Choosing the Best Ticketing Partner: Expert Tips from Corpus Christi ISD
Managing athletic events for a large school district is no small task. For Corpus Christi Independent School District (ISD)—which oversees six high schools, 11 middle schools, and two stadiums, including a historic venue from the Great Depression—the challenges of organizing sporting events are immense. Assistant Athletic Director Michael Keel shares how adopting Hometown transformed their processes, from ticketing efficiency to audit compliance, while keeping fans satisfied. The Challenge: Inefficient Ticketing and Audit Risks Before Hometown, Corpus Christi ISD struggled with an outdated ticketing system. Their previous provider failed to deliver detailed reports, causing issues during audits and leaving the district financially vulnerable. “As a data nerd, I value transparent and detailed reporting—The lack of clarity in reports from the previous provider was a major issue and drove us to search for a better solution.” – Michel Keel, Assistant Athletic Director at Corpus Christi ISD The Solution: Hometown’s Game-Changing Features Hometown quickly solved Corpus Christi ISD’s challenges with its advanced reporting and user-friendly platform. The district saw immediate improvements in efficiency, transparency, and audit readiness. Key Benefits of Hometown: Detailed Reporting: Hometown’s reports satisfied auditors and made financial processes seamless. Ease of Use: The platform is intuitive, even for non-technical users, ensuring smooth operations. Real-Time Support: During a regional soccer tournament with 17 lightning delays, Hometown’s support team helped extend ticketing times within minutes, avoiding logistical chaos. “The reports from Hometown are the easiest I’ve ever seen. They’ve made everything more efficient and transparent for our auditors and finance team.” – Michel Keel, Assistant Athletic Director at Corpus Christi ISD Flexibility and Advanced Features Hometown’s flexibility is another standout feature. The platform accommodates complex needs, such as: Custom Ticketing: Prevent opposing teams from buying out seats during playoff games. Stadium Management: Simplify season ticket sales for two vastly different stadiums, one of which is a historic landmark. “The ability to customize and secure ticketing options has been crucial for us.” – Michel Keel, Assistant Athletic Director at Corpus Christi ISD Real-Time Support in Action Hometown’s exceptional support was tested during a regional soccer tournament plagued by lightning delays. Despite being new to the platform, Keel was able to extend ticketing times and re-enter fans without issue, thanks to real-time assistance. “Anything I couldn’t figure out, their team fixed within minutes. Without their support, the delays could have cost the district money and caused a logistical nightmare.” – Michel Keel, Assistant Athletic Director at Corpus Christi ISD Key Questions for Choosing a Ticketing Provider Keel offers advice for schools and districts evaluating ticketing solutions. He recommends focusing on these key factors: Report Quality: Does the platform provide detailed, transparent reports for audits and financial needs? Real-Time Support: Can the provider offer immediate help during events to resolve issues quickly? Ease of Use: Is the platform intuitive for all staff, technical or not? Hometown checked all these boxes for Corpus Christi ISD, significantly reducing administrative burdens and improving event management. Conclusion: A Reliable Partner for School Districts For Corpus Christi ISD, Hometown has proven to be more than just a platform—it’s a reliable partner. From simplifying event management to ensuring financial transparency and meeting the unique challenges of running events at two very different stadiums, the platform has addressed key pain points and elevated the district’s operations. “As an administrator, I don’t have to be in the system all the time,—yet, I know it’s reliable, easy to use, and backed by real-time support. That’s what makes Hometown stand out.” – Michel Keel, Assistant Athletic Director at Corpus Christi ISD If your school district is searching for a ticketing solution, take it from Corpus Christi ISD—Hometown is worth considering. The ease, efficiency, and support it provides could be exactly what your district needs to streamline event management and ensure success.
