Yosef Club hospitality

[CharlotteApp05]

Happy to make myself a use-case.

Young family, I coach two soccer teams on Saturdays in the fall, so Season tickets don't make sense. I donate below the $500 level, but love APP State. If I am lucky, I can go to one game a season, and I would like for it to be easier for me to make it happen. Here are some things I would like to see:

Maybe create mini season packages (This could be an incentive to join Yosef) for members above the 250 level...And provide parking for those packages too.

Any type of coaches gear as mentioned before would be an incentive.

Maybe allocate 1-2 concession stands for Yosef members or even a restroom. It doesn't have to be any different, just a barrier to entry to create demand.

Maybe even instead of a hospitality room that is exclusive, just offer a more public Yosef area to tailgate at home games. Block off some space, allow folks to purchase food/drink, give premium members a couple of tickets for free drinks. People that don't have time or energy to "tailgate" would love something accessible and visible that is easy.

I think more visibility, ease of use, enhanced experience are the driving factors I would go for if I was planning for YC.

[BambooRdApp]

In all seriousness, what "Perks" would entice more folks to JOIN YOSEF?? I volunteer with the advisory board and would love to pass along any feedback.

The perks to join are less of the problem as there are no incentives to give more. A person giving $100 is entitled to the same benefits as the donor giving $1500. We have 739 donors that give less than $500. How many of them would increase giving if a $500 donor got access to exclusive coaches apparel? How many of those 688 donors at the $500-$1000 can we get to step up a level for say an exclusive luncheon with the coaching staff or priority access to surplus merchandise? These are just ideas that make people feel special.

Although I do believe people join any organization for a variety of reasons and if the hospitality reception was it for them, one would be disappointed. I never attended one so do not know. With that said, I do like this idea. Greater perks or access to items based on giving levels. For example, I know the athletic Dept has an auction for a few helmets....what if you could buy a authentic game helmet at retail. Would more people buy helmets than they make at the auction. For example, I would have considered buying a black, white and yellow helmet at retail... maybe one a year. However, one person only wins the auction of a helmet. This is just one example. On the golf post a while back. I would have purchased one of those for me and one for a team member if they are not given to school for free from sponsor. Those were cool. Never saw them listed for sale. Just a couple of ideas of which I am sure others have many that are more creative than I am..

[mike87]

Happy to make myself a use-case.

Young family, I coach two soccer teams on Saturdays in the fall, so Season tickets don't make sense. I donate below the $500 level, but love APP State. If I am lucky, I can go to one game a season, and I would like for it to be easier for me to make it happen. Here are some things I would like to see:

Maybe create mini season packages (This could be an incentive to join Yosef) for members above the 250 level...And provide parking for those packages too.

Any type of coaches gear as mentioned before would be an incentive.

Maybe allocate 1-2 concession stands for Yosef members or even a restroom. It doesn't have to be any different, just a barrier to entry to create demand.

Maybe even instead of a hospitality room that is exclusive, just offer a more public Yosef area to tailgate at home games. Block off some space, allow folks to purchase food/drink, give premium members a couple of tickets for free drinks. People that don't have time or energy to "tailgate" would love something accessible and visible that is easy.

I think more visibility, ease of use, enhanced experience are the driving factors I would go for if I was planning for YC.

Brother, you are the guy Yosef should target. Been in your shoes and now that kids are grown I'm a top 150 and don't miss a game. Yosef board guy...listen to this dude. BTW, enjoy the moment. It goes quick.

[AppSt94]

Happy to make myself a use-case.

Young family, I coach two soccer teams on Saturdays in the fall, so Season tickets don't make sense. I donate below the $500 level, but love APP State. If I am lucky, I can go to one game a season, and I would like for it to be easier for me to make it happen. Here are some things I would like to see:

Maybe create mini season packages (This could be an incentive to join Yosef) for members above the 250 level...And provide parking for those packages too.

Any type of coaches gear as mentioned before would be an incentive.

Maybe allocate 1-2 concession stands for Yosef members or even a restroom. It doesn't have to be any different, just a barrier to entry to create demand.

