How Midway ISD Streamlined Complex Summer Camp Operations with Hometown
Managing athletics and summer programs for a school district as large as Midway ISD (MISD) is no easy feat. The challenge lies not just in organizing the programs but in handling the logistical complexities that come with them—registrations, managing discounts, and transitioning services to digital platforms. The team at MISD Athletics was spending countless hours juggling these tasks, leaving little time to focus on the programs themselves. Enter Hometown: a user-friendly, customer-centric platform that helped MISD Athletics overcome these hurdles, saving time and simplifying operations. The Challenge: Managing Summer Programs Was Overwhelming MISD Athletics faced a significant challenge when it came to managing their summer camps. With hundreds of participants, the process of handling registrations, ensuring correct pricing (including discounts for certain attendees), and managing payments manually was cumbersome. The athletic office spent a large amount of time: Coordinating registrations: With manual processes, errors and inefficiencies were inevitable. Managing discounts: Ensuring the right attendees received discounted pricing added an extra layer of complexity. Transitioning services online: Moving from traditional methods to a digital platform was daunting, requiring a partner who could ensure a smooth transition. These tasks weren’t just time-consuming; they also diverted focus from what mattered most—providing exceptional experiences for students and families. The Solution: Simplified Operations with Hometown Understanding the need for a streamlined solution, MISD Athletics turned to Hometown. The platform wasn’t just a tool—it was a comprehensive solution designed to tackle their biggest operational challenges head-on. Here’s how Hometown addressed the key pain points: 1. Enhanced Registration Management Hometown’s intuitive platform simplified the registration process. It allowed MISD Athletics to move all registrations online, eliminating manual paperwork and reducing the risk of clerical errors. 2. Simplified Discounts One of the biggest hurdles was applying discount codes for specific attendees. Hometown’s customizable platform made this process simple and easy. Each attendee can easily apply their unique code during registration, ensuring accurate pricing without additional manual work. And creating the best experience for their community. 3. Seamless Shift to Digital Ticketing Making the switch from manual processes to a digital ticketing platform can feel daunting, but Hometown’s dependable support team made the transition smooth and straightforward. With responsive guidance at every step, the MISD team felt confident and well-supported throughout the journey. “The obvious thing I love about Hometown is the service. The staff is always very friendly, helpful and attentive.” – Brad Shelton, Athletic Director I Midway ISD The Results: More Time to Focus on Students Thanks to Hometown, MISD Athletics transformed their summer program operations. The platform significantly reduced the workload on the athletic office, freeing up time and energy for other priorities: Reduced administrative burden: Automating registrations and discount management saved hours of manual work. Improved accuracy: No more errors in registrations or pricing. Enhanced focus: With logistics handled by Hometown, the team could concentrate on improving programs and delivering top-notch experiences for students and families. A Partner, Not Just a Platform Hometown went beyond providing a platform—it became a true partner for MISD Athletics. Whether it was through their user-friendly technology or their attentive customer service, Hometown delivered solutions that worked. “Hometown meets all of our needs, and their support ensures every transition or idea we bring to them is successful. They’ve truly taken the stress out of managing our programs.” – Brad Shelton, Athletic Director I Midway ISD Simplify, Streamline, and Succeed with Hometown For MISD Athletics, Hometown proved to be the perfect solution to solve their biggest challenges. From streamlining summer camp management to simplifying discount applications, the platform transformed MISD operations and allowed their staff to focus on what matters most: their students and community. If your school district is facing similar challenges with registrations, program management, or transitioning to digital services, Hometown offers a proven solution. Join the growing number of schools and organizations, like MISD Athletics, that trust Hometown to simplify operations and deliver results. What can Hometown do for your program?