Hometown Spotlight | Roderick Smothers: Alabama A&M
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | FEBRUARY 2025 School: Alabama A&M Assistant Athletic Director: Roderick SmothersHometown is excited to announce February spotlight, Roderick Smothers and Alabama A&M. ABOUT Roderick With a strong focus on athletics throughout his career, Roderick has always been involved in either athletics or education. He found his calling in administration athletics, where he has the opportunity to educate and mentor student-athletes—something he has a strong passion for. A Life in Athletics As a person that played sports growing up, Roderick was always curious as to what happens on the opposite side of competition. His blood, sweat, and tears throughout the years have been to position himselt to give that back to the next generation of student athletes. “It actually helps me now that I’m on the administration side of athletics, building those student relationships that help them grow on a daily basis. – Roderick Smothers, Assistant Athletic Director How Alabama A&M uses Hometown Transitioning to the Hometown has allowed Alabama A&M to modernize and streamline their processes. Aside from athletic events, they also use Hometown for student body events, comedy shows, and concerts. Hometown allows students to be more self-sufficient, giving them an easy and efficient way to engage with campus events. “Hometown provides us with simple and effective solutions to both everyday challenges and complex problems, and helps us keep everything running smoothly.” – Roderick Smothers, Assistant Athletic Director
Breaking Barriers: Tony Fisher’s Journey of Sports, Leadership, and Inclusion
From a young age, sports have always been a cornerstone of Tony Fisher’s identity. Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a small, young boy with a big love for the game. His dad, a dedicated Milwaukee Bucks fan, had season tickets, and they rarely went to a game without each other. The arena back then, known as The Mecca, wasn’t just a place to watch basketball; it was a magical experience that fueled Tony’s love for sports. One of the best parts about The Mecca was how accessible the players were. After the games, he would head down to where the players exited the locker rooms, separated from the fans by nothing more than a yellow painted line. He’d eagerly wait, pennant in hand, hoping to snag a high five, a handshake, or even a signature. His goal at every game was to buy a pennant of the visiting team and collect autographs from the players as they walked out. Over time, he built an incredible collection. Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Dr. J, Moses Malone just to name a few. But the most memorable moment of all was when Tony got Michael Jordan’s signature. “I followed him outside the stadium as he was boarding the bus, looked up at him with wide, hopeful eyes, and asked him to sign my pennant. He paused, already on the bus, and signed it. That moment completed my collection and solidified my love for the game.” Basketball wasn’t just something he watched; but lived. Tony’s backyard had a basketball court, and even during Wisconsin’s harsh winters, he’d shovel the snow off the driveway and shoot free throws with gloves on. “Sports became more than a hobby; they became a way of life. They taught me discipline, gave me purpose, and became a source of endless joy.” After college, Tony’s passion for sports led him to coaching which was inspired by his desire to guide his younger brothers through high school basketball and ensure fair opportunities for them. Hopeful to eliminate the politics players experience and focused on giving talented athletes, regardless of their age, the chance to compete at the highest level. Starting at his alma mater, Milwaukee Lutheran High School, where he could stay connected to the game and inspire young athletes. “Coaching wasn’t just about teaching skills; it was about passing on the love and life lessons that sports had given me.” Today, Tony still carries the competitive spirit and love for sports in everything he does. Whether it’s playing, coaching, or simply watching a game, sports remain a vital part of his life. They’ve shaped who he is, taught him resilience, and given him memories he’ll cherish forever. Without sports,Tony isn’t sure where he’d be—and honestly, he wouldn’t want to find out. “Greatness isn’t just about reaching the pinnacle; it’s about what you do when you get there.” While as an assistant coach at his alma mater in 1999, Tony’s mission evolved to impact as many young athletes as possible. Over eight years, his coaching extended beyond his brothers, as he built relationships with players from multiple classes. Eventually, he became a head coach and athletic director, leaving a career in graphic design to fully commit to athletics. Throughout his career, Tony navigated cultural differences and challenges, always focused on fostering success and unity across their teams and programs. His unique background in marketing communication allowed him to bring innovative branding and organizational skills to athletic administration. Tony developed visually appealing templates, maintained up-to-date websites, and implemented branding strategies that impressed colleagues. This meticulous approach led to a leadership role in the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (FIAA), where he served as the marketing and sponsorship chair, securing record-breaking sponsorship funds and designing the organization’s logo and website. Additionally, as a co-founder of the NOMAD initiative during the aftermath of the George Floyd tragedy, Tony embraced his role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within athletic administration. By leveraging his position and expertise, he worked to make a meaningful difference in addressing social justice issues through sports. This journey exemplifies Tony’s commitment to combining his skills and passion for athletics to create positive, lasting impacts on students and the broader community. Tony’s involvement with the National Organization of Minority Athletic Directors (NOMAD) first began when he noticed a logo for the Black Athletic Directors Association (BADA) in an email signature. After inquiring, he learned BADA was more of an informal group with untapped potential. Recognizing the need for a formalized organization to support underrepresented