HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The incentive Rice University gave its students to go to the final home game of the season had some buzzing.
For some Rice University students, the tailgating, traditions and tackling are enough to get them to the game. “I love it when I’m able to come here with all of my friends and we all kind of rally together and have fun on a Saturday,” student Jordie De Jong said.
While De Jong wouldn’t miss the action, she wishes more students felt the same way. “Beginning of the semester, usually people are pretty hype,” De Jong explained. “They want to turn out. Then, as time goes on, people get busier and we kind of forget about it.”
To bring it front and center, the university did something different for the game against North Texas. Students got free ice cream, food, and t-shirts.
But there was something else that required students to prove they were 21. An incentive that had students and their parents talking.
“My dad sent me the Instagram post,” student, Amanda Galloway recalled. “He said, ‘Oh, are you going?’ I was like, ‘Sure, I guess. Why not?”
To get more students to the game, Rice gave away free beer. Not just one either.
The school treated students to three free beers. A move that brought some students to a game for the first time.
“It’s a staple of games, of football games,” student Gaetano Ferrante said. “I would say the cost is a little bit prohibitive usually. For me, it was a big incentive.”
“They told me there’s free beer,” student Haolin Chou said. “I said, awesome. Even better.”
Rice’s average football game attendance is about 20,000. While the giveaway didn’t change that much, it may help with next year’s figures.
“If we win the game,” Chou said. “I’ll probably come for the next game whether they have beer or not.”
An attitude Rice regulars want to hear to try and get more fellow students at more games.
“If you had fun time, even for a little bit, come back,” De Jong said. “It doesn’t hurt to take a study break and come out and support our football team.”
The sights and sounds of college football is worth it some students say, even if the beer isn’t free.
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Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