A Day in the Life of a Customer Success Manager: Helping Schools Overcome Challenges & Prepare for a Winning Season
As the excitement of a new sports season builds, schools across the country are preparing to welcome fans, boost event sales, and create unforgettable community experiences. But what happens behind the scenes to make it all run smoothly? That’s where Hometown’s Customer Success Managers step in, ensuring every detail is covered so your fan experience goes off without a hitch. Proactive Planning & Outreach: Getting Ahead of The Game Our CSM’s day starts with a cup of coffee and a deep dive into upcoming school events. Using Hometown’s advanced ticketing dashboards, they work with Athletic Directors and Athletic Secretaries to ensure digital sales are on track and seat maps are optimized for maximum attendance. Proactive communication is the secret to their success. By identifying and addressing potential challenges early, they ensure every school is fully prepared before the first whistle blows, creating a seamless event experience for fans and staff alike. Potential Challenges: Low pre-sale ticket numbers affecting event attendance Confusion around digital ticketing processes for event fans Last-minute changes to event schedules or venue layouts Inefficient fan entry due to improper ticket scanning or setup Miscommunication between event staff on seating or ticketing logistics With strategic planning and support, our CSMs give schools the tools they need to host successful events every time. Support & Troubleshooting: Your Go-To Resource When it comes to using Hometown’s platform, our CSMs are there every step of the way. They ensure school staff feel confident scanning tickets, managing refunds, and promoting sales to their community. Need help at the last minute? No problem. When you have a question about integrating ticketing on their website, a CSM quickly hops on a call, offering step-by-step guidance. The result? Fans can find and purchase tickets easily, ensuring no one misses the action. Game Day Preparedness: Ready For Kick-Off As game time nears, our CSMs . They check in with schools hosting events that evening, make sure scanning devices are charged, ticket links are live, and that their staff feels ready to handle the crowd. If any last-minute hiccups arise, CSMs are on-call to provide real-time support, ensuring fans have a smooth entry experience and schools can focus on delivering the big event. “Working directly with educators and administrators is more than just a job — it’s a meaningful opportunity to support K-12 students in experiencing memorable in-person events that enrich their education.” – Lydia Larson, Senior Client Success Manager | Hometown Optimization & Success: Turning Data Into Wins Once the season wraps up, the work doesn’t stop. Our CSMs analyze event data to ensure schools are meeting their goals. They analyze event data to ensure schools are meeting their goals, such as increasing attendance and boosting revenue. Ultimately, their focus is on helping schools improve fan satisfaction and achieve their objectives. Simply put, their goal is to help schools achieve long-term success. They identify growth opportunities and implement small but effective changes to drive even better results next season. Why Hometown Box Office Out: A Partner You Can Count On A Customer Success Manager’s goal is simple: to help schools deliver a seamless experience for athletes, coaches, and fans. By being proactive, responsive, and committed to their success, they ensure every sports season starts on a winning note. “My favorite part of this role is building strong, lasting relationships with the districts I work with. The most rewarding partnerships are the ones where clients become friends, united by a shared commitment to student success and community engagement.” – Lydia Larson, Senior Client Success Manager | Hometown Lydia Larson – Senior Client Success Manager Texas at a Hometown Football Event
How Perry Service Learning Program Revolutionized Fundraising with Schoolfundr
Perry Service Learning (PSL) of Perry High School has been empowering students to address community needs and advocate for justice since 2004. But like many service learning programs, PSL faced challenges when it came to fundraising. Balancing professionalism, simplicity, and impactful results felt like a daunting task—until they discovered Schoolfundr, a platform designed to make fundraising effective and stress-free. Here’s how PSL transformed their fundraising approach with Schoolfundr and achieved incredible success. The Challenge: Fundraising That Fell Short For years, PSL relied on traditional fundraising tools to support its mission of integrating service with education. However, these platforms had significant drawbacks. Emails sent by students didn’t convey the professional image the program wanted, and the overall experience felt impersonal to donors. “Emails from students just didn’t feel polished or professional. On top of that, the limited customer support made it frustrating when we ran into issues.” – Allison Trentanelli, Teacher | Perry Service Learning Like many programs, PSL struggled with tools that didn’t meet their needs, resulting in missed opportunities and general dissatisfaction. The Solution: Enter Schoolfundr Everything changed when PSL adopted Schoolfundr, a platform specifically designed to simplify fundraising while creating a professional, engaging experience for donors. A Polished Donor Experience One of the most impactful changes PSL noticed was the transformation in how their fundraising efforts were presented to donors. “Our Schoolfundr page is both professional and personal, with customized pages for each student,” – Allison Trentanelli, Teacher | Perry Service Learning Instead of clunky emails and uninspiring links, donors were greeted with polished, inviting pages that encouraged meaningful contributions. Exceptional Customer Support Another key benefit was the hands-on support from the Schoolfundr team. “Schoolfundr’s customer service is unmatched. They were quick to respond to emails and made launching our campaigns completely stress-free.” – Allison