athletic administrators, Tony collaborated with others to create NOMAD. NOMAD’s mission is to close gaps in resources, education, and opportunities for minority athletic administrators. The group focuses on providing tools, networking, and partnerships to level the playing field between underrepresented schools and their suburban counterparts. For example, Tony observed disparities in access to innovations like digital ticketing, which some suburban schools implemented early during the pandemic. NOMAD aims to bridge such gaps by connecting members with knowledge and resources they might not otherwise access, particularly through events like the National Conference. Additionally, NOMAD was established as a platform to empower and uplift minority athletic administrators, ensuring they can better serve their schools and communities while staying competitive in a rapidly evolving field. With nearly 800 members, the organization demonstrates a clear demand for its initiatives. NOMAD provides resources like webinars, professional development opportunities, and a hospitality suite at the National Conference, where networking and mentorship thrive. NOMAD offers scholarships for student-athletes of its members, particularly focusing on children of color who often miss out on broader opportunities like scholarships. The NOMAD scholarship application is designed to mirror the NIAAA’s, making it easier for applicants to apply for both. This dual application process doubles the chances for financial support and recognition while emphasizing diversity’s importance in high school athletics. Furthermore, NOMAD’s mission is to close equity gaps in representation and resources by empowering and educating underrepresented administrators, ensuring their schools and communities thrive through improved access and
Hometown Spotlight | January: Plano ISD
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | JANUARY 2025 School: Plano ISD Athletic Director: Lonnie Jordan Hometown is excited to announce January spotlight, Lonnie Jordan and Plano ISD. ABOUT LONNIE Before transitioning to athletic administration, Lonnie was the Head Football Coach at Lake Highlands High School in Richardson ISD, where he oversaw all aspects of the budget, facilities, support staff, programs, and coaching for the high school as well as two feeder junior high schools. Prior to his time at Richardson ISD, he served as both the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Lone Oak High School. With 29 years of experience in high school athletics, he has developed a broad expertise both on the field and behind the scenes. From Coach to Athletic Director Coach Jordan was appointed Athletic Director in April 2024. He joins the district after serving in leadership roles at Highland Park ISD and Richardson ISD, where he held the positions of Athletic Director and Athletic Coordinator. In his role as Athletic Director, Coach Jordan is responsible for overseeing the district’s athletic budgeting and programming, including managing facilities renovations, and was an active member of the superintendent’s cabinet. How Plano ISD Uses Hometown Plano ISD, a long-time client of Hometown, is a large district that uses digital ticketing for athletics, performing arts, and student activities throughout the district. “Hometown has simplified event logistics, allowing for better revenue tracking and reporting. Previously, event management was fraught with uncertainties, but the transition to Hometown has made the process seamless.” – Lonnie Jordan, Athletic Director
Hometown Highlights from NADC 2024
The 2024 National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC) in Austin, TX was an unforgettable experience for Hometown, packed with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and give back. Here’s a look back at the highlights from this year’s event. Celebrating Our Customers At Hometown, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. During NADC, we proudly recognized their outstanding achievements through the Hometown Customer Awards. These awards celebrate the schools, districts, and Athletic Directors who’ve made a significant impact in their communities, embracing innovation to enhance the fan experience. Trailblazer of the Year: Jeff Chaney, Allen ISD (TX) MVP: Tonisha Montgomery, Baltimore City Schools (MD) Rookie of the Year: Dr. Matthew Baltz, Easton Area High School (PA) Team of the Year: Round Rock ISD (TX) Read more about our award winners and their inspiring stories! Exciting Announcements Did you hear the news? Hometown Ticketing and Schoolfundr have come together as Hometown, a unified platform dedicated to empowering schools, students, and communities. With a shared mission to provide schools with the tools they need to promote events, raise funds, and engage their communities, Hometown combines the strengths of event management, ticketing, and fee-free fundraising and communication tools — all in one place. This partnership allows us to serve over 17,000 schools and organizations nationwide, creating an even greater impact for students, educators, and their communities. Read more about the exciting announcement here. Hometown Giveaways The excitement didn’t stop there! We held two show-stopping raffles: Apple Watch: Congratulations to Kevin Coleman, Supervisor of Student Services at Chesapeake Public Schools! Therabody SmartGoggles and $1,000 fundraising donation: Congratulations to Steve Guadalupe, Athletic Trainer at Arlington ISD! We’re excited to see your school’s next fundraiser exceed their goal soon! NADC Door Prize Winners Hometown also brought some extra cheer to the conference with top-notch door prizes. Amazon Echo Dot: Congratulations to Tammy Gunby, Assistant to the Director of Communications at Rich Township High School District 227! YETI Cooler: Congratulations to Henry Pope, Director of Athletics at Birmingham City Schools! Reflecting on an Incredible Event NADC 2024 was a testament to the incredible work Athletic Directors do every day to support student-athletes and their communities. We are honored to be part of this vibrant community and look forward to continuing to serve and innovate alongside you. If you missed us in Austin, TX and want to learn more about our latest solutions, visit our NADC page or find a time that’s right for you to meet with us. Here’s to another year of empowering athletic programs across the country!
