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 When Zach became Athletic Director, he quickly identified that many policies were outdated and inefficient.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
Elevating the Game: How HomeTown Transforms Events and Connects Communities
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, the way we plan, execute, and experience events has changed. Digital solutions with HomeTown are at the forefront of this evolution, offering innovative tools that enhance engagement, streamline logistics, and create a more connected experience for everyone involved. The recent THSADA Fall Forum, held on October 8th and 9th in San Marcos, Texas, presented by HomeTown Ticketing, was a perfect showcase of how these technologies are transforming the landscape of school events. The Power of Digital Solutions At the forum, Kaitlin McCann, Texas Territory Sales Manager, highlighted the benefits of using HomeTown for your digital ticketing systems. Online Ticket Sales: Simplifying the purchasing process for all school events. Cashless Revenue Reporting: Providing real-time insights into sales and financial performance. Seat Maps and Passes: Offering attendees a better understanding of event layouts. Social Media Integration: Enhancing marketing efforts and community engagement. Fundraising Opportunities: Streamlining the process to boost school programs. These features not only improve the operational efficiency of events but also create a seamless experience for attendees and everyone involved. Voices from the Field We had the pleasure of speaking with three HomeTown customers who shared how HomeTown has elevated their game day experiences and transformed their events while connecting them with their communities. Lance Moffet, Athletic Director at Hays CISD With over 30 years in education, Lance Moffet has witnessed firsthand the transformation of school events through technology. Hays CISD is one of the fastest-growing districts in the nation, and its partnership with HomeTown has been pivotal during this growth. “Transitioning to HomeTown helped centralize how the district operates and it was a game changer for logistics and operations, allowing them to sell over 400% more season tickets than in previous years. The outstanding customer support provided by HomeTown has further streamlined their processes, making it easier for both me and our Athletic Secretary, Michelle Richardson.” Lonnie Jordan, Athletic Director at Plano ISD Having recently stepped into the role at Plano ISD, Lonnie Jordan brings a wealth of experience in managing athletic programs. With easy access to data and strong customer support, Jordan feels empowered to make informed decisions that benefit the entire athletic program. “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.” Jay Govan, Assistant Athletic Director at Northside ISD Jay Govan has been instrumental in Northside ISD’s transition to digital ticketing, which has significantly improved their operations. With over 15 years in the district, Govan explained that HomeTown’s support was vital in ensuring a smooth transition, allowing Northside ISD to fully embrace digital solutions not only for athletics but also for concessions and other school events. “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.” The Community Connection A recurring theme among these leaders was the importance of safety and connecting with their communities. Dealing with cash at games not only extended the time needed for counting and reporting, but it also raised significant safety concerns. HomeTown provides consistency and convenience for parents and volunteers involved in various school activities. With platforms like HomeTown, schools can foster a stronger sense of community by making events more accessible and engaging for everyone. Embracing HomeTown’s Digital Solutions for Safer, Engaging Communities In today’s digital age, embracing technology is not just an option; it’s a necessity for schools looking to make events a safer place and elevating their events and connecting with their communities. The insights shared by leaders at the THSADA Fall Forum illustrate the transformative power of digital solutions with HomeTown in enhancing engagement, streamlining operations, and fostering community spirit. As schools and districts continue to adapt and grow, HomeTown will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of events. Embracing these innovations is essential for creating memorable experiences that resonate with students, families, and the entire community.