Maybe even instead of a hospitality room that is exclusive, just offer a more public Yosef area to tailgate at home games. Block off some space, allow folks to purchase food/drink, give premium members a couple of tickets for free drinks. People that don't have time or energy to "tailgate" would love something accessible and visible that is easy.

I think more visibility, ease of use, enhanced experience are the driving factors I would go for if I was planning for YC.

Totally agree with the previous poster in that your scenario is a great example. It’s great that you give seeing the other commitments to your time and wallet. I like your ideas. I like the idea of a Yosef Club line. It might be problematic to enforce, plus I imagine that a good majority of the regular attendees at football games are there on tickets bought by YC members so it would be interesting if that alleviated the crowds. As for the mini packets, I like the idea and spoke with Doug Banks about it on Saturday. It would be cool if they did an ala carte style mini pack where you pick your games. The more you pick, the more you save.

I’m sure you will make it up the mountain more as the kids get older, but enjoy this time now. It does by too fast.

[Rekdiver]

Happy to make myself a use-case.

Young family, I coach two soccer teams on Saturdays in the fall, so Season tickets don't make sense. I donate below the $500 level, but love APP State. If I am lucky, I can go to one game a season, and I would like for it to be easier for me to make it happen. Here are some things I would like to see:

Maybe create mini season packages (This could be an incentive to join Yosef) for members above the 250 level...And provide parking for those packages too.

Any type of coaches gear as mentioned before would be an incentive.

Maybe allocate 1-2 concession stands for Yosef members or even a restroom. It doesn't have to be any different, just a barrier to entry to create demand.

Maybe even instead of a hospitality room that is exclusive, just offer a more public Yosef area to tailgate at home games. Block off some space, allow folks to purchase food/drink, give premium members a couple of tickets for free drinks. People that don't have time or energy to "tailgate" would love something accessible and visible that is easy.

I think more visibility, ease of use, enhanced experience are the driving factors I would go for if I was planning for YC.

Brother, you are the guy Yosef should target. Been in your shoes and now that kids are grown I'm a top 150 and don't miss a game. Yosef board guy...listen to this dude. BTW, enjoy the moment. It goes quick.

I was in your shoes 40 years ago.....but i gotta tell ya $250 while deeply appreciated doesnt merit additonal benefits that are limited especially parking. i give more to my church and dont get a parking place......even inside the pearly Gate.

[gsoappfan]

This is/was an important perk for many Yosef members who are neither able to nor interested in tailgating.

In comparison with our peers, Yosef “perks” are piss freaking poor. And appear to be getting worse.

If you are joining Yosef for the "perks", maybe you are joining for the wrong reason.

There is no "wrong reason" for what makes someone want to join Yosef. We need every person we possibly can to join YC, at whatever level they can, and for whatever the reason that causes them to join. Personal motivation and any righteousness as to what that motivation is has no place here. If a hospitality room is a selling benefit to join at a certain level then wonderful. If a prospective member was going to join at $500 but decided to give at $1,000 (the old hospitality threshold) in order to get the "perk" of a hospitality room then wonderful. Great choice! Beggars can't be choosers and frankly we need to beg a lot!

Good point and I stand corrected. We need everyone to join Yosef no matter the reason, at the level they are able to contribute.

[CharlotteApp05]

Happy to make myself a use-case.

Young family, I coach two soccer teams on Saturdays in the fall, so Season tickets don't make sense. I donate below the $500 level, but love APP State. If I am lucky, I can go to one game a season, and I would like for it to be easier for me to make it happen. Here are some things I would like to see:

Maybe create mini season packages (This could be an incentive to join Yosef) for members above the 250 level...And provide parking for those packages too.

Any type of coaches gear as mentioned before would be an incentive.

Maybe allocate 1-2 concession stands for Yosef members or even a restroom. It doesn't have to be any different, just a barrier to entry to create demand.

Maybe even instead of a hospitality room that is exclusive, just offer a more public Yosef area to tailgate at home games. Block off some space, allow folks to purchase food/drink, give premium members a couple of tickets for free drinks. People that don't have time or energy to "tailgate" would love something accessible and visible that is easy.

