Football season ticket sales and Flames Club memberships have continued to outpace 2017 numbers in advance of Liberty’s 2018 football season in a newly renovated Williams Stadium and the program’s first as an FBS member.
As of early this week, season ticket revenue was up 75% and season ticket renewal up 44% compared to numbers from 2017. These numbers are on pace to surpass the 2,852 season tickets that were sold in 2017. Season ticket purchases typically increase in August, as the team begins training camp, and even continue after the beginning of the season.
The newly expanded East side includes options for fans to purchase reserved bench-back seats and general admission season tickets. Liberty Athletic Director Ian McCaw said, “New amenities will make sitting on the East side much more attractive.” These amenities include WiFi, new concession options, and additional restrooms.
An attractive home slate awaits season ticket holders with games against in-state FBS rival Old Dominion, defending Sun Belt Champion Troy, Conference USA runner-up North Texas, New Mexico State, and FCS members Norfolk State and Idaho State.
In addition to the increase in season tickets, the Flames Club has also seen a 25% gain in members and 28% gain in dollars raised. At the current pace, the Flames Club will surpass its 2017 total of $1.359 million raised to support Liberty athletics.
The luxury suites, on the 4th floor of the West side tower, are already sold out, and the club level, on the 3rd floor of the West side tower, is expected to sell out soon with only a few left, said McCaw.
To further enhance fans’ game day experience, Liberty has partnered with Rhino Sports & Entertainment, an event management company, to manage the game day services at Williams Stadium starting this season. Rhino began helping with Liberty’s Convocation services in the spring and has numerous clients in Division I athletics including Duke, Wake Forest, Clemson, Virginia Tech, and Baylor. Rhino offers a wide range of event management services for sports and entertainment facilities, including ticket takers, ushers, parking and gate attendants, security staff and general game-day operations.
Single game tickets, which go on sale August 15th, begin at $20 for East general admission bleachers and berm. That price increases based on the game and section.
The Flames have had an average attendance of 16,549 since the previous stadium expansion in 2010, but that number is expected to rise over the coming years with Liberty joining the FBS ranks. The season opener on September 1st against Old Dominion could approach the Williams Stadium record crowd level of 22,551 set on September 19, 2015 against Montana. Only 5 games in Williams Stadium history have ever reached the 20,000 mark. The Monarchs, who were allotted 500 tickets to the game, have now purchased 1,200 tickets.
“We have offered price point and packages to suit every fan,” McCaw said of the 2018 ticket packages. “Every fan can find a package that fits their desires.”