HomeTown Spotlight | November: Granbury ISD
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | NOVEMBER 2024 School: Granbury ISD Athletic Director: Lamont Moore HomeTown is excited to announce November spotlight, Lamont Moore and Granbury ISD. ABOUT LAMONT Lamont Moore, grew up in Waxahachie, TX and never imagined he would dedicate his career to the athletic world. However, after retiring from football and trying other avenues, ultimately Lamont was led back to a place where he could make a significant impact on young lives. Over the years, he has been an assistant football coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator, head track & field coach, and even assistant principal. How does Granbury ISD use HomeTown and what is your favorite feature? Granbury ISD uses HomeTown for digital ticketing at all of their athletic events and Lamont loves how easy it is to scan and go! “We have been a cash district for a very long time and I’m so excited to Go Digital with HomeTown. This is gonna be great for our district, our fans, our parents, and our kids—just makes it so convenient for them to purchase tickets online. It’s a one stop shop.” – Lamont Moore, Athletic Director Fun Fact Lamont is currently learning how to play the piano and his favorite quote is: “If you want to have more, you have to become more. For things to change, you have to change. For things to get better, you have to get better. For things to improve, you have to improve. If you grow, everything grows for you.” Jim Rohn
HomeTown Spotlight | October: Lexington High School
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | OCTOBER 2024 School: Lexington High School Athletic Director: Dustin Curtis HomeTown is excited to announce October spotlight, Dustin Curtis and Lexington High School. ABOUT DUSTIN Dustin Curtis, a University of South Carolina alum, serves as the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Lexington High School. Motivated by his high school football coach, Jimmy Satterfield, Curtis has devoted 18 years to coaching. Throughout his career, he has focused primarily on football while also coaching boys tennis and girls basketball. What is your favorite benefit of HomeTown? Dustin loves both the Fan and Gate Apps and how easy it is to sell digital tickets as well as products in concessions. Fun Facts about Dustin When Dustin isn’t coaching, he enjoys playing golf or spending time on the lake. His favorite quote is, “When in the act of preparing, one starts caring; champions are made.”
How To Sell More Tickets Ahead of Game Time
Streamlining Ticket Sales: The Future of School Athletic Attendance In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key — especially for students, their families, and fans looking to catch a game. With the power of digital ticketing with HomeTown, schools like Siegel High School, Bay Saint Louis-Waveland, and Lewis-Clark State College have transformed how fans purchase tickets and how schools engage with their community. The Shift to Digital Ticketing Bay Saint Louis-Waveland School District transitioned from cash payments to a fully digital ticketing system. Athletic Director Zach Ferry highlights the significant benefits of switching to HomeTown and how the system has streamlined the entire process for fans, allowing them to purchase tickets online easily. In addition, students can access games for free through a promo code system tied to their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) incentives, enhancing school spirit and attendance. The students scan their student passes at the gate, making entry seamless. This not only encourages attendance but also allows the school to track participation. By analyzing data on student attendance, Bay Saint Louis-Waveland School District can reward those who consistently support their teams, fostering a sense of community and engagement. Want to hear more from Zach? Check out our on demand webinar with him now! Enhancing Game-Day Experience The transition to digital ticketing has also improved the experience for fans. With card readers ready at the gates, attendees can skip the long lines, making game nights more enjoyable. For visiting teams, information is shared in advance, ensuring they understand the cashless payment system and can arrive prepared. This attention to detail enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. The reporting features of Hometown Ticketing are another significant advantage. Schools can quickly access data on ticket sales, allowing for better planning and resource allocation. This streamlined approach means fewer headaches for staff and a smoother operation on game nights. Spreading the Word Effective communication is also essential in promoting digital ticket sales. Scott Cochran, World Language Educator and Ticket Gate Supervisor at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee emphasizes the importance of visibility. Morning announcements broadcast over YouTube serve as a crucial channel to remind students and parents about upcoming games and ticket purchasing options. By placing QR codes in these announcements, they make it easy for viewers to access tickets directly from their devices. Additionally, leveraging Box Out, social media platforms and the school’s website helps to reach a broader audience. Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho promotes the Fan App on their social media to encourage higher attendance. Consistently posting links and reminders can help schools facilitate ticketing easily and ensure everyone knows when and how to buy tickets. HomeTown is a Game Changer The move to digital ticketing is more than just a trend; it’s a game changer for school sports. By making the ticket purchasing process easier and more efficient, schools like Siegel High School, Bay Saint Louis-Waveland School District, and Lewis-Clark State College are not only boosting attendance but also fostering a stronger sense of community among students, parents, and fans. With a few simple strategies, schools can ensure that everyone is ready to cheer on their teams!
