Clemson Continues Listening to Fans, Making Improvements

CLEMSON, S.C. – An expressed goal of the athletic department at Clemson has been to improve upon an already outstanding gameday experience at all athletic events. To that end, the department created several ways for fans to provide input and influence in improving the “Clemson Experience.”

The Solid Orange Fan Advisory (SOFA) Board was established earlier this fall as a cross-section of the fan base tasked with contributing ideas and providing feedback on numerous topics relating to the fan experience while representing the interests of all Clemson season ticket holders. A total of 450 fans applied for the 40-member committee, and already their work has provided excellent ideas.

At the suggestion of the board, the athletic department created a fan-specific email address fanfeedback@clemson.edu, soliciting thoughts, complaints and compliments from fans attending home events. Additionally, the board discussed the lack of information provided to fans not familiar with many of Clemson’s gameday policies and locations, so the “First Time Fan Guide” has been created each week to assist those new to Memorial Stadium.

“Our emphasis on continuing to improve the Clemson Experience has benefited greatly from direct feedback from fans,” Assistant AD for Marketing Mike Money said. “We’ve learned a great deal by listening to our fans and they’ve provided great direction and ideas.”

Since the first meeting, SOFA Board members have communicated directly with many athletic department staffers through a new feedback service that has led to immediate enhancements and plans for long-term improvements. The ClemsonTigers.com Gameday Central page now includes a rundown of in-game promotions and recognitions. A text messaging service to report in-stadium issues has been implemented this season as well.

The SOFA Board has provided direct feedback throughout the season, and 37 items led to direct action by the department. The Board reconvenes Friday afternoon for its second meeting and will continue to meet throughout the athletic year, focusing on fan experiences at each Clemson sport.