfied 32% Large effect 92%
Importance of Cheers and Crowd participation the Overall Stadium Experience Not Important 2%
Crowd Noise Potential Effect on Opponent
Our Opponent's Record Affects My Willingness to Cheer at the Game.
Somewhat Important 14%
Agree 35%
Critical 43% Very Important 41%
Neither Agree Nor Disagree 21%
Disagree 44%
Satisfaction Ranking of All Elements Quality of Picture Friendliness of Staff Celebrity Hotty Toddy Team Runs Onto Field Merchandise Friendliness of Staff Friendliness of ticket takers Team Warm-‐up Directional signs in and around the stadium Player Introductions Speed of ticket takers Band Uniforms and Appearance Merchandise Quality of Products Past Game Footage on the Video Board Merchandise Length of Wait Time Beverage Quality Cheerleaders Professionalism of security personnel Beverage Selection Condiment Selection Display of program accomplishments Amount of Graphics Cleanliness of Concession Areas Section, Row and Seat Markings Condiment Convenience Overall outside appearance of stadium Amount of Video Quality of Announcer Sound Merchandise Item Selection Volume Level of Announcer Overall inside appearance of stadium Length of Wait Time Food Quality Food Selection Merchandise Price Sponsor Messages on the Video Board Length of Wait Time Amount of Commercials Band Music Quality of Music Sound Band Music Selection -‐ Right Music at Pivotal Times Overall Satisfaction of Restrooms Volume Level of Music Cleanliness of Restroom Band Music Selection -‐ Overall Songs Band Volume Music Selection Display of Other Football Scores Music through Speakers Food Price Beverage Price
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
3
3.2
3.4
3.6
1 2
100 Things in 100 Days: Our Plan to Improve 1. The Ole Miss A thletics Marketing and Communications department will take over gameday production and fan experience. 2. Due to the negative scores in speaker sound, a leading stadium sound-‐consulting firm (Acoustics Research) was hired in December to analyze our current system and stadium. Following their report about how to solve the sound issue, we are now implementing their recommended plan for equipment. 3. A 3-‐D computer model of the stadium will be developed to assist in defining the exact loudspeaker selection, placement and orientation. 4. The existing electrical accommodations will be evaluated. In the event that any additional accommodations need to be made, accommodation drawings will be provided to the electrical contractor. 5. Bid documents will be generated (written specifications, detailed schematic drawings describing the systems design, conduit requirements for the systems and loudspeaker positioning and aiming angles). 6. Acoustics Research will evaluate the systems and ensure that they have been installed in accordance with the design documents. They will verify that the speaker angles are correct. 7. Acoustics Research will measure the differential in the delays, and then set them so that there is smooth transition from the main clusters to the delay speakers. They will set the crossover alignments for multi-‐way speakers. 8. Acoustics Research will complete their work with critical listening. They will use a library of specifically targeted source material to evaluate the tonal response of the system and make adjustments. 9. In each end zone, the pads and banners covering them will be replaced with new ones that match the correct shade of navy blue. 10. The helmet on the west side elevator shaft will be removed and a new concept will be produced. 11. Ole Miss Athletics has hired a design firm that specializes in stadium and concourse appearance to provide a three-‐year plan for a complete
overhaul of aesthetics inside and outside of Vaught-‐Hemingway Stadium. 12. A number of the “Text Rebs if there is a stadium issue” signs will be removed. 13. Mini cell towers have been added to significantly increase coverage inside the stadium for participating carriers. 14. Stadium steps in need of touch-‐up paint will be painted. 15. All grandstand and concourse areas will be pressure washed. 16. Missing row and seat numbers will be replaced. 17. A number of signs inside and outside of the stadium will be replaced with signs matching the correct Ole Miss colors. 18. Ole Miss Athletics will conduct extensive customer service training for all gameday employees and non-‐profit groups. 19. A secret shopper system will be used to obtain information on the performance of service workers. 20. Stadium staff will be participate in a rewards system that uses patrons’ input on service workers who go above and beyond. 21. Our concessions partner Centerplate, an industry leader, will continue to work with Coca-‐Cola to ensure that all maintenance is done on fountain and beverage equipment, as well as additional technicians on site for gameday issues. 22. For the upcoming season, Centerplate will be adding Coke Zero and Dr. Pepper flavors at locations throughout the stadium. 23. Centerplate will also have increased presence with our in seat-‐vending program for sweet iced tea and fresh squeezed lemonade. 24. Traditional condiments will be offered at all locations, and plans are to add specialty menu items where additional condiments will be supplied. 25. Centerplate will add additional staff that will only be responsible for the cleanliness of the condiment tables. 26. Centerplate will add additional condiment locations to the stands that have the highest volume of food sales. As noted above, staff will be added to these
4 3
27. 28.
29. 30. 31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36. 37.
38.
39.
40.
areas to keep it neat and stocked properly throughout the duration of the event. All supervisors will be Serv-‐Safe certified and will be responsible for filling out time and temperature logs. Centerplate has identified the areas that present the longest wait times and will add points of sale at those locations to increase the speed of service. Centerplate will streamline the ordering process at these stands to decrease wait times of fans. All permanent concession stands will accept Visa and Mastercard as payment options. A hot dog artist concept will be implemented on the lower east side. Grilled hot dogs and sausages with the guest’s choice of toppings. These will include cheese, peppers and onions, along with an assortment of traditional condiments as well as red jalapenos, banana peppers, green relish, fresh chopped onion, etc. Chops BBQ will be introduced on the lower east side with a fresh roll out to include menu offerings such as pulled pork sandwich, BBQ turkey legs, sausage and cheese platters, as well as the very popular pulled pork nachos. Fans will have their choice of three distinctly different sauces from which to choose. A fry stand will be implemented on the upper east side that will feature fried items such as chicken tenders, fries, etc. In the South End Zone, implement the hot dog artist concept and Chops BBQ with the potential of adding grilled hamburgers as well at this stand. On the west side, create “THE GRILL” which will serve grilled hamburgers, cheeseburgers, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and sausage sandwiches. In the west club, implement Chops BBQ service as well as the hot dog artist concept. Additional offerings that will be located throughout the stadium include cotton candy, snow cones, kettle corn, fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, sweet tea and Bavarian nuts. Older restrooms on the East and West sides of the stadium will be improved. This will include replacing sinks, toilets, flush valves, partitions and lighting. In addition to the above structural and plumbing improvements, these older restrooms will have the walls and floors painted with epoxy paint. All metal soap dispensers and trash cans will be
41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46.
47.
replaced with new soap dispensers, hand sanitizer dispensers and paper towel dispensers. New sinks will be added where space permits. New baby changing stations will be added. New trash cans will be installed in stalls. Hooks on backs of stall doors will be added. Partitions will be installed on the troughs in the men’s restrooms. An attendant will be present at each and every restroom. This attendant will make sure all items are stocked regularly, address leaks/repairs, and help out with usage flow in and out of the restroom. In addition to the improvements to existing restrooms, an architect has been hired to prepare plans for building additional restrooms.
48. Pep rallies will be held each home game week, featuring various figures from Ole Miss Football. 49. The student section will be expanded into Section A, which was previously occupied by the band. 50. Ole Miss Athletics will join with the Cardinal Club in educating students in cheers and other preparations for gameday. 51. A number of new cheers will be implemented. 52. Videos that educate the fans on these cheers will begin circulating prior to the first game. 53. Fans will be asked to wear red for every game. 54. The Yell O crowd prompt will be further educated and used. 55. Rebel, our new on-‐field mascot, will also help engage the crowd. 56. Red pom poms will be available at all portals. 57. We will promote a movement to follow the Band to the stadium after the pre-‐game performance in The Grove. 58. The Band will move from section A to the top of Section 6, which will allow them to be louder, as well as maximize fan involvement. 59. The Band will have new uniforms this season. 60. The Band will have a new entrance to the stadium. 61. The Band will have a new entrance video that will be played prior to pre-‐game. 62. The Band will update and improve the stand songs and cheers. 63. The Band will take pep bands to all road games (minus Fresno State). 64. The Band has added two additional drum majors taking the total from one to three.
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65. The Band will perform three halftime shows this season over seven games. 66. The number of Band members will increase by 20 percent. 67. The Band music style and speed will move in line with the fans expectations and desires. 68. A more intensive technical run-‐through on Wednesday’s of each game week will be scheduled troubleshoot and make repairs to the audio/visual presentation. 69. The gameday sound operations area will be relocated and modified, providing greater connection to the atmosphere in the stadium. 70. Gameday staff will utilize a more advanced communications system. 71. All new video features and prompts on the video board to excite and unite the crowd. 72. Sponsors will no longer use thirty-‐second commercials on the video board. 73. A full-‐time creative staff has been hired to energize video board content. 74. New personnel will be added to the video board production crew to insure the highest quality of live game production. 75. More cameras and sound equipment will be added to the sideline shooting staff for web features and the coaches show. 76. Additional video content will be created to encourage fans to arrive at the stadium more than 30 minutes prior to the game. 77. Highlights from past games, both recent and historical, will be shown more frequently. 78. Scores from the Top 25 and SEC will always be shown on the both ends of each ribbon board. 79. An actual sound meter will be introduced to show the crowd how loud they are. 80. Graphics for video board and ribbon boards will feature new design schemes to create congruity throughout the stadium. 81. There will be more interactive fan promotions including text requests features for the video board. 82. Gameday Central feature will be enhanced on OleMissSports.com. 83. Screen savers and desktop backgrounds that
feature the excitement of Ole Miss Gameday will be available as free downloads on OleMissSports.com. 84. More exclusive and exciting RebelVision content will lead up to each game. 85. OleMissFB.com is introduced to promote and explain processes for tickets and tailgating. 86. Online questionnaires will be created to identify the fans’ favorite moments from Ole Miss history for use in video board features. 87. An online suggestion box will be established for fans to provide input on their gameday experience. 88. A mobile-‐enhanced olemisssports.com site will be launched for all devices. 89. New stand-‐alone apps for Android and iPhone devices will be created and launched. 90. A network of new twitter and social media accounts will keep fans informed and entertained on gameday. 91. The coaches TV show will have a new format. 92. A full-‐time graphic designer has been hired to improve printed items including game programs, media guides, tickets, etc. 93. Actual tickets, which continue the showcasing of past Rebel All-‐Americans, will be larger and of much higher quality. 94. Tickets will take on a collectible trading card style, providing details of the respective All-‐American’s career. 95. The game ticket’s designated Rebel All-‐American will be featured in a short video, showcasing the individual’s career with highlights and accomplishments. 96. Billboards (digital and permanent) promoting season tickets will be posted in key media markets. 97. An advertising campaign promoting season tickets will be launched in newspapers and online media across the region. 98. Stadium cups will utilize an exciting new design. 99. Game programs will be redesigned with a new cover style and template. 100. A gameday guide will be distributed to make the public aware of various fan opportunities and campus policies.