Hometown Featured As A Leader in K-12 Event Management Technology
We’re thrilled to announce that Hometown has been recognized as a top-10 Hottest Solution Provider by Education Technology Insights for our leadership in K-12 event management technology. This award highlights the strides we’ve made in making event management and digital ticketing more efficient, accessible, and as user-friendly as possible for schools and districts across the nation. Innovating K-12 Event Management At Hometown, we’ve worked tirelessly to develop tools that streamline the process of creating, hosting, and managing events for schools. From ticket sales to crowd management, our solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of K-12 institutions. In the Education Technology Insights article, Hometown CEO Nick Mirisis delves into how our platform has simplified ticketing, increased revenue opportunities, and provided an excellent experience for both administrators and attendees What Sets Us Apart? Hometown’s is committed to delivering a customizable and reliable platform for schools. There are a lot of schools that are considering the move from manual processes and cash-only operations to a digital solution. Our automated processes, including fast ticket scanning, more accurate revenue reporting, and event promotions and updates, have taken event management to the next level. We’re proud to be recognized for empowering schools to run their events more smoothly, all while enhancing the fan experience with digital tickets and cashless transactions. The Future of School Event Management As K-12 event management continues to evolve, Hometown is at the forefront of bringing technology solutions that work. Our platform not only helps schools manage events but also enables them to maintain full control of their data and branding. We’re excited about what’s to come, and our recognition from Education Technology Insights is just the beginning. Read the full article to learn more about what makes Hometown a leader in K-12 event management.
Fast, Secure, and Seamless Scanning With HomeTown
When it comes to digital ticketing, HomeTown provides schools and event organizers with cutting-edge tools to streamline event entry and enhance the overall attendee experience. One of the key features driving this success is HomeTown’s robust scanning capabilities. Designed to be fast, efficient, and reliable, our scanning technology makes managing crowds and ensuring secure, smooth entry easier than ever. Ticket Scanning: Fast, Efficient, Reliable HomeTown’s traditional scanning system is built to handle high volumes of attendees with minimal effort. When we say fast, we mean FAST. The scanners are quick and accurate, allowing event staff to process tickets in seconds. Our scanning capabilities reduce wait times at entrances and a seamless experience for both staff and attendees to check and validate attendees. Moreover, the reliable nature of the system reduces the risk of bottlenecks and ensures that everyone gets through the gates in a timely manner. Rest assured our scanning can help catch and prevent attendees from faking their way in and ensuring safety and accounting for everyone in attendance. No more fake tickets or worrying about duplicates and people sneaking in. For events where crowds are expected to surge—such as big games or large performances—HomeTown offers a Quick Scan Mode. This mode further increases efficiency by allowing ticket scanners to process attendees at an even faster rate, keeping lines moving. By scanning multiple tickets in quick succession, it’s ideal for schools and organizations needing to ensure large volumes of people can enter without delay and accurately. Offline Scanning: Uninterrupted Service, Even Without Internet HomeTown’s traditional scanning system is built to handle high volumes of attendees with minimal effort. When we say fast, we mean FAST. The scanners are quick and accurate, allowing event staff to process tickets in seconds. Our scanning capabilities reduce wait times at entrances and a seamless experience for both staff and attendees to check and validate attendees. Moreover, the reliable nature of the system reduces the risk of bottlenecks and ensures that everyone gets through the gates in a timely manner. Rest assured our scanning can help catch and prevent attendees from faking their way in and ensuring safety and accounting for everyone in attendance. No more fake tickets or worrying about duplicates and people sneaking in. For events where crowds are expected to surge—such as big games or large performances—HomeTown offers a Quick Scan Mode. This mode further increases efficiency by allowing ticket scanners to process attendees at an even faster rate, keeping lines moving. By scanning multiple tickets in quick succession, it’s ideal for schools and organizations needing to ensure large volumes of people can enter without delay and accurately. Self Check-In: Empowering Attendees and Reducing Workloads For schools looking to reduce manual workloads or allow for a more autonomous entry system, HomeTown also offers a self check-in feature. This capability lets attendees validate their own tickets upon entry, freeing up event staff to focus on scanning and tending to other gate operations. It’s particularly useful for smaller events or in situations where staff resources may be limited. Self check-in helps maintain efficiency while ensuring attendees feel empowered to enter events quickly and securely. HomeTown’s comprehensive scanning capabilities—whether through traditional methods, offline scanning, or self check-in—give schools and event organizers the tools they need to run events smoothly, no matter the circumstances. These features ensure that events are managed efficiently, securely, and without interruption, providing peace of mind for both organizers and attendees.
