We decided to start with the source - the students. We gave them a little survey asking them some questions:
- Do you play sports here? If so, which one(s)?
- Have you ever attended a sporting event here during your high school career?
- What are some reasons that keep you from attending sporting events?
- What would make you want to attend a sporting event?
As this activity was bigger than simply coming up with ways to increase student attendance at sporting events, we asked groups to stand up and present their idea (with a microphone!) to their class. The activity was the vehicle to focus on communication, collaboration, creativity, and building confidence. What I love about these Quickfire activities is that they cannot be completed without these elements. The content drives the activity forward, and then the rest falls in place.
- Rebel ID - Students receive free admission to games if they show their ID card
- Rebel Rallies - Small assembly on game days with giveaways, have the band playing when students arrive in the morning as well as the team playing in their jerseys greeting students and encouraging them to come to the game, students making encouraging announcements at the end of the day to get students to come to the game
- A Touch of Culture - Have food and live music from cultures within our district, invite local restaurants to sell food and donate a percentage back to Lee Athletics
- The students want to be involved in ways that are meaningful to them, not what is decided should be meaningful for them.
- The students want a mascot that is present at games, pep rallies, and other school events.
- The students want opportunities to show their school spirit in ways that complement their personal interests.
- Entertainment, food, and music are culturally important for increased attendance at school events.