The annual mania is here! It’s the first weekend of college football 2023, and teams, fans, and towns across America are engaged in a fall tradition. But there’s more to the game than what happens on the field. Here’s what I mean.
College football has become deeply ingrained in the identity, culture, and economy of universities and college towns across America. For millions of fans, Saturday gamedays represent cherished traditions and communal bonding experiences. The sport drives massive revenues, branding, alumni engagement, and local business activity. For millions, Saturday means one thing–college football. That said, concerns about the game also persist.
So, here are what I see as several of the significant characteristics and issues associated with a game that captures America every Fall.
Multi-Billion Dollar Industry: The sport has become a massive commercial enterprise. In 2021, Division I college football generated $4.49 billion in revenue, with media rights deals and ticket sales accounting for the bulk of earnings. Television networks pay billions for the rights to air games. For example, ESPN and ABC signed a 12-year, $7.3 billion agreement with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2022.
A statue commemorating Doug Flutie’s famed “Hail Mary” pass is located on the Boston College campus (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
University Branding: The success and popularity of college football teams significantly impact university branding and recruitment. Applications tend to rise at schools following winning seasons, and the outcome even has a moniker. The Flutie Effect is named after Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie. who threw a Hail Mary TD pass to beat Miami in 1984. With phenomenal impact, Applications to attend BC increased by 30% soon thereafter.
Student and Alumni Giving: Successful college football programs tend to see more donations from proud alumni and fans. For example, after winning the national championship in 2020, LSU saw donations to its annual fund rise over 20% the following year. Schools leverage the heightened goodwill to bolster fundraising efforts.
Social and Cultural Significance: College football is deeply ingrained into the social and cultural fabric in many parts of the country, particularly the South. Fans plan their Fall weekends around games, and huge tailgate parties in stadium parking lots, often starting at dawn, are a celebrated tradition. The passion for college football helps create and sustain a sense of community and school spirit.
The Michigan Marching Band (photo, Diffuser.fm)
Marching Bands and School Tradition: The school’s marching band is an iconic part of the gameday experience at many colleges. From the University of Michigan’s marching band doing a scripted “Ohio” at the 50-yard line when playing rival Ohio State to the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band riding a white horse named Traveler into the stadium, traditions excite fans. Marching bands spend countless hours perfecting routines and creating a memorable atmosphere.
Player Safety and Compensation: The massive revenues also raise concerns, including the ongoing debates about player safety (CTE head trauma). There is also an ongoing debate about how much (if any) compensation players should receive from the billions their play generates for schools and the media.
Betting Odds: Fans can extend their weekend’s fund by putting a little wager on games. Sportsbooks like FanDuel offer various FanDuel college football odds. You can bet on anything from the point spread to which team will score first to the total points scored. Just remember to bet responsibly.
While the future of college football’s role on campuses will undoubtedly evolve, one thing is sure: the sport remains a celebrated staple of the college experience.
