Copperheads experience record season in 2023 on many fronts
Copperheads experience record season in 2023 on many fronts
The community-owned student-operated Southern Ohio Copperheads experienced a record year by bringing the product to a record number of fans. Since January, the staff of student directors has worked to provide southeastern Ohio with an unrivaled Copperheads season through increased ticket sales, community events, and social media presence, among many other initiatives.
In January, the staff of the Copperheads finalized a goal to generate more money in ticket sales revenue than ever before. Upon the conclusion of the final home game of the season, this goal was met. Alex Johanni and Maddie McCloskey both served as Director of Ticket Sales for the team. Their work and innovation were imperative in meeting this goal.
McCloskey commented, “Back in January, was when we first learned about our goal for ticket sales. Starting at $0 and knowing we wanted to break records, this season was quite intimidating. However, through the great relationship Alex and I created from the very start, I knew we would have no problem reaching that goal. Now that the season is over, I cannot help but be so proud of us and the work we did. We broke records this season and I couldn’t be happier for the team or the community!”
A key part of selling tickets for the Copperheads involves connecting deeply with the community the team resides in. It also relies on great initiatives from students and support from local partners and Copperheads board members. This goal was met through many different ticket offerings. Throughout the spring and into the season, Alex and Maddie worked to sell season tickets ($90), Grand Slam Ticket Packages ($30), discounted tickets at multiple partner locations, group ticket packages, and single game packages to those in the southeastern Ohio community. These initiatives generated roughly half of the ticket sales goal for the team. The remaining revenue was generated from walk-up sales. Without the consistent walk-up support from the community, this goal would not have been reached. For the constant support throughout the season, the Copperheads are immensely grateful.
Johanni added, “Upon assuming the roles of Co-Directors of Ticket Sales, Maddie and I set our sights on surpassing the organization's ticket sales record and contributing to the growth of the Copperheads for the upcoming season. Working with the team, we embraced our positions as a learning lab, enabling us to learn from our mistakes, develop a targeted plan for the ticketing team, and evolved both as students and professionals,” he continued, “Throughout the season, we fostered meaningful connections with the southeastern Ohio community, gaining insights into their enthusiasm for the Copperheads season and understanding the team’s close ties to community,” Johanni concluded, “Although our time with the Copperheads has come to an end, I will forever be grateful for this community and will use my time here to help spread joy at my next opportunity.”
The Copperheads boasted great attendance in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League last season and filled up the ballpark with countless happy faces. The organization averaged 318 in attendance per game, and consistently attracted more than 1,000 people for each of its four fireworks nights.
Another key part of the record year for the Copperheads was the increased social media presence from the organization. This season, across all platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok) the team gained over 1,000 net followers on each platform.
Christopher Siegel serves as the Copperheads Director of Social Media. Siegel commented, “Getting to rep the brand of the Copperheads has really been an incredible experience. I like to tell people that as an organization there’s nobody else who’s doing what we do – and that extends to social media presence. Making an impact in the community and giving the fans something to root for is such an amazing feeling and all our directors have had such a huge hand in helping our brand grow.”
By generating more revenue and reaching more people than ever this season, the Copperheads can continue their primary goal: the advancement of the southeastern Ohio community. In large part to the revenue generated from ticket sales and other revenue streams, the Copperheads were able to host over 30 community outreach events in southeast OH, sponsor a half dozen or so little league teams in the area, and donate almost $20,000 to local families and other non-profit organizations.
The Copperheads continually strive to be the most affordable means of summer entertainment in southeastern Ohio. Additionally, the Copperheads are proud to partner with over 40 local businesses with OhioHealth serving as the Copperheads Presenting Sponsor for the last decade or so. More recently, Airclaws, a locally family owned and operated heating and cooling company out of Amesville, OH signed on with the Copperheads in 2022 to provide kids 14 years or under free admission into games if they wore little league gear, Copperheads gear or something supporting Athens “hometown hero”, Joe Burrow to the stadium. As a result, dozens of kids were able to attend Copperheads games at no cost throughout the season.
As the 2023 season has concluded, the Southern Ohio Copperheads look ahead to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. With the momentum generated from this season, the organization is eager to continue building on success and delivering affordable entertainment to members of the southeastern Ohio community.
By Cole Watson
The Southern Ohio Copperheads is a community-owned, student-operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Established in 2002, the Copperheads is a summer collegiate wooden bat baseball team that competes in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League and plays its home games at Bob Wren Stadium in Athens, OH. The Copperheads organization strives to provide the most affordable means of family-friendly outdoor entertainment in southeast OH. Tickets to Copperheads games are $5 and children under the age of five receive free admission. Staffed by Ohio University students, the Southern Ohio Copperheads also serve as a “learning lab” for student interns looking to work in the sport and entertainment industry.