I think more visibility, ease of use, enhanced experience are the driving factors I would go for if I was planning for YC.

Brother, you are the guy Yosef should target. Been in your shoes and now that kids are grown I'm a top 150 and don't miss a game. Yosef board guy...listen to this dude. BTW, enjoy the moment. It goes quick.

I was in your shoes 40 years ago.....but i gotta tell ya $250 while deeply appreciated doesnt merit additonal benefits that are limited especially parking. i give more to my church and dont get a parking place......even inside the pearly Gate.

Weird comment.....My intention wasn't to say $250 level donors deserve additional benefits as some sort of entitlement thing.....On the Yosef Membership guide, page 5 it states parking is included for a $100 level donor (If you buy season tickets).....So I basically doubled the level (Since it wouldn't be a full season commitment).

And the other things really wouldn't cost anything, but it would make people "feel" like they were getting an extra benefit (Concession LIne, Bathroom, etc).

[Yosef10]

This is/was an important perk for many Yosef members who are neither able to nor interested in tailgating.

In comparison with our peers, Yosef “perks” are piss freaking poor. And appear to be getting worse.

If you are joining Yosef for the "perks", maybe you are joining for the wrong reason.

This is just silly logic man. You can’t expect people to just give money for reasons of altruism. Nobody is asking for the world here. Check out what our peers like ECU and Ark State offer at the exact same giving levels as Yosef and come check back with me.

[Yosef10]

In all seriousness, what "Perks" would entice more folks to JOIN YOSEF?? I volunteer with the advisory board and would love to pass along any feedback.

Not saying to copy ECU wholesale but just take a look at their benefits for different giving levels: https://ecupirateclub.com/documents/202 ... sChart.pdf

In the Pirate Club every extra $250 spent gets access to a new perk. Where as with Yosef there’s is 0 change in access to perks between $100 and $1000 donors, assuming this (https://mountaineersathleticfund.com/yo ... index.html) is accurate. That just doesn’t compute.

Let’s use a $250 donor as an example, all you get with Yosef is newsletters and the chance to park if you’re a season ticket holder.

$250 in the Pirate Club gets you invites to select Pirate Club events, no season ticket caveat for parking, and access to their club level on game days.

I can agree that joining Yosef shouldn’t be all about “well what do I get”, but I’m a grad approaching 30 who is a member of Yosef. Any time I try to get my group of buddies to join Yosef it’s always met with “well what do i get out of it?”. There has to be some give and take here IMO.

[bcoach]

I've also heard hospitality is not coming back.
1. No convenient space to accommodate large crowd
2. Cost keeps escalating
3. Hosts to cater food becoming more difficult to secure

Great feature on a rainy or cold day. Since we have limited parking it fun to see friends that park in other lots there as well.
Overall, I get it, as we grow it becomes more difficult catering to large crowds. Plus with the beautiful setting of Boone why not stay outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Not you as I am not shooting the messenger but that is really weak. Number one just plain pisses me off as we just built a $50,000,000 space. 2and 3 are just excuses for not wanting to do it anymore.

[AppSt94]

I've also heard hospitality is not coming back.
1. No convenient space to accommodate large crowd
2. Cost keeps escalating
3. Hosts to cater food becoming more difficult to secure

Great feature on a rainy or cold day. Since we have limited parking it fun to see friends that park in other lots there as well.
Overall, I get it, as we grow it becomes more difficult catering to large crowds. Plus with the beautiful setting of Boone why not stay outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Not you as I am not shooting the messenger but that is really weak. Number one just plain pisses me off as we just built a $50,000,000 space. 2and 3 are just excuses for not wanting to do it anymore.

Understand the frustration about #1. The new facility is for those that purchased seats in the NEZ on Gameday. There are a lot of perks that those seats come with and access to the 4th floor is one of them.