Peach Belt Conference Championship Ticketing with Hometown
A Passion for Sports and a Journey into Athletics Cameron Wissle, the Director of External Operations at the Peach Belt Conference, has spent the last four years overseeing ticketing for 18 annual championship events, spanning men’s, women’s sports competitions. The conference has institutions located primarily in Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida. His journey into sports administration is rooted in a deep passion for athletics. Growing up in an athletic family, he was exposed to sports from an early age. His mom played college basketball, and his dad played volleyball, setting the stage for Cameron to get involved in every sport imaginable — baseball, basketball, soccer, and even golf. By the time he got to college, Cameron knew he wanted to stay close to sports, but he wasn’t sure how. After some encouragement from his parents to get a business degree, he found his niche working for his university’s athletic department. Cameron’s role in the athletic department eventually led him to become the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), a responsibility that eventually brought him into the world of conference-level athletics. Simplifying Game-Day Operations Recognizing an opportunity for improvement, Cameron set out to modernize the ticketing process and enhance the overall fan experience. Cameron’s primary responsibility is overseeing ticketing for the conference’s 18 championship events each year. This involves a wide variety of tasks, from setting up online ticketing platforms to managing attendance tracking and ensuring a smooth event-day experience for fans. What’s particularly interesting about his role is that ticketing for these events isn’t just about selling tickets — it’s about managing the entire fan experience. Although some fans and schools were initially hesitant about moving away from in-person cash sales, the transition has now become a standard practice across most of the institutions in the conference. “We’re a conference that does online ticketing only, and while that transition was challenging at first, it’s made things a lot easier over the last few years. As more of our schools implemented online ticketing themselves, it made our events run much smoother.” The Technology The Powers Ticketing: Hometown To manage the conference’s online ticketing, Cameron and his team rely on Hometown, which allows event organizers to handle ticket sales, distribution, and scanning all in one place. According to Cameron, the process is simple, efficient, and saves his team valuable time. The Hometown system lets Cameron and his team create ticket sites well in advance of events. The basics — dates, times, and titles — are entered first, and as details like venue information or opponents are finalized, the ticketing site can be updated in real time. The ease of updating event details is a game-changer, especially when there’s uncertainty around things like the hosting location or final opponent. “Once we know the details, we can quickly update everything. If there’s a change — like a rain delay or a venue switch — I can update the ticket information in minutes, ensuring everything runs smoothly for our fans and staff.” For him, this seamless technology integration isn’t just about saving time, it’s also about improving the experience for attendees. Fans can access tickets quickly via QR codes or direct links shared on social media and event websites. There’s no need for complicated in-person transactions — everything can be done on their phones. Managing Challenges and Finding Solutions Cameron recalls one memorable incident occurred during a rain delay at a baseball championship event. What could have been a stressful situation was made much easier thanks to the Hometown support team. “We had to handle a rainout, and there were all these logistical questions. The game’s rescheduled, and we had to manage how to get the right tickets to the right people. We called our support rep at 7:30 at night, and he walked us through the entire process, even though it was late. That kind of support made all the difference when time was tight, and we had to get the ticketing sorted out quickly.” Using Data to Drive Improvement Another important aspect of Cameron’s job is analyzing ticket sales data. With Hometown, Cameron can track how many tickets have been sold, how many fans have scanned in, and the overall attendance rate. This data is not only valuable for reporting purposes but also helps the conference make better decisions for future events. “We’re able to use this data to track how our championships are performing. It helps us plan for merchandise sales, staffing, and even attendance expectations for future events. For example, if we see that we’re hitting a high percentage of scanned tickets early on, we can make decisions about staffing levels at the gates. Or, if we’re seeing low sales at certain venues, we can adjust our