HomeTown Spotlight | September: Haddonfield Public Schools
HOMETOWN SPOTLIGHT | SEPTEMBER 2024 School: Haddonfield Public Schools Athletic Director: Lefteris Banos HomeTown is excited to announce September spotlight, Lefteris Banos and Haddonfield Public Schools. ABOUT LEFTERIS Lefteris Banos, MA, CAA, has been an educator for 29 years. Seven of those years as a Health and Physical teacher and coach, and 22 years as an Athletic Director. Growing up in Athens, Greece, Lefteris moved to the US when he was 19 to attend West Chester University in Pennsylvania. He knew he always wanted to be involved in athletics and is excited to start his 30th year in this field. How does Haddonfield School District use HomeTown and what is your favorite feature? Haddonfield Athletics uses HomeTown for their athletic department’s digital tickets for playoff games. With the ability to organize and control ticket sales without having to sell tickets in person, Lefteris was in London one year and was able to log on a computer to schedule ticket sales. The event went on without a hitch. HomeTown has made his job so easy along with providing top-notch customer service with quick response and always someone to talk to if any help is needed. “My favorite part about HomeTown is the ability to organize and control ticket sales without having to sell tickets in person. I was in London one year on a trip and I was able to log on a computer and schedule ticket sales. The event went on without a hitch. HomeTown made my job so easy. The customer service is also top-notch. Quick responses and always someone to talk to if any help is needed.” – Lefteris Banos, Athletic Director What do you think has made you successful throughout your career and what is something you hope to leave behind in your career and community? Lefteris sees success in all the friendships he has developed during his career as it’s the most rewarding aspect of his job. He hopes his students will go on and achieve great things, looking back at their high school as a place where they developed many skills needed to succeed in life.
Feature Spotlight: Automated Emailed Reports for Hometown Box Office
Tired of having to always dig for your reports after events and payouts? Hometown is excited to introduce our newly released feature for Automated Emailed Reports for Box Office. Designed to streamline your workflow and enhance transparency, this feature ensures that you have all the necessary insights at your fingertips without any extra effort. Here’s how our Automated Emailed Reports can revolutionize your event management experience: Automated Delivery Say goodbye to the hassle of manual report generation. Our system ensures timely delivery of event audits and payout reports straight to users’ inboxes. By automating the process, you can be confident that critical financial information is always delivered on time, freeing you from the manual effort and ensuring your team stays informed effortlessly. Effortless Insights Stay informed without lifting a finger. Our automated email reports provide crucial insights directly to your inbox, keeping you and your users in the loop. This seamless delivery system saves everyone valuable time, allowing you to focus on what matters most – delivering exceptional events and experiences for student athletes. With Hometown Box Office, staying updated has never been this easy. Improved Transparency Empower your users with automated access to detailed reports, fostering trust and understanding of your financial picture. By providing clear and comprehensive reports automatically, you enhance transparency and build stronger relationships with your stakeholders. This level of insight not only helps in making informed decisions but also promotes a culture of openness and reliability. Experience the future of event management with Hometown’s Automated Emailed Reports – where efficiency meets transparency. Schedule a demo to get started today!