[bcoach]

I've also heard hospitality is not coming back.
1. No convenient space to accommodate large crowd
2. Cost keeps escalating
3. Hosts to cater food becoming more difficult to secure

Great feature on a rainy or cold day. Since we have limited parking it fun to see friends that park in other lots there as well.
Overall, I get it, as we grow it becomes more difficult catering to large crowds. Plus with the beautiful setting of Boone why not stay outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Not you as I am not shooting the messenger but that is really weak. Number one just plain pisses me off as we just built a $50,000,000 space. 2and 3 are just excuses for not wanting to do it anymore.

Understand the frustration about #1. The new facility is for those that purchased seats in the NEZ on Gameday. There are a lot of perks that those seats come with and access to the 4th floor is one of them.

There are three other floors. To not have an area for YC members to gather on game day is ridiculous and shows very poor planning. Giving that building for the exclusive use of those seats is very short sited. The ball was dropped period. Our off field operations need to catch up to our on field accomplishments.

[ASUfan6971]

I've also heard hospitality is not coming back.
1. No convenient space to accommodate large crowd
2. Cost keeps escalating
3. Hosts to cater food becoming more difficult to secure

Great feature on a rainy or cold day. Since we have limited parking it fun to see friends that park in other lots there as well.
Overall, I get it, as we grow it becomes more difficult catering to large crowds. Plus with the beautiful setting of Boone why not stay outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Not you as I am not shooting the messenger but that is really weak. Number one just plain pisses me off as we just built a $50,000,000 space. 2and 3 are just excuses for not wanting to do it anymore.

When the new building was planning, they said the Yosef Club would have a place for members. Well ............

[AppSt94]

I've also heard hospitality is not coming back.
1. No convenient space to accommodate large crowd
2. Cost keeps escalating
3. Hosts to cater food becoming more difficult to secure

Great feature on a rainy or cold day. Since we have limited parking it fun to see friends that park in other lots there as well.
Overall, I get it, as we grow it becomes more difficult catering to large crowds. Plus with the beautiful setting of Boone why not stay outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Not you as I am not shooting the messenger but that is really weak. Number one just plain pisses me off as we just built a $50,000,000 space. 2and 3 are just excuses for not wanting to do it anymore.

Understand the frustration about #1. The new facility is for those that purchased seats in the NEZ on Gameday. There are a lot of perks that those seats come with and access to the 4th floor is one of them.

There are three other floors. To not have an area for YC members to gather on game day is ridiculous and shows very poor planning. Giving that building for the exclusive use of those seats is very short sited. The ball was dropped period. Our off field operations need to catch up to our on field accomplishments.

Again, understand your point and understand the frustration. The first floor is all weight room and locker rooms. Second floor is meeting rooms and coaches offices. Third floor is for the medical partner. The only space left is the floor space that leads out to the seats in the EZ. I don’t see a real issue with using it before game, say close it off to seat holders only 30 minutes prior to kickoff. I guess the pushback from the admins would be that you would have to open it up to anyone that gives at the $500 level, since that’s the minimum donation to buy seats. If you did that, you have a set capacity limit. Can you imagine a seat holder that couldn’t get in to his seat because he had to wait for people to leave? I sat in front of a guy at the 2007 Natty who was pissed that he gave $1500 a year and couldn’t see. There was probably a reason that they stopped the hospitality room. Maybe the attendance no longer justified the event. Don’t know. I doubt the decision was made without some thought and acknowledgement that some would not be pleased.

[Saint3333]

This is/was an important perk for many Yosef members who are neither able to nor interested in tailgating.

In comparison with our peers, Yosef “perks” are piss freaking poor. And appear to be getting worse.

If you are joining Yosef for the "perks", maybe you are joining for the wrong reason.

This is just silly logic man. You can’t expect people to just give money for reasons of altruism. Nobody is asking for the world here. Check out what our peers like ECU and Ark State offer at the exact same giving levels as Yosef and come check back with me.

I give to many charities and expect nothing in return. I give to other areas of Appalachian with no perks.

I understand you're point about competing with peers, but if our fanbase in full of alums that only give for the perks I'm not sure the traditional Mountaineer values we should have learned remain.