promotional strategies.” Looking Ahead: A Busy Year of Championships As Cameron wraps up another successful championship season, he’s already preparing for the spring events that are just around the corner. The first championship event of the year is slated for late February, followed by basketball in March, and a packed schedule thereafter. Cameron Wissle’s role as Director of External Operations is multifaceted and critical to the success of every championship event. From managing online ticketing to troubleshooting on the fly, Cameron’s attention to detail and commitment to improving the fan experience ensures that everything runs smoothly. With the help of tools like Hometown and a dedicated support team, Cameron and his colleagues are able to focus on what matters most: delivering unforgettable experiences for the student-athletes and fans alike. As the Peach Belt Conference continues to grow and evolve, Cameron’s work behind the scenes will be crucial to ensuring that ticketing, fan engagement, and event management remain streamlined and efficient — all while keeping that love for sports at the heart of everything he does.
Transforming Athletics with Hometown in Dorchester School District 2
Tyronee Drakeford’s journey through athletics and leadership has been one marked by a commitment to excellence, from his NFL career to his pivotal roles in youth sports and now as the District Athletic Director for Dorchester School District 2. His deep passion for athletics and youth development shines through in every role he’s taken on. Now, in his third year overseeing athletic programs for three high schools and seven middle schools in South Carolina, Tyrone credits much of his success to the partnership with Hometown, which has transformed how he and his team manage game-day operations and ticketing. From NFL Player to Athletic Director After retiring from the NFL, where he played as a standout athlete, he pivoted to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where he served as an executive director and later as the Region Athletic Director overseeing eight clubs. His transition into high school athletics was a natural one, given his vast experience coaching at every level, from youth leagues to the pros. It was clear that athletics had been woven into his DNA long before he took on the role of overseeing one of the largest school district athletic programs in South Carolina. Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19 When Tyronne joined Dorchester 2, it was just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, radically changing the way sports and events were conducted. The immediate shift to online operations presented a significant challenge for the district, particularly in the realm of ticketing and event management. However, Tyronne’s experience with managing large-scale athletic events, combined with his ability to adapt quickly, led him to find a solution that would allow his team to safely and efficiently manage the influx of spectators while maintaining the high standards expected by his community. That’s when Hometown entered the picture. As the district moved toward a more digital-first approach for ticketing, the flexibility and ease that Hometown offered were game changers. The Impact of Hometown “Having the access and the ability to do online ticketing made our jobs a lot easier and safer,” Tyronne recalls. At a time when health concerns were top of mind, the ability to transition to digital ticketing not only ensured a safer environment but also streamlined the entire process—from ticket sales to entry. Hometown provided the tools that allowed Tyronne and his staff to maintain control over large events with minimal stress. His district, with three of the largest high schools in the state, was now operating on a single platform that allowed for smooth coordination across multiple venues and teams. “It just made everything so much easier. We went from managing everything manually to having it all in one place,” says Tyronne. His team could easily upload schedules, assign staff, and coordinate ticket sales seamlessly, even if competing teams were also using Hometown for their own events. Simplifying Game-Day Operations Managing the logistics of high school athletic events is no small feat, especially in a district with over 3,500 students at each of the high schools and 1,200 students at each middle school. For Tyronne, the challenge wasn’t just in ensuring that tickets were sold and entry was efficient—it was also about ensuring that his staff, coaches, and volunteers had the tools they needed to handle the pressures of game days. iPads, card readers, and a user-friendly platform enabled his staff to scan tickets quickly and accurately, allowing the focus to stay on the athletes and the games, rather than the mechanics of managing event entry. Whether it’s a football game or a multi-team event, Hometown’s ticketing system has given Tyronne’s team the flexibility they need to run their