Planning Athletic Events

There are a few tricks to make this long-standing, traditional alumni chapter event run smoothly. When scouting a location, make arrangements with the establishment to be sure they will show the game no matter what (e.g., make sure it’s not the team with the most fans that gets the game), whether there will be sound (places with multiple screens may not provide this), if you can you put up Badger decorations (balloons, table tents, coasters), and if there is a separate or private room for your group.

• Think about assigning someone to greet people and get them talking to each other.
• Will the chapter provide some food for the event or is everyone on their own?
• If providing food, what, if anything, will you charge?
• Can you work out food or drink specials for your group?
• Some chapters put out baskets/coffee cans to collect scholarship or chapter donations.
• Promote upcoming chapter events at the game-watch – athletic and non-athletic.
• Have general UW info on hand for people (e.g., Get the Facts brochure).
• Is there a unique location for a game-watch (e.g., does the local zoo have a room with a big screen TV – build a theme around it).

Alums like athletic events, but hosting game watches can get tiring. Try mixing it up a little bit, instead of watching a game, try getting them into a game!

• City recreation or intramural sports teams.
• Big Ten alumni tournaments (softball, bowling, etc.).
• Family Olympics (crazy games for young kids, lawn game challenges, etc.).
• Bowling or skate night (on a Saturday afternoon this can also be family friendly!)
• Attend or organize a bus tour to UW sports events in your area (if football or basketball, contact your chapter representative to determine availability of tickets). Check out the UW Athletics Web page at uwbadgers.com for sport schedules.