[AppSt94]

In all seriousness, what "Perks" would entice more folks to JOIN YOSEF?? I volunteer with the advisory board and would love to pass along any feedback.

Not saying to copy ECU wholesale but just take a look at their benefits for different giving levels: https://ecupirateclub.com/documents/202 ... sChart.pdf

In the Pirate Club every extra $250 spent gets access to a new perk. Where as with Yosef there’s is 0 change in access to perks between $100 and $1000 donors, assuming this (https://mountaineersathleticfund.com/yo ... index.html) is accurate. That just doesn’t compute.

Let’s use a $250 donor as an example, all you get with Yosef is newsletters and the chance to park if you’re a season ticket holder.

$250 in the Pirate Club gets you invites to select Pirate Club events, no season ticket caveat for parking, and access to their club level on game days.

I can agree that joining Yosef shouldn’t be all about “well what do I get”, but I’m a grad approaching 30 who is a member of Yosef. Any time I try to get my group of buddies to join Yosef it’s always met with “well what do i get out of it?”. There has to be some give and take here IMO.

Have you asked or had dialogue as to what they would want for their donation? If so, what are they looking for?

[appgrad2010]

NEZ seating should be just like the West Zone at Clemson. The commitment comes with complimentary access to a buffet that menu changes each game, and water, soda beverages. People have lockers in areas, and a service comes in if you order liquor and places it in the locked locker the night before the game. They have different sodas, free plastic cups, and access to ice for the mixers. Well worth it.

[AppinVA]

Why couldn’t Trivette Hall be used for Yosef on game days? It has a large kitchen, a fairly large dining space, plus the hallways, a semi-picturesque view of the campus and dedicated restrooms. The answer is right under our noses.

[spacemonkey]

Happy to make myself a use-case.

Young family, I coach two soccer teams on Saturdays in the fall, so Season tickets don't make sense. I donate below the $500 level, but love APP State. If I am lucky, I can go to one game a season, and I would like for it to be easier for me to make it happen. Here are some things I would like to see:

Maybe create mini season packages (This could be an incentive to join Yosef) for members above the 250 level...And provide parking for those packages too.

Any type of coaches gear as mentioned before would be an incentive.

Maybe allocate 1-2 concession stands for Yosef members or even a restroom. It doesn't have to be any different, just a barrier to entry to create demand.

Maybe even instead of a hospitality room that is exclusive, just offer a more public Yosef area to tailgate at home games. Block off some space, allow folks to purchase food/drink, give premium members a couple of tickets for free drinks. People that don't have time or energy to "tailgate" would love something accessible and visible that is easy.

I think more visibility, ease of use, enhanced experience are the driving factors I would go for if I was planning for YC.

Brother, you are the guy Yosef should target. Been in your shoes and now that kids are grown I'm a top 150 and don't miss a game. Yosef board guy...listen to this dude. BTW, enjoy the moment. It goes quick.

Yep...this guy. Branding YOSEF CLUB is one. Just a big pregame circus tent that said Yosef club and only Yosef club members can walk through and it gets them to the front of "Anything" or a sticker....more important is the BIG tent that says "Yosef Club". Basketball game....draw a number and Yosef club members are entered three times vs 1 time. A Yosef club member picked out of the crowd to sit behind the coach at a basketball game. Yosef club member picked to stand on the sidelines with the team at football games. YOSEF Club should be thought of 20 times during football games and basketball games.

Also a family package for our young alumni. Family stand/section. Mother/father and children pay $100 for 2 or 6 immediate family to get in. I have 3 children...It gets expensive to bring the children and more expensive to leave them at home and when you bring the children you want to be with people that don't mind the children. (Family section)

[A2534]

It's called growing pains. No other college with big time football can you get a "hospitality" experience, parking spot, and seating for 1k. As we get bigger it is going to costs more, long time donors of 250 or 500 are going to be relocated, eventually. It's unfortunate, but we all love AppState! Basically we need to reduce the number coming to a given event or area. How do we do that? Financial discrimination. Raise the price and less people will attend. Back to the old Walker College of Biz, supply and demand fundamentals. Maybe I did learn something while in Boone!