events smoothly. “When we have a jamboree or a large event, we don’t have to worry about mailing physical tickets. Everything can be handled online, and people can pay easily through their phones or credit cards.” Fostering Community Engagement Beyond making game-day operations more efficient, Hometown also played a key role in increasing community engagement. Tyronne and his team know that getting students, parents, and local community members to attend sporting events requires more than just a schedule—it requires proactive communication. Tyronne’s team uses multiple channels to promote events, including social media, district-wide networks, and, notably, loudspeaker announcements throughout schools. “We found that promoting games over the intercom and social media makes a huge difference in attendance. It’s about making it easy and accessible for everyone,” he says. The district’s unified approach, with all schools using the same platform for ticketing, has helped streamline communications, making it easier for families to find information on games and events. The Benefits of a Streamlined, Digital System One of the most significant changes that Hometown brought to Dorchester 2 was the ease of reporting and financial tracking. “In the past, we’d have to count everything by hand, but now, the system automatically generates reports,” Tyronne explains. The automated process saves his team valuable time and ensures that everything is accounted for without manual intervention. The simplicity of using one system for all district events, from regular season games to playoffs, has allowed Tyronne to focus on what truly matters—supporting athletes and fostering a positive athletic culture. Additionally, the revenue-sharing options provided by HomeTown have proven to be a huge benefit for events like the football jamboree, where tickets are sold across multiple schools. A Future Built on Efficiency and Collaboration Looking ahead, Tyronne is focused on continuing to evolve the district’s athletic programs while ensuring that the tools his staff uses remain efficient and reliable. With the help of Hometown as a trusted partner, he feels confident that the district will continue to meet the needs of athletes, coaches, and the community. “We’ve been able to save money, reduce manual labor, and make the whole process smoother, and the best part is that it’s easy to share the success with others. I can tell another district AD, ‘Here’s what we’re doing, here’s how it works,’ and it’s as simple as that.” For Tyronne, the partnership with Hometown has been a
Announcing the 2024 Hometown Customer Award Winners
At Hometown, our customers inspire us every day with their dedication, passion, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for their communities. The annual Hometown Customer Awards celebrate these achievements by recognizing standout leaders and teams who have made extraordinary strides in leveraging the Hometown platform. We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the Hometown 2024 Customer Awards and share their incredible stories of success… Trailblazer of the Year: Jeff Chaney, Allen ISD (TX) The Trailblazer of the Year Award is presented to a customer who has not only embraced the Hometown platform but has transformed the way they operate through bold, forward-thinking strategies. This award recognizes an individual that has demonstrated significant growth, adaptability, and a commitment to leveraging innovative solutions. This year’s winner: Jeff Chaney, Coordinator of Athletic Facilities at Allen ISD. Faced with a tight timeline, Jeff led Allen ISD’s transition to the Hometown Virtual Box Office just before the fall season. His forward-thinking approach transformed the entire gameday experience including streamlining entry points, reducing gate congestion, and making operations more efficient for gate workers. Jeff’s creativity and commitment to innovation have positioned Allen ISD as a model for operational success. Congratulations to Jeff Chaney! MVP: Tonisha Montgomery, Baltimore City Schools (MD) The MVP Award is dedicated to recognizing a Hometown customer who has shown exceptional commitment and impact. Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated continual success and dedication, this honor celebrates the person who has fully embraced our platform’s capabilities, driving both their program’s success and Hometown’s mission forward. This year’s winner: Tonisha Montgomery, Coordinator of Athletics at Baltimore City Schools. As the primary events stakeholder, Tonisha works to ensure seamless events operations across the district. Her exceptional communication skills and proactive mindset have set her team up to fully maximize the Hometown platform’s impact, enabling smooth and efficient gamedays not just for her staff, but for the surrounding community. Tonisha’s ability to empower her athletic staff and optimize Hometown’s capabilities has made her an invaluable partner. We are proud