The Event Experience

[fanof71]

Then you are in the very extreme minority. The vast majority look at donating to athletics as an investment. And in my opinion, they are correct in that view.

Collegiate Athletics is a business. Louisiana Athletics plays a substantial role in the health of our University, our culture, our economy and our way of life. There is a reason why RCAF members are referred to as "Investors." You're investing in so much more than student-athletes. And when people invest, they expect ROI. As they should.

This is not a charity. It is a business. And we should treat it as such. As a board of investors, we should also be given the courtesy of transparency, respect and accountability within leadership.

Another awesome post!

[SMD7636]

I agree with MAT that college athletics is more of a business these days than a charity. Since RCAF was founded, investors have received membership guides mailed to their home, but this stopped in 2020. These annual report included revenue ranking among Sunbelt members and other G5 programs, academic & scholarships, capital campaigns, and more.

[billbeck451]

the small tokens I get from RCAF each year are appreciated and in line with my level of giving. I can only assume that higher donors get more perks for their dollars and it is shown in a graph on the rcaf site. I don't expect seats on the plane or special parties for the little I give. I do expect the promo pieces I get each year like my key chain or my rcaf license plate. I give at the level I give at to ensure an easy parking spot to the tailgate section and really expect nothing more.

Do I think that the RCAF should be more aggressive in bringing in new members, yes, but that comes with an organized season ticket push and that takes volunteers or employees both of which are in short supply in todays business market

[KajunKrazy]

Then you are in the very extreme minority. The vast majority look at donating to athletics as an investment. And in my opinion, they are correct in that view.

Collegiate Athletics is a business. Louisiana Athletics plays a substantial role in the health of our University, our culture, our economy and our way of life. There is a reason why RCAF members are referred to as "Investors." You're investing in so much more than student-athletes. And when people invest, they expect ROI. As they should.

This is not a charity. It is a business. And we should treat it as such. As a board of investors, we should also be given the courtesy of transparency, respect and accountability within leadership.

What part of I appreciate good teams did you not understand. What is ROI on an investment to an athletic foundation? In my view it is getting to the the conference championship 4 years in a row. It’s going 13-1 with a conference title. It is winning conference championships in baseball and going to regionals and winning. Like Deggs’ first stint here. It’s winning the conference tournament in hoops and making the dance. That is ROI.

I don’t need hats, shirts, a party at the casino, and for the university to stroke my ego and tell me how great I am for being a donor. Just win. Thats why we field a team and play the game. It is the whole reason for the RCAF’s existence, to build champions and win championships. Thats the only ROI I care about.

[ManAboutTown]

What part of I appreciate good teams did you not understand. What is ROI on an investment to an athletic foundation? In my view it is getting to the the conference championship 4 years in a row. It’s going 13-1 with a conference title. It is winning conference championships in baseball and going to regionals and winning. Like Deggs’ first stint here. It’s winning the conference tournament in hoops and making the dance. That is ROI.

I don’t need hats, shirts, a party at the casino, and for the university to stroke my ego and tell me how great I am for being a donor. Just win. Thats why we field a team and play the game. It is the whole reason for the RCAF’s existence, to build champions and win championships. Thats the only ROI I care about.

I'm making a macro-point here. I'm not talking specifically about you. I said as much at the beginning of my message. Nobody is looking to get stroked by the RCAF. Any good foundation or charitable organization knows they have to work just a little bit harder to keep growing a business model where gift giving is their primary revenue stream. You may not 'need' a hat, shirt or whatever... But how does that not help spread the word about RCAF? You make the donor feel appreciated and free advertising? It's basic business. I still to this day have people ask me what the RCAF is when they see my sticker.. in Lafayette. That's a shame.

[KajunKrazy]

I'm making a macro-point here. I'm not talking specifically about you. I said as much at the beginning of my message. Nobody is looking to get stroked by the RCAF. Any good foundation or charitable organization knows they have to work just a little bit harder to keep growing a business model where gift giving is their primary revenue stream. You may not 'need' a hat, shirt or whatever... But how does that not help spread the word about RCAF? You make the donor feel appreciated and free advertising? It's basic business. I still to this day have people ask me what the RCAF is when they see my sticker.. in Lafayette. That's a shame.

With you on the marketing standpoint. And definitely see how the bumper stickers and license plates… basically equal free marketing and advertisement. They have definitely done a less than stellar job of promoting the foundation. Probably because since Jim Harris and maybe someone before him that position has been a revolving door. Who is in that position now? Said thing is I have been a member since day one and couldn’t tell you.

[ManAboutTown]

With you on the marketing standpoint. And definitely see how the bumper stickers and license plates… basically equal free marketing and advertisement. They have definitely done a less than stellar job of promoting the foundation. Probably because since Jim Harris and maybe someone before him that position has been a revolving door. Who is in that position now? Said thing is I have been a member since day one and couldn’t tell you.

Technically, the new guy is Trey Frazier. But the responsibilities have changed. Maggard (and formerly Nico) have more input and control than previously. And I've been told there is a complete restructuring coming of RCAF. Whatever that means...

[ULvictory]

What part of I appreciate good teams did you not understand. What is ROI on an investment to an athletic foundation? In my view it is getting to the the conference championship 4 years in a row. It’s going 13-1 with a conference title. It is winning conference championships in baseball and going to regionals and winning. Like Deggs’ first stint here. It’s winning the conference tournament in hoops and making the dance. That is ROI.

I don’t need hats, shirts, a party at the casino, and for the university to stroke my ego and tell me how great I am for being a donor. Just win. Thats why we field a team and play the game. It is the whole reason for the RCAF’s existence, to build champions and win championships. Thats the only ROI I care about.

But what you're expecting in ROI does not make it a donation or charitable giving. You're investing in the success of our athletic programs on the field. Big difference there.

[KajunKrazy]

But what you're expecting in ROI does not make it a donation or charitable giving. You're investing in the success of our athletic programs on the field. Big difference there.

I said in my very first statement I give because I want good teams on the field not because I want a bunch of trinkets in return.

[ManAboutTown]

I said in my very first statement I give because I want good teams on the field not because I want a bunch of trinkets in return.

I think he's saying the good product on the field is the ROI.