Texas A&M University-San Antonio is taking another step toward enhancing its game-day experience at Jaguar Athletics events. Now, hungry fans attending home games and matches can find a variety of snacks and drinks, including candy, nachos, chips, soda, water, sports drinks and more.
Amanda Mora, director of university and public events, said adding concessions is part of the University’s continued effort to create a more engaging atmosphere around Jaguar Athletics.
“We hope this helps with attendance and the fans get a complete game-day experience with concessions being available to enjoy during games, matches, and meets,” Mora said.
Student-athletes are helping bring that experience to life, with teams taking turns staffing concessions at athletic events. The funds raised go directly to the sports program that is volunteering to staff concessions during the game.
For the new track and field and cross-country programs, the opportunity has given athletes a chance to connect with fans outside of competition. Head Coach Blair Sohl said the idea came from conversations with Mora, and he wanted his athletes to take advantage of the opportunity.
Sohl said he recruits athletes who are “energy givers, community-minded and service-driven,” making concessions a natural way for the team to engage with the Jaguar community. The large track and field and cross-country roster has also allowed him to use the opportunity as a team-building experience, giving athletes a chance to spend time with their teammates while serving fans.
For Sohl, the interaction goes beyond selling food. He hopes fans see the athletes as more than runners, jumpers and throwers.
“When people come and see the smiling faces of our athletes and engage with them while they purchase snacks, it just bolsters our connection with the community,” he said.
As more teams take part, the concession stand can become another point of connection between student-athletes and the Jaguar community. Mora said the University wants fans to leave feeling like they were part of the Jaguar experience and hopes the addition of concessions encourages them to arrive early, stay longer and return for future events.
For Sohl, those interactions can also help fans discover teams they may not otherwise follow. With the inaugural cross country and track and field programs hosting three events this season, he hopes seeing student-athletes serving fans can build interest in their programs.
“Building relationships is such an important part of what we do.”