Trentanelli, Teacher | Perry Service Learning This level of support gave the PSL team the confidence to run smooth, effective campaigns without worrying about technical glitches or unanswered questions. Keeping Funds in the Community What truly set Schoolfundr apart was its financial model. Unlike other platforms, Schoolfundr allows organizations to keep 97% of the funds raised. “This was huge for us. It means more resources can go toward supporting our service projects and community partners.” – Allison Trentanelli, Teacher | Perry Service Learning By reducing platform fees, PSL was able to channel more funding directly into initiatives like education reform, poverty awareness, and environmental efforts—all areas of focus in their curriculum. The Results: Fundraising Made Simple and Impactful Switching to Schoolfundr didn’t just improve PSL’s fundraising—it completely transformed it. “Schoolfundr made fundraising easier, more professional, and more effective than we ever imagined. We were able to focus our energy on our students and the community instead of struggling with outdated tools.” – Allison Trentanelli, Teacher | Perry Service Learning The results speak for themselves. PSL saw stronger donor engagement, improved financial outcomes, and an overall smoother experience for everyone involved. Could Schoolfundr Work for Your Program? For service learning programs like Perry Service Learning Program, fundraising is critical to their mission of fostering responsible, active citizens. But traditional tools can hold organizations back. With its easy-to-use design, outstanding customer support, and low fees, Schoolfundr proved to be a game-changer for PSL’s fundraising efforts. Their success story is a testament to how the right tools can elevate a program’s impact and help build a better community. If your program struggles with outdated fundraising methods, it’s time to consider Schoolfundr. Join the many schools and organizations already transforming their fundraising—and their communities—with this innovative platform.
The Top Fundraising Strategies Every Athletic Director Should Know with Hometown: The Ultimate Solution for Every Team
Tired of losing 20% of the funds you raise? Hometown offers a streamlined solution to simplify financial management and maximize your team’s fundraising potential. Hometown’s fundraising solution, Schoolfundr, is designed with athletic programs in mind, enabling teams to raise funds efficiently for sports programs, equipment upgrades, travel costs, and more. With a simple and versatile platform, Hometown is the ideal partner for athletic directors looking to enhance their program’s resources with minimal hassle. Top 5 Fundraising Strategies for Athletic Directors 1. Donation Drive Launch a straightforward campaign where donations go directly toward supporting your team’s needs, from new uniforms to travel expenses. Harness the passion and support of your sports community to reach your goals quickly. Setting up a donation-based fundraiser with Hometown is simple: Create a custom fundraiser page. Define your fundraising goal. Easily reach out to potential donors by uploading email lists. Share your fundraiser link via text, email, and social media. 2. Activity-Based Fundraiser Engage your team and supporters with events like lift-a-thons, walk-a-thons, or shoot-a-thons. Set goals for participants, and encourage sponsors to pledge donations based on achievements. These events not only motivate participants but also showcase your team’s energy and determination. Fundraising Spotlight: Hopewell Baseball Hit A Thon – Hopewell Baseball Team used Hometown’s Schoolfundr to host a Hit A Thon to achieve their team goals. They raised over $12,000 – over 258% of their goal! 3. Service-Oriented Fundraiser Organize community service events like car washes, field clean-ups, or sports clinics in exchange for donations. These activities raise funds while fostering connections between your team and the broader community. 4. Raffle Fundraiser Excite your fans with a raffle for prizes like team merchandise, game tickets, or even gift baskets. It’s a simple, effective way to boost participation and generate funds for your athletic program. Fundraising Spotlight: La Salle Big Red Raffle – Raising over $85,000 is a huge accomplishment for any school. With Hometown, La Salle was able to raise and keep all of the funds they raised. Previous to Hometown, they were collecting and tracking raffle ticket purchases by hand and were required to sell in person. 5. Gold Ball Drop Fundraiser Make a splash with a unique event like a golf ball drop. Participants purchase numbered golf balls that are dropped from a height onto a target, with prizes awarded for the closest landing. It’s an engaging and memorable way to support your team. Fundraising Spotlight: Casteel High School Football Golf Ball Drop – Casteel High School Football creatively used Hometown’s fundraising solution for an engaging, team-wide event, successfully raising over $10,000 to acquire essential equipment for their program. Maximize Your Fundraising with Hometown’s Fundraising Features Customization & Ease of Use Hometown’s solution allows you to tailor each fundraiser to reflect your team’s identity. Add custom messages, team logos, and images to create a campaign that resonates with your community. The platform is user-friendly, making it easy to set up campaigns quickly. Advanced Analytics Stay on top of your campaign’s performance with Hometown’s real-time tracking and analytics. These insights help you adjust your strategy and maximize your fundraising impact. Why Hometown is the Go-To Solution for Athletic Directors With Hometown, you’ll retain what you raise, giving your program the resources it needs to thrive — no skimming off the top. The platform’s social media integration and mobile-friendly design make it easy for supporters to donate anytime, from anywhere. Whether you’re raising money for new equipment, facility upgrades, or team travel, Hometown offers a collaborative and efficient approach to fundraising. Take your athletic program to the next level today by starting your next successful fundraiser with Hometown!