to recognize Tonisha for her incredible contributions and leadership. Rookie of the Year: Dr. Matthew Baltz, Easton Area High School (PA) The Rookie of the Year Award celebrates a customer who is new to the Hometown community that has demonstrated exceptional skill in quickly adopting the platform. This award honors a customer who joined us within the past year and has shown impressive achievements in implementation, quickly showcasing the impact of Hometown’s solutions. Their early success reflects a commitment to innovation and growth. This year’s winner: Dr. Matthew Baltz, Director of Athletics at Easton Area High School. From football season tickets to ticketing for band events, performing arts, and even faculty iPad sales, Dr. Baltz’s team has integrated Hometown across a variety of departments at their district – creating a consistent event experience for their community. Their proactive approach and eagerness to learn have made them a standout partner. We are proud to honor Dr. Baltz for an outstanding first year with Hometown and excited to see what’s next for Easton Area High School! Team of the Year: Round Rock ISD (TX) The Team of the Year Award celebrates a Hometown customer that has demonstrated outstanding collaboration, dedication, and results in their use of the Hometown platform. This recognition is awarded to a district whose unified efforts and shared commitment have driven exceptional outcomes for their school and community. By working together and maximizing the platform’s potential, this team has set a high standard for collective success. We’re thrilled to honor this outstanding team for their achievements and inspiring partnership! This year’s winner: Jeff Cheatham, Athletic Director and Tim Lowke, Director of Fine Arts at Round Rock ISD. Both the Athletics and Performing Arts departments have seamlessly integrated Hometown into their operations, streamlining ticketing for events across their district. Their commitment to growth, shared learning, and collaboration has strengthened their impact and made them leaders in event management. Congratulations to the Round Rock ISD team for setting a new standard of excellence. A Heartfelt Thank You to All Our Customers These stories showcase the incredible dedication and innovation of Hometown customers. To Jeff, Tonisha, Dr. Baltz, and the Round Rock ISD team: thank you for inspiring us with your achievements. Here’s to another year of celebrating customer success and the transformative power of teamwork and innovation!
HomeTown Spotlight | December: Bay-Waveland School District
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | DECEMBER 2024 School: Bay-Waveland School District Athletic Director: Zach Ferry HomeTown is excited to announce December spotlight, Zach Ferry and Bay-Waveland School District. ABOUT ZACH Zach has a background in sports, education, and leadership. After coaching and teaching math at Bay High, he joined the U.S. Navy in 2013, specializing in intelligence and earning an Educational Specialist degree. Returning to education in 2019, he became a Math Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and later Athletic Director. He now also serves as Alternative School Principal and Career Technical Director. How Bay Saint Louis-Waveland School District uses HomeTown? When Zach became Athletic Director, he quickly identified that many policies were outdated and inefficient. He pushed for change, starting with a switch to digital ticketing using HomeTown, which has been a highly successful decision over the past three years. Now, HomeTown is used for all high school and middle school athletic events, and this year, they are expanding it to include concession sales and events like choir and dance across the district. “In Mississippi, most schools use [a leading competitor] because it’s what the Mississippi High School Activities Association initially promoted. However, I didn’t want to adopt a solution just because “everyone else is doing it.” After researching companies, I found that HomeTown Ticketing was a better fit for Bay High School and the Bay-Waveland School District.” – Zach Ferry, Athletic Director Zach’s favorite HomeTown feature One of Zach’s favorite features of HomeTown is its ease of use and the user-friendly setup. Creating events, managing season passes, generating reports, and handling point-of-sale for products are all streamlined processes. He also appreciates the scan feature, which provides a more secure verification method compared to the self-verification tap used by other digital ticketing solutions. What Zach hopes to leave behind in his career and to his community Zach has a 7-year-old son Liam and a 5-year-old daughter Magnolia, so every decision he makes regarding athletics and education is not just about what’s best for his current students but also for future generations. He hopes to leave a legacy of thoughtful, forward-thinking leadership that benefits both the community and its young people.
