MOORHEAD, Minn. — Minnesota State University Moorhead athletics is Fired Up to announce changes to its Dragon Fire Membership for 2018-19.
When the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Board of Directors voted to remove all scholarship caps for the 2018-19 season and beyond, MSUM athletic director Doug Peters knew that Dragon Athletics needed to make sure that the Dragons adjusted course.
"The increase in scholarship limits is exciting and I know we needed to change our model to try and close the gap between where we are and where the new limits are," said Peters.
Although the 2017-18 numbers aren't final, Peters shared that the Dragons awarded just over 77 scholarship equivalencies during the 2016-17 year to student-athletes. With the change in conference legislation the Dragons are now allowed to award just over 134 scholarship equivalencies annually.
"Our 10-year scholarship plan had been effective as we have seen a 33 percent increase in scholarship dollars awarded over the past five years. With the legislative changes, we know we needed to change our plan to try and meet the increase." Said Peters.
Review of the revenue model showed an opportunity to better serve Dragon Fans by changing the ticketing model. Ticketing was added to soccer and swimming and season ticket packages were created.
The Dragon Fire board jumped in and saw an opportunity to revamp Dragon Fire memberships with the goal of attracting more members and providing more scholarship support to Dragon Student Athletes. After countless discussions, it was obvious to Dragon Fire President Matt Oachs and the board that it made sense to separate the membership from tickets and to create a 50 percent discount on season tickets based on membership level.
"The entire Dragon Fire board is excited for the 2018-19 sports seasons and the direction Dragon Fire is headed," said Board President Matt Oachs '07. "Our plan is to continue to build on some our landmark events like the Endzone Extravaganza and Baseline Bonanza, while continuing to promote a fun and engaging environment for Dragon fans to connect and cheer on our Dragons!"
The bottom line changes in Dragon Fire for members who want tickets to all games is around a $50 increase on the year or a per game ticket price increase of less than $1. Members who purchase football and basketball season tickets, receive season tickets to the other sports at no cost. Season ticket info can be found here.
Purchase your Dragon Fire Booster Club membership online at mnstate.edu/tickets – here is the link: https://mnstatetickets.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx or go to GoDragonFire.com to download the Dragon Fire Booster Club brochure and Season Ticket prices.
"This is a win-win situation," Peters said. "Members get the satisfaction of providing opportunities for our student-athletes AND they get more flexibility at a great price for tickets to Dragon Events."
Other benefits include invites to Dragon Fire only events, a 15 percent discount at the Dragon Athletics Online Store, opportunity to purchase courtside seating at basketball games, and the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the growth and development of a Dragon Student-Athlete.
Questions, contact Gloria Riopelle riopelg@mstate.edu or 218-477-5824.
