Last year, Millsaps College (D-III - MS) came up with the brilliant idea to put a homemade Slip-and-Slide in for the student section to enjoy. For those of you that know how hot in can be in Jackson, Mississippi you can appreciate how nice that must have been.
Well this year, Millsaps athletic director Josh Brooks and the university are building off from that with a few more amenity additions for the 2015 season that are sure to be a hit with fans.
For kids, the game day atmosphere will include face painting, a craft station, balloon swords, and the local Jackson Zoo will be bringing a mobile exhibit to the game for the young ones to enjoy. Also, the first 100 kids through the gate on September 3rd will receive a free ticket to the Jackson Zoo.
Adults looking to attend will be happy to hear that concessions have been upgraded from the typical stadium experience to their favorite local restaurants who will be bringing their own flavors into the game. Game day fare will include locally sourced sausage dogs, hot dogs, wings, and a beer garden from Jackson's own Lucky Town Brewing, who feature 7 year-round beer options including everything from Pub Ales, to Pale Ales, Saisons, and even a sour / salty wheat beer called a Gose (pronounced G0-Sah).
It's really refreshing to see a Division III program take this type of approach to the fan experience on game day. Props to Millsaps and athletic director Josh Brooks for blazing a new trail for small college football with some of these ideas.
Here's to hoping it catches on and spreads like wildfire.