IU athletic director Fred Glass addressed the media Tuesday media and, amongst the topics discussed, was the football game-day experience. Last year, Glass introduced the "Kicks for Keeps" program where fans can keep any ball kicked in the stands by the Hoosiers and the $5 ticket program for any college student, excluding those from the opposing school.
Here's a look at some of the other things fans can look forward to this season:
1. More discounts- Not only is Glass keeping the current discount ticket offer for college students, he is extending it to kids and recent alumni. Children up to the age of 18 can get in to any IU home game for $5. The same is true for those who graduated from IU less than three years ago.
2. Knothole Club- In addition to the $5 ticket offer, kids will receive a Knothole Club card when they attend a game at Memorial Stadium. Each time they attend a game, that game will be punched out on their card. If he or she attends all of the home games, they will receive a "special prize." Glass did not specify as to what that prize would be, but it won't be a scholarship. Bob Kravitz already asked.
3. Going Green- The IU Athletic Department has also caught onto the idea of going green. Only Indiana grown popcorn will be used at IU football games. Silverware will now be made out of corn at the stadium instead of plastic. And, in an effort to get students to ride their bikes to games, there will be a free bike valet service where students can ride their bikes right up to the gate and have it parked at a bike rack.
4. New student section name- It's now "The Quarry" to go along with the theme of "The Rock". There will be a crane-like structure in front of the student section and every time IU makes a big play or scores a touchdown, a student will ring a bell inside of it. Glass wants to get the students involved as much as possible.
Those are just a few of the things discussed by Glass at today's press conference. Will these additions make you more likely to go to a game? Will it change your habits at all? For example, will you bring your younger siblings down to see a game for $5 a pop? Let me know what you think.
