University of Illinois of Chicago
Our class was able to visit the University of Illinois of Chicago baseball field on June 20, 2018. We had our meeting with Kyle and Ryan in the school’s suite box. We learned many things about their athletic department, but one thing that really stuck out to me was that the school doesn’t really have a lot of branding for the school/athletic department. As you can see in my previous post about the UIC Baseball Field, you don’t really see any logos or advertising for the Flames, which is the UIC mascot. The only advertising I actually saw were on the seats, but unfortunately people sit on those which will cover the school’s logo.
The athletic department has a new program director, which seems to be benefiting their program because he is open to new ideas and willing to make a changes that will benefit the sports department in the future. Unfortunately, the department has run out of money, so budgeting for new things has become extremely difficult for them.They have gone to 4FRONT, which is a company that helps programs bring in awareness in other ways.
a. 4FRONT is an organization they UIC works with to find other ways to advertise their program. 20%of the things you couldn’t do or have the time to do, 4FRONT does it.
a. Expanding a department can come with a lot of growing pains. People get comfortable with what they already know and want to keep things looking a certain way for a long time. This is why 4FRONT was brought in for a fresh face, a new way that things are done in the program. Everyone has to be open to what others think and do.
a. UIC Athletics’ goal is to prepare the athletes for post graduation. They are also looking for engagement to better their students. Creating a student with good academics and good athletes is key.
a. Having a boss that’s willing to listen to ideas is key. It becomes more of a two-way street working together to come to a solution. UIC is trying to say yes as much as possible when people have new ideas.
a. Awareness is a struggle
i. Having people think sports doesn’t mean anything at this level.
b. There is not a lot of school pride
i. Lack of the “party scene”
ii. Not the typical four-year university experience
c. Not many school logos around campus