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Akron to Let Season-Ticket Holder Help Script Opening Drive

The one-off promotion has driven a surge in ticket sales and national attention and will pick a randomly drawn winner to work with coach Joe Moorhead before the Sept. 12 home opener.

Overview

  • Akron announced the “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” promotion on Tuesday, Aug. 4, offering one season-ticket holder the chance to help script the team’s opening offensive drive against Robert Morris.
  • Every current and new season-ticket counts as one entry and holders earn extra entries by referring buyers, with the winner to be chosen in a random drawing on Aug. 19.
  • The winning fan will meet head coach Joe Moorhead before the game to collaborate on a scripted opening series and will receive game-day perks such as a press conference, a headset and a spot in the coaches box, with the program stressing the coach will retain final control.
  • The announcement went viral—drawing millions of views—and, according to Akron officials, produced immediate commercial gains including sold-out suite inventory, near-sold club seats and purchases by high-profile personalities.
  • Akron frames the stunt as a controlled fan-engagement and ticket-sales strategy and the unusual promotion could prompt other programs to experiment with experiential marketing at the college level.