Post Title.

_ Is football really that big in Texas?

High school sports continue to make a major impact on not only student athletes, but also for fans and corporations that participate in games over the weekends throughout the fall.  Certainly basketball and baseball (to a lesser extent) have some impact on parents; but, by and large, there is nothing that compares to numbers at high school football games.

The record for attendance for a single high school game is quite old.  It happened in October 1948 when Kensington High School played Bennett High School at Civic Stadium in Buffalo, New York.  The official attendance was 50,988.  Other big games include St. Xavier and Trinity in Louisville, Kentucky in 2004 when 38,500 attended the game at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (note the name on the stadium…they did not miss this marketing opportunity). 

Everyone knows football is big in Texas and here are some facts to support this premise.

Plano vs Port Neches                  Groves Texas Stadium           1977    49,953

Southlake Carroll vs Euless Trinity  Texas Stadium                    2006     46,339

Highland Park vs Waco                Cotton Bowl                        1945     45,790

Houston Washington vs Galveston   Rice Stadium                     1968     45,000

Dallas Adams vs Richardson         Cotton Bowl                        1967     45,000

The University Interscholastic League (the overseer of high school athletics here in Texas) elected to have a single-site football championship facility and Jerry Jones little ole tribute in Arlington, Cowboys Stadium, has been the selected site for the past few years.  And, it seems to be working out just fine.  The December 17 attendance for the three championship games 5A-I, 5A-II and 4A-II attracted a combined total attendance of 101,283.  Just one year prior, the combined attendance was 101,582, only a difference of 299.  The largest attendance was for the Aledo-Manvel 4A-II title.  Announced attendance for that game was 43,369.  The 1977 Plano-Port Neches game still holds the record.

Lots of numbers, but they don’t mean anything unless you consider the potential advertising and promotional reach available using these opportunities.  As we have posted previously, there are numerous marketing options available for high schools seeking ways to offset rising operating costs, or just looking for ways to add special services and benefits for its high school athletes.

From entry signs and ticket stubs to electronic digital advertising, high schools can generate revenue while partnering with exceptional local companies in providing enhanced finances for athletics within the school districts.  Whether doing it yourself, or retaining the services of a professional firm, the results can be positive in terms of impact on everyone walking into the stadium.

And, while the numbers are far less significant, sports arenas where teams play basketball and volleyball can also use sports marketing to offset costs and generate revenue for the district.  For any additional information on how to take advantage of these kinds of programs, contact our company and one of our professionals will be happy to meet with you personally to discuss the options available for your district.