The Benefits of Adding College Shuttle Services for Students Attending Football Games

Got fans? Football game attendance by students is of primary concern to college athletic departments for several reasons. Having lots of cheering fans in the student section of the stadium helps boost school spirit and encourages athletes to raise their game. However, the importance of student attendance at college football games goes beyond psychology. Today’s excited student fans are tomorrow’s dedicated alumni supporters — and, perhaps, alumni donors to the institution’s athletic department.

If a game is televised, the stakes are even higher. TV cameras rely on excited students to help generate excitement, thereby boosting viewership, which in turn enhances the college’s standing and reputation. Yet, numbers indicate a decline of student game day attendees. What’s a college to do? Can offering a college shuttle service woo back those student fans?

Is it Hard to Get College Kids to Go to School Football Games?

According to a Wall Street Journal article that looked at the turnstile data of 50 colleges with premiere football programs, student attendance was down 7 percent from 2009 to 2014. In 2013, the University of Georgia’s student section was only about 60 percent full. University of California in Berkeley sold 1,000 fewer student season tickets in 2014 than they did in 2013. University of Florida’s student attendance at games dropped 22 percent. And three-quarters of student tickets at the University of Kansas went unused in the 2013 season.

Reasons for lower student attendance range from lack of alcohol and decent cell phone reception at games to higher ticket prices, lousy weather and better options for game viewing. Places to watch college football games are even more plentiful today, from lively sports bars or a friend’s apartment to smartphone streaming in the comfort of one’s dorm room. As technology continues to advance, it becomes more difficult for universities to encourage students to sit in chilly, uncomfortable stadiums to watch what may or may not be an exciting game.

Can Free Student Shuttle Services Help Increase Game Attendance?

A complimentary college shuttle bus provides several benefits for students, as they consider whether to attend a game in person.

Offering student shuttle services:

• Gives students a safe, reliable way to get to and from the games
• Eases parental concern about seedy characters working for ride hailing services
• Demonstrates care and concern for student well-being
• Provides an asset for students with mobility issues
• Removes the hassle of having to find a parking space
• Reduces the chance of students driving while under the influence
• Eases campus traffic around stadiums on game days

With a college shuttle that students can use, free of charge, they can fully enjoy the time with friends and know that they have a reliable, safe (and free) ride home. That peace of mind will help tilt things to the affirmative in the “do I, or don’t I?” decision. Simply put, a student shuttle service will help improve game attendance. 

Why is Outsourcing a College Shuttle Service Better for Colleges?

A college can of course provide their own vans or buses to take students to games. But does that make sense? There are considerations of employee time and experience, vehicle maintenance, logistics and liability. When you use a professional college shuttle bus service, you’ll be partnering with a company that has a wealth of experience in providing safe, reliable transportation.

By outsourcing your student shuttle services, you will:

• Reduce liability
• Be free from fleet and program management
• Enjoy the benefit of advanced technology, such as a smartphone app that shows students where the shuttle is along its route
• Have extra “eyes and ears” on campus to reduce risk

FC Valet’s College Shuttle Bus Services

FC Valet delivers professional shuttle bus services with a personal touch that aligns with your university’s commitment to keep students happy and safe. They integrate seamlessly with the workings of a hectic college campus and provide highly qualified, trained drivers; clean and mechanically sound vehicles and the latest technology for premiere service.