Friday Night Lights Transformed: How Allen ISD Scored Big with Hometown’s Ticketing Revolution
Managing tickets for busy Friday night football games, summer camps, and other school events was a logistical challenge for Allen ISD. The district faced connectivity issues with their point-of-sale (POS) devices during peak times, leading to long lines and frustrated fans. Additionally, the season ticket renewal process was cumbersome and time-consuming for both staff and patrons. By transitioning to Hometown’s Box Office platform, Allen ISD revolutionized their ticketing process, optimized operations, and achieved a remarkable 19,000 ticket increase on Box Office year over year. Discover how Hometown emerged as the definitive solution for Allen ISD’s ticketing challenges and why it’s a transformative force for schools nationwide. The Challenges: Connectivity Issues and Ticketing Headaches Before moving to Hometown’s Box Office platform, Allen ISD faced significant hurdles. On the old platform, season ticket sales were cumbersome, and point-of-sale (POS) devices often suffered from connectivity issues during key events like varsity football games. Fans experienced long lines, and staff spent countless hours troubleshooting and managing outreach. Season ticket renewals, a major source of revenue for the school, were also complicated to handle. The district knew they needed a better solution that could simplify processes, improve fan experiences, and reduce workload for their administration. The Solution: Why Allen ISD Chose Hometown Last summer, Allen ISD switched to Hometown’s Box Office platform—and the results have been remarkable. Hometown’s advanced ticketing technology and user-friendly features addressed every challenge the district was facing. Here are some of the standout features that made the biggest impact: Point-of-Sale Devices with Reliable Connectivity: Hometown’s updated POS devices eliminated connectivity issues, ensuring smooth ticket sales and redemptions, even during peak events. Custom Fields for Added Flexibility: With Hometown’s customizable forms, Allen ISD was able to expand their offerings by adding summer camps and other programs to their ticketing site. Streamlined Season Ticket Renewals: The process for renewing season ticket packages became faster and more intuitive, resulting in increased sales. Ticket Resending Options: Fans now have the option to easily resend tickets via text or email if needed, reducing headaches for both staff and attendees. The Results: Smoother Operations and Happier Fans Since upgrading to Hometown, Allen ISD has seen impressive results: Faster Lines on Game Day: Smooth POS connectivity has significantly cut down wait times at varsity football games, creating a better experience for fans. Higher Revenue from Season Tickets: With a simpler renewal process, season ticket sales are up, boosting revenue for the district. Expanded Offerings: The ability to customize forms allowed Allen ISD to add summer camps to their offerings, expanding opportunities for their community. Reduced Fan Outreach: Fans no longer need to contact school staff or Hometown Fan Support as often, thanks to the platform’s intuitive design and easy-to-use features. “We’ve seen smoother operations on Friday nights, and the ability to expand to new events like summer camps has been a huge win for our school. Hometown made it simple.” – Jeff Chaney, Coordinator of Athletic Facilities | Allen ISD Why Hometown is the Ultimate Ticketing Solution for Schools For Allen ISD, Hometown didn’t just solve their immediate challenges; it elevated their entire approach to event management. From faster ticket redemption to new opportunities for engagement, Hometown has proven to be more than just a platform—it’s a partner in success. If your school or district is ready to simplify ticketing, improve operations, and deliver a better experience for fans, Hometown is the solution you’ve been waiting for. Ready to transform your school’s events? Get started with Hometown today!
