24 Inside Hokie Sports ATHLETICSANNUALREPORT The 2021-2022 year in Virginia Tech Athletics saw the triumphant full return of fans to our venues after the global pandemic restricted access to events the previous year. Hokies were able to once again jump together in Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum, cheer for every home run at Tech Softball Park and English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park, and throw their hands into the air every time the ball flew into the net at Thompson Field. Tech fans once again had the opportunity to showcase that they are the most passionate fanbase in the country. Virginia Tech Athletics prides itself on creating the most memorable experiences for fans traveling from all over the state and country to Blacksburg to witness the Hokies in action. MOBILE TICKETING Virginia Tech implemented mobile ticketing to Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum for the first time to kickoff the 2021 football season. This was done to provide a more secure, sustainable, and convenient gameday experience for fans. Ticket buyers are now easily able to electronically transfer their tickets to their family or friends, streamlining the process for those who might not be able to attend the games. FAN FRIENDLY CONCESSIONS Fans were able to enjoy reduced prices on traditional concession stand items during the 2021-2022 year at Lane and Cassell. Items like hot dogs, candy, Coca-Cola products, and more were conveniently priced for fans to be able to experience Virginia Tech Athletics events with their families at a more affordable rate. BEVERAGES OF ALL KINDS AVAILABLE Alcoholic beverages were sold at Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum for the first time in 2021. After presenting an ID, responsible fans were able to purchase an array of beverages including Fightin’ Hokies Lager, Devil’s Backbone IPA, and a wider variety of commercial beer and seltzer options. CASHLESS TRANSACTIONS In addition to fan-friendly pricing, the concession experience for Virginia Tech Athletics was improved by maintaining cashless transactions. This measure was enacted to shave down the length of lines and cater to the wide majority of fans who already paid via credit card before the 2021 season. IN-VENUE EXPERIENCE Virginia Tech Athletics continued its longstanding commitment to creating one of the best atmospheres for fans in the NCAA. Multiple innovations were implemented and continued, such as making Maroon and Orange Memories available for fans to purchase, an addition of an in-venue host to entertain fans during pregame and timeouts, and multiple themed games that gave fans a chance to obtain free Hokies gear and win exclusive prizes. DIGITAL SEAT Moving our venues further into the future, each seat at Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum came with a QR code that added to fan’s game experience. The QR code provided fans with a digital program of the day’s game, access to rosters and live stats, as well as an opportunity to win prizes and report incidents around the venue. HOKIE VILLAGE Tech fans were able to enjoy Hokie Village before every home football game in 2021. This family-friendly experience gave fans a chance to patronize food trucks, play games, enjoy experiences like a moonbounce and a mechanical bull, and more before they made the trek across Beamer Way to Lane Stadium. Maintaining the BEST ENVIRONMENT for FANS Tech Athletics made strides to improve fan experience in Blacksburg In-Venue Host Bailey Angle with fan during VT vs. UNC MBB game. English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park filled during Hokies’ game vs. Miami.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk2NjE5