What peaks a college student's interest more than the word "free?" Student Relations is hoping to fill stadium seats for the football team's home opener against Baylor by giving away free merchandise.
Ben Vucic, head of Student Operations, has set up exciting promotions for students to participate in at the stadium.
"We want the students to not only enjoy the game, but the entire game-day experience should be fun," Vucic said. "From tailgating before the game to enjoying the events during the game."
To make the students aware about Saturday's game, festivities have been arranged throughout the week.
On Wednesday night, Student Operations brought in radio station JACK FM to help promote the game, located in the Red Jacket Quadrangle, by the dining hall.
"I was told that there were about 800 to 1,000 people on this night," Vucic said. "There were a lot of people excited, not only about Jack being there, but who couldn't wait for the game."
In addition to staff from JACK FM, senior defensive lineman Trevor Scott, offensive lineman Jamey Richard, and senior defensive back Kareem Byrom stopped by along with head coach Turner Gill to talk to everybody and tell them to come and support them on Saturday night.
The people that showed up received free giveaways such as hats, t-shirts and schedules. One lucky fan won an autographed jersey from Gill.
The promotions continued for the game on Thursday at the Student Union and in the Commons. A pep-rally consisting of players and cheerleaders was held Thursday morning where bags, hats, and more schedules were given out to let students know about future games.
Vucic hopes that with a new location in the stadium for student promotions, he will be able to service the students better.
"We are now going to be located inside the stadium, rather than outside," Vucic said. "We will be in the northeast corner on the scoreboard side, next to the student section, which will make it more fan-friendly and get more people involved with us."
A stage will be set up for WRUB radio with a DJ and a local band will play music for the crowd.
A second highlight for the game will be a New-Era national ad campaign called "Are you part of the New Era?"
Representatives from New Era will be taking pictures of students wearing caps. These pictures will then be posted on the new-era website along with a biography of the person. During the last ad campaign that took place in Chicago, one individual was selected and photographed in other magazines as a result of New Era.
Another way student promotions are drawing interest for Buffalo football is through Facebook.
Currently, school mascot Victor E. Bull is friends with 2,000 people from the school, and sends event invites to all of his "friends" for athletic events, including this Saturday's football game against Baylor.
Coach Gill and Vucic are reminding fans to wear school colors when they come to the game on Saturday night, primarily blue to create the "Sea of Blue" in the stands.
"We are excited to play at home," Gill said. "We hope the fans are ready to come and watch us and support the team."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
