Hosting a marching band competition is an exciting opportunity for your band booster program while also supporting your local marching arts community. But maximizing the amount of money your booster program can earn requires more than just selling tