By JULISSA MARTINEZ/Contributor
The roar of fans can change the trajectory of a game. At the University of Texas at Tyler, the challenge is getting students into seats.
Jordan Baker, coordinator of Promotions and Fan Engagement, is tasked with this challenge. He manages the game-day experience.
“My job is to make it more of an experience for the people that are there,” Baker said.
Despite the excitement on the court, many students remain unaware of when sporting events take place on campus.
Teresa Baker, a sophomore mass communications major, has never attended a game.
“I’m unaware of finding information such as when the times (of games are),” Teresa Baker said
Avery Spencer, a freshman mass communications major, commutes. She finds it difficult to return to campus for evening events.
“I have never gone to a game since I commute to classes,” Spencer said.
Beyond the Score
For those who return to campus, the rewards of attending a game goes beyond the final score.
Scott Davis, a junior construction management major, frequently attends games.
“Basketball is my favorite sport, so 1st and foremost, I just like watching the game of basketball,” said Davis.
Davis also enjoys the entertainment provided at basketball games during breaks in the action.
“One of my favorite memories is probably being a part of the halftime show when they did the (game) Simon Says,” Davis said..
The event involved his peers competing for a television set.
Prizes and fan interaction are among the biggest draws for the student section.
“I do enjoy it when there are prizes, competitions, and free food,” said Davis.
The View from the Bench
The energy in the stands does more than entertain the crowd. It fuels the athletes on the court during high-pressure moments.
Rebecca Almideres, the head coach for the women’s basketball team, sees the impact. She knows the value of a loud student section.
“You want to play in front of a crowd,” Almideres said.
She recalled a road game at the University of Texas at dallas when Patriot fans traveled to support them.
“I think they (university organizers) brought two busloads of students,” she said. “They made a difference for sure.”
The coach believes students are more likely to support athletes they know.
“I think our attendance has increased because the loyal ones are spreading the word,” she said.
Jordan Baker acknowledges that UT Tyler is still developing its sports culture.
“The cheer team and the band … can really help make that happen,” Jordan Baker said.
Baker.
The Player’s Perspective
Hudson Anderson, a senior men’s basketball forward, has noticed a shift.
He says the energy in the gym changes when the fans are involved.
“Having the fans engaged just makes it to where they want to be there, and it just brings a fun energy,” Anderson said.
Almideres believes the quality of the teams the university fields is the best advertisement.
“I think once you just come to that one game and you see our style of playing… you’re gonna love being part of something pretty special,” she said.
Looking Toward 2027
With the basketball season over, the focus shifts to the next academic year. Jordan Baker plans to be active during new student orientations.
“I think those would be a lot more impactful, and I think we could get a really good opportunity to connect,” he said.
The goal is to make a game the default social plan for students.
“Yeah, before we go, start our weekend, let’s go to a basketball game,” he said.
With free student entry, the athletic department is hopeful about the future. The department is committed to making every game an unforgettable experience.
Be the first to comment