How Hometown Makes Graduation Smooth, Stress-Free, and Unforgettable
Graduations are a milestone worth celebrating, but planning the ceremony can be overwhelming, from organizing seating and ticketing to managing crowds and ensuring a smooth entry process.Hometown simplifies the process with an all-in-one platform for ticketing, seating, and entry management. With Hometown, schools are able to provide a seamless graduation experience, one that even Grandma can do! With Hometown’s digital tickets and automated tools, schools can provide a seamless graduation experience—so simple, even Grandma can do it! Top Hometown Features for Graduation Success 1. Custom Seat Maps for Better Event Organization Making sure everyone has a seat — and knows where it is — can be a logistical headache. Hometown’s custom seat maps take the guesswork out of seating arrangements and help you deliver an organized, professional commencement experience. Tailored to your venue: Our team designs a seat map unique to your venue’s layout, whether you’re using reserved seating or general admission. Easy modifications: Need to adjust the seating for stage expansion or reserved sections? No problem. Seat maps can be quickly updated to reflect changes. Family Experience: Attendees can view the seating arrangement and select their seats online, giving them confidence in their choice. 2. Quick and Efficient Ticket Scanning Graduation day is busy enough without long lines and ticketing confusion. With Hometown’s Gate App, staff and volunteers can scan tickets in seconds, ensuring a smooth entry process for all attendees. Fast and reliable scanning: Whether attendees display tickets on their phones or bring a printed copy, each ticket is scanned in just a fraction of a second. Accurate validation: The system instantly verifies whether a ticket is valid, invalid, or duplicated, preventing entry issues. Capacity control: Scanning helps schools track attendance in real-time, ensuring the venue doesn’t exceed its capacity by providing an accurate count of attendees. This knowledge helps maintain safety at the event by preventing overcrowding and allowing for swift action in case of emergencies. Reduced wait times: Digital ticket scanning can cut entry wait times by up to 40%, keeping lines moving smoothly. By streamlining entry, Hometown makes graduation day more efficient and enjoyable for everyone involved. 3. Hometown Customer Support for Graduation Success Graduation day is a busy and important day for schools, staff, students, and families. Hometown understands that and offers excellent customer support to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for their customers. The Hometown customer support team offers extensive help and guidance for any questions about setup, implementation, and any unexpected issues that may arise. If any technical glitches occur, the Hometown team is available to troubleshoot and resolve them quickly. They can also offer advice and best practices for graduation event planning and execution. This level of support ensures that schools have the help they need for a successful graduation ceremony. Why Schools and Families Love Hometown Schools rely on Hometown to simplify the planning process, while students and families appreciate the convenience and professionalism of the platform. Here’s what makes Hometown stand out for graduations: No Stress for Staff: Automate ticketing and seating so your team can focus on the event itself, not the logistics. Convenience for Families: Digital tickets are easy to access, share, and use, reducing the risk of lost tickets and last-minute confusion. Memorable Experiences: From custom seat maps to quick entry, our features help create a polished event that reflects the importance of the day. “We use Hometown for a wide range of services—from general game tickets and season passes to reserved seating. It’s been instrumental for our booster club sponsorship levels and annual fundraiser events like our golf and pickleball tournaments. We also rely on it for graduation, school musicals, plays, and any order forms.” – Amanda Friday, Athletic Secretary | Midland Christian Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Hometown is here to make it unforgettable. Whether you’re managing ticket distribution, seating arrangements, or entry logistics, our platform offers the tools you need to ensure everything goes off without a hitch. Ready to elevate your commencement ceremonies? Get started with HomeTown today and discover how simple graduation planning can be!
From Dreaming to Center Stage: How Hometown Rocked the First Grub and Groove Performing Arts Event
When Marquette High School Bands set out to organize their latest Grub & Grove event, they needed a seamless way to manage ticketing, seating, and guest preferences. Successful performing arts events require precision and professionalism, but the challenges of planning can quickly become overwhelming—especially when coordinating a live performance. Enter Hometown , the all-in-one platform that transformed their event planning process and delivered a flawless experience. The Challenge: Overcoming the Complexity of Event Organization Planning an event for a performing arts program comes with unique obstacles. For Marquette Bands, it wasn’t just about selling tickets—it was about creating a professional, memorable experience for attendees while simplifying logistics for their team. Their challenges included: Designing a seating layout that balanced functionality with audience enjoyment, ensuring every guest had a great view. Streamlining seat reservations to make the process easy and stress-free. Collecting guest preferences, such as meal options, to enhance the pre-show experience. Centralizing ticket sales, communications, and event data into one cohesive platform to avoid errors and save time. Using multiple tools to tackle these tasks created unnecessary complexity and increased the risk of mistakes. They needed a solution that harmonized all aspects of event planning. The Solution: Hometown Brings It All Together Hometown became the ultimate event planning tool, simplifying the entire process for the Grub & Groove. With this all-in-one platform, the team was able to: Streamline seating arrangements: “The ticketing system made it easy to set up a seating layout and allowed patrons to reserve seats effortlessly—one of the most valuable features for us.” – Candace Hall Selvidge Middle School Secretary & Event Volunteer Optimize pre-show logistics: By integrating a Google form with ticket purchases, patrons could select meal options during the checkout process, ensuring smooth concessions and an enhanced pre-show experience. Centralize all event details: Communicating event information, gathering customer data, and processing payments all in one place were critical to the event’s success. Marquette High School Bands Grub & Groove Event Custom Seat Map Powered by Hometown For a performing arts program, where crafting a polished experience is key, Hometown ensured every detail worked together seamlessly. The Results: A Perfectly Orchestrated Event Thanks to Hometown, Marquette High School Bands delivered an event that wowed both attendees and organizers. The platform’s user-friendly features ensured easy seat reservations for patrons, while the event team had everything they needed to manage the event flawlessly. “The process made both Hometown and Marquette High School Bands Grub & Groove look professional. We’re excited to use Hometown for future performances and events.” – Candace Hall | Selvidge Middle School Secretary & Event Volunteer Why Hometown is the Ultimate Solution for Performing Arts Programs Whether you’re hosting a school concert, a community theater production, or a large-scale fundraiser, Hometown is the go-to platform for performing arts events. With tools to handle ticket sales, seating, guest preferences, and payments, Hometown saves you time, reduces stress, and ensures a polished, professional experience for your audience. Want to deliver an event that hits all the right notes? Discover how Hometown Ticketing can transform your performing arts program today!
Navigating Cash Laws and Embracing Digital Ticketing in K-12 Schools
As states implement stricter cash acceptance laws, schools are facing a complex challenge: balancing compliance with the need for modernization. At Hometown, we understand how critical this balance is and are here to help schools navigate these changes while maximizing the advantages of digital ticketing. Why Cash Laws Matter More Than Ever Ohio is leading the charge with one of the country’s most stringent cash laws, requiring all payment methods to be accepted without price differences. For K-12 schools, this has complicated the shift to digital ticketing systems. Schools must now adapt while remaining compliant, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of their communities. Cash Payment Laws Across Major States Ohio: House Bill 33 now requires schools to accept cash for tickets and at least one concession stand at school-affiliated events, including athletics and extracurricular activities. If a school cannot process cash payments, attendees with adequate cash for a ticket must be granted free entry. This law has been in effect since October 3, 2023. Indiana: A new bill introduced in the Indiana House aims to mandate cash payment options at extracurricular activities and athletic events, including those overseen by the IHSAA. The legislation is currently under review. North Carolina: Proposed legislation would require high schools to accept cash payments at extracurricular events. The bill is awaiting further action. Alabama: House Bill 364 has been approved, mandating that public K-12 schools and local school boards accept cash for admission to school-sponsored sporting events. South Dakota: House Bill 1017 requires all schools, from K-12 to universities, to accept cash payments for admission to school-affiliated events. This law ensures greater inclusivity, as reported by DRGNews. Oklahoma: House Bill 2972, filed by Rep. Rick West, would require organizations regulating interscholastic activities to accept cash for event admissions. The bill is currently under consideration, according to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This is where Hometown shines. Our tailored solutions strike the perfect balance between complying with cash laws and embracing the future of digital ticketing. Whether you’re dealing with hybrid payment options or ensuring seamless integrations, Hometown is your go-to partner for simplifying event management. Digital Ticketing: A Game-Changer for Schools Since day one, our mission has been simple: help schools simplify event management while delivering a better experience for fans. Digital ticketing offers a host of benefits, including: Increased revenue transparency Faster and more accurate financial reporting Streamlined gate operations Reduced risks associated with cash handling But the benefits don’t stop there. Digital ticketing empowers schools to market events more effectively, engage their communities, and collect valuable data for future planning. “We’re not just focused on Friday night football games. We want to bring people out for Tuesday volleyball games, Wednesday soccer matches—every event matters.” – Blake Lantz | Manager, Client Success at Hometown Hometown: Your Solution for Cash Compliance and Modernization Navigating cash laws while transitioning to digital payments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hometown offers flexible tools designed specifically to support schools, no matter where they are in their journey. Why Hometown? Hybrid Payment Solutions: Offer both cash and digital payment options to meet state regulations and community needs. Seamless Compliance: Stay aligned with cash acceptance laws while adopting modern ticketing solutions. Customizable Support: From large districts to small communities, we help you create the perfect solution for your unique needs. Even in smaller towns, many fans already use debit and credit cards daily. The transition to digital often happens organically when introduced as an option, not a replacement. With Hometown, you can roll out digital ticketing at your pace, ensuring adoption grows smoothly while still providing the option for cash-paying guests to purchase tickets at the gate. Building Safer, Smarter Venues with Hometown Digital ticketing is about more than just convenience—it’s a step forward in school safety. With Hometown, you’ll know exactly who’s in your venue at any given time, creating peace of mind and a reliable record for emergencies. Unlike cash transactions, digital systems leave a secure, searchable trail that’s critical for accountability. Tools Designed for Schools Our advanced point-of-sale (POS) systems make it easier than ever to accept both cash and digital payments. Fully integrated with our mobile app, you’ll get real-time reporting and transaction tracking at your fingertips. What Hometown Offers: Comprehensive transaction tracking Audit-ready financial reporting Marketing tools, including QR codes and graphics Seamless payment processing with Stripe integrations and upcoming tap-to-pay features Whether you’re selling tickets, concessions, or merchandise, Hometown provides everything you need to simplify operations and maximize revenue. Small Steps, Big Wins with Hometown Change doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start with small steps — test digital ticketing at a single event or collaborate with local businesses to incentivize online purchases. Build momentum with your community before introducing digital solutions district-wide. Even with strict cash laws like those in Ohio, Hometown ensures you remain compliant without sacrificing the efficiency and convenience of digital tools. Simplify Event Management with Hometown Hometown is here to help you adapt, thrive, and future-proof your school’s event management. From cash compliance to digital transformation, we provide the tools and support you need to create a seamless experience for your staff, students, and fans. Ready to make the switch? Let’s simplify event management, boost engagement, and help your community thrive. Reach out today to learn how Hometown can help you stay compliant and future-ready! Get Started Now
8 Must-Know Tips for Districts & Schools Transitioning to Digital Ticketing
As more schools and athletic programs switch to digital ticketing, a smooth transition is the key to success in a market that’s expected to surpass $27 billion by 2028 (Communicate Online, April 2025). Companies like Hometown are leading the charge by making digital ticketing easier, more secure, and more efficient than ever. Here are 8 actionable tips—complete with examples of how Hometown helps—to ensure your transition is seamless, impactful, and worth the hype. 1. Choose a User-Friendly Platform The key to successful digital ticketing is simplicity. A platform like Hometown is designed with ease of use in mind—for both event organizers and attendees. With its intuitive dashboard, organizers can set up events in minutes, manage ticket sales, and track attendance effortlessly. For parents, students, and fans, Hometown offers a simple purchasing experience that gets them quickly through the gate and into the event. “What I like most is that Hometown allows us to have a pulse on who’s attending our athletic contests and who is in our athletic venues at a particular point in time.” – Antony Fisher, CMAA I ,District Director of Athletic at Minneapolis Public Schools How Hometown Helps: Customizable ticketing options designed to fit your school or district’s specific requirements. Easy-to-use apps that simplify the ticketing process for both staff and attendees. Secure systems to ensure transactions and sensitive data remain protected. Real-time Support to address any challenges quickly, so your events run smoothly. 