Behind the Scenes with Roderick Smothers: Enhancing Ticketing with HomeTown at Alabama A&M Athletics
When it comes to improving the fan experience and streamlining operations at Alabama A&M University, Roderick Smothers, the Assistant Athletic Director for Ticketing is the man behind the impact. In his second year with Alabama A&M, Smothers brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to both technology and relationship-building, ensuring that every aspect of ticketing runs as smoothly as possible for fans, athletes, and staff alike. A Unique Path to Athletics Administration Before making the transition to the athletic department, Smothers had a background in student housing. As an undergraduate, he worked in student housing to cover the costs of his housing and meal plan. It was there that he first developed skills in relationship-building, problem-solving, and connecting with students. Smothers’ experience as a Resident Assistant (RA) gave him a unique perspective that he now brings to his work with student-athletes, focusing on their growth and development both on and off the field. “It’s about building relationships with students and helping them grow. The core of what I do now is really about giving back to the next generation of student-athletes, helping them make the most of their time at Alabama A&M.” Embracing HomeTown: A Shift Toward Digital Ticketing One of the most significant changes Smothers has overseen during his time at Alabama A&M is the shift from a paper-based ticketing system to a modern, digital solution with HomeTown. For a university that previously relied heavily on paper for ticketing and event management, this transition has been a game-changer, making the ticketing process more convenient and less stressful for fans. “The old-school paper-based system was tedious and cumbersome. Now, with HomeTown, we’ve moved to a more modern, streamlined approach. Fans can purchase tickets with just a few clicks, and that ease of use is a huge win for us.” Simplifying the Process: Self-Sufficiency for Fans Another benefit of using HomeTown is the increased self-sufficiency it offers fans. Beyond just athletic events, Smothers and his team also use the HomeTown platform for non-athletic events like student comedy shows and concerts, allowing the university to manage all ticketing through the same digital platform. “The beauty of using HomeTown is that fans can purchase tickets for all events—athletic and non-athletic—online, and it takes away a lot of the hassle. Everything is digital, so we don’t have to deal with paper tickets or worry about reconciliation after the fact.” With a simple click, fans can access their tickets at any time, directly from their phone. Smothers points out that even if an event sees large crowds and heavy traffic, fans can simply screenshot their ticket, ensuring they can always access it—even in the event of connectivity issues. Managing Traffic Flow and Improving Efficiency on Game Day In addition to improving fan experience, Smothers emphasizes how HomeTown has transformed operations on game days. By reducing the need for physical tickets, the new system speeds up entry into events, minimizing congestion and long lines at the gate. “The real-time scanning of digital tickets means we don’t have people standing in line for hours waiting to get in. It’s a much smoother process, and it’s made a huge difference in the flow of traffic on game days. Now, instead of worrying about tracking paper tickets, everything is automated and runs itself. It just makes our job easier and allows us to focus on the overall fan experience. “ Measuring Success: Homecoming and Beyond One of the biggest events of the year at Alabama A&M is Homecoming, and ticket sales for this event are a major indicator of the athletic department’s success. Smothers and his team track ticket sales closely, comparing year-over-year performance to identify trends and areas for improvement. “We measure our success by looking at how we performed in previous years and aiming to beat that number.For Homecoming this year, we increased our ticket sales by about 20% over last year, which is a clear indication that we’re headed in the right direction. It’s a huge achievement for our team.” This year, the athletic department saw over $300,000 in ticket sales for Homecoming, a significant milestone that speaks to the effectiveness of HomeTown’s platform and the increasing demand for Alabama A&M’s athletic and entertainment offerings. Communication Is Key: Engaging Fans on Social Media Ensuring that fans know how to purchase their tickets is a key part of Smothers’ strategy. Working closely with the athletic communications team, Smothers uses various social media channels—including Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok—to spread the word about upcoming events and how to access tickets. “Today’s fans are engaged on social media, so we make sure to use those platforms to reach them directly. We also make it clear which website they need to visit to purchase tickets, as there are many third-party sites out there that might not offer the right tickets.” Real-Time Data: Making Informed Decisions For Smothers and his team, having access to real-time data is crucial. With HomeTown, he can track ticket sales and attendance data as it happens, which helps him make quick decisions and adjust operations as needed. “I can literally see how ticket sales are doing in real time—whether people are purchasing tickets online or scanning them at the gate. It allows us to make adjustments on the fly and ensures that we’re prepared for the event, whether that’s increasing staff or adjusting the flow of traffic.” This data-driven approach has also helped Smothers compare pre-sales numbers with day-of sales, offering valuable insights into fan behavior and helping to optimize the overall experience. A Partnership Built on Solutions Smothers highlights how valuable it is to have a reliable partner in HomeTown Ticketing. “In one word, I would say: solutions. HomeTown provides us with simple and effective solutions to both everyday challenges and complex problems, and it helps us keep everything running smoothly.” Whether it’s a simple question or a complex issue, Smothers knows he can count on the HomeTown team for quick and effective support, something he values highly in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven
