Best deal in college football? Emporia State is offering free GA tickets to fans
Emporia State was picked in the middle of the MIAA football race this season, but no matter how the season unfolds, the NCAA Division II program is poised to become a clear fan favorite.
Thanks to free football tickets this season. And it’s not just football.
Emporia State has announced general admission seating will also be free for Hornets home games in men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball.
The school will provided ticketed reserved sections for football and basketball. Beyond those seats, no charge.
The gesture is part of the school’s proclaimed Year of Celebration. What is Emporia State celebrating? For one, the school erased a $19 million budget deficit. Also, tuition has remained flat for two years under university president Ken Hush, who will retire on Dec. 17.
“We felt like we’ve had a lot of wins,” Emporia State interim athletic director Steve Rodecap said. “So, let’s have a year of celebration and we wanted athletics to be a vehicle in this.”
What does free GA mean? A family of four would have paid up to $50 to sit in general admission seats at Francis G. Welch Stadium last season — $14 per adult and $12 for high school age and younger.
This year, starting with the Aug. 28 home opener against Minot State, that family can simply walk through the turnstile. Emporia State has four other home games this season.
Emporia State is leaving some ticket revenue on the table, but will need fewer resources to manage ticket sales. Also, more attendance could mean more interest and busier concession stands.
“Maybe we can create some new Hornets fans, some people who might not have been able to make it before,” Rodecap said. “I think it’s a really cool way to give back to our fans.”