2. The Secret to Stress-Free Events? Excellent Service & Support Making events accessible to everyone isn’t just about flexible ticket options – it’s also about providing stellar customer service. Hometown understands that high profile events, like rivalry games, graduation, or the playoffs, can come with unique operational challenges, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Whether attendees access their tickets via email, download them to their phones, or prefer a printed copy, our support team ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for everyone. How Hometown Helps: Our reliable support team is available to assist attendees with ticket questions quickly and efficiently. Reliable service ensures event organizers can focus on running the event, knowing ticketing is handled seamlessly. Flexible ticketing options, paired with top-notch customer care, guarantee a great experience for everyone involved. Success Story: “The support and willingness to continue to work with us to see how we need things or how things could work better for us. Recently the end of the year meeting y’all came and saw us to talk about ins and outs of the year. Moving forward from there a pre-season meeting before preseason tickets went on sale. The follow up and support is key.” – Chris Feris, Director of Athletics I Conroe ISD 3. Leverage Scalable Solutions: Never Worry About Capacity Again Event sizes can vary, but your platform should be able to handle them all. Hometown’s technology is built to scale—whether it’s for an intimate theater production or a sold-out playoff game. Hometown adapts and grows with your needs, so you never have to worry about capacity limits or system crashes during high-demand events. 4. Keep Costs Low with Streamlined Tools Say goodbye to expensive, outdated ticketing equipment. With Hometown, all you need is a smartphone or tablet to scan tickets at the gate. Volunteers can use the Hometown app to check in attendees instantly, cutting down wait times and eliminating the need for costly hardware. “We use Hometown for all our sports, summer programs, and performing arts productions. Going cashless helps so much—we don’t have to count money anymore. It usually only takes about 5 minutes to wrap up and head home after our games. We’re very grateful for Hometown!” – Vanessa Tover, Athletic Secretary I Harlingen CISD 5. Train Your Staff and Volunteers in Minutes Your event team is critical to a smooth experience. Hometown offers training resources, including quick-start guides, video tutorials, and dedicated support to help your staff feel confident using the platform. With just a short training session, your team can master ticket scanning, attendance management, and troubleshooting. 6. Communicate with Your Community: The Key to a Smooth Rollout The key to a successful rollout is clear communication. Hometown provides customizable tools to help you notify attendees about the switch to digital. Highlight the benefits, like faster entry and better security, to get your community excited. Make entry seamless by using a fast and reliable ticket scanning system. Hometown’s mobile ticket scanning technology ensures quick check-ins, reducing long lines and improving the attendee experience. With real-time updates, you can track attendance as it happens, giving you better control over your event. Plus, it’s easy to train your staff, so the process stays smooth from start to finish. “The switch helped our district recover lost revenue during critical seasons. The revenue generated has been reinvested in student programs, creating a positive impact throughout the district.” – Jay Govan Assistant Athletic Director I Northside ISD 7. Track Revenue in Real Time: Ditch the Spreadsheets Gone are the days of manual calculations and complicated spreadsheets. Hometown provides real-time revenue insights, so you can track ticket sales as they happen. With detailed reports, administrators can analyze trends, plan for future events, and simplify their financial reporting process. 8. Enhance the Fan Experience: Putting Your Community First Digital ticketing isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a better experience for your fans. Hometown offers features like mobile ticket sharing, instant purchase confirmations, and quick entry options to make attending events easy and enjoyable. Fans appreciate the convenience and are more likely to return for future events. By following these tips and leveraging Hometown’s innovative tools, schools and athletic programs can confidently transition to digital ticketing. From advanced security to user-friendly designs, Hometown offers everything you need to streamline operations and enhance the attendee experience. Ready to make the switch? Start small, communicate clearly, and embrace the digital future with Hometown today! Hometown Ticketed High School Football Game I Ohio I October, 2024
Hometown Spotlight | Emily Wizner, Lakeland Union High School
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | APRIL 2025 School: Lakeland Union High School Athletic Director: Emily WiznerHometown is excited to announce April spotlight, Emily Wizner and Lakeland Union High School. About Emily Wizner is the Activities Director at Lakeland Union High School, where she has spent the past six years supporting students and athletic programs with her passion and expertise. A former high school and collegiate student-athlete with experience in college athletics, Emily brings a unique perspective to her role. At Lakeland Union, she and her team utilize Hometown for their fundraising efforts, making it easy and convenient for families and students. How you use Hometown? Emily and her team use Hometown for their fundraising efforts, making it easier for families and students to contribute and stay engaged. Using Schoolfundr, Lakeland Union High School students raised over $10,000 for a once-in-a-lifetime educational experience to Germany. What is your favorite Hometown feature? Emily loves how convenient and user-friendly the platform is, saying, “It’s so convenient for our families and students to use.” Fun fact When she’s not supporting students and programs, Emily loves spending time with her husband and their two sons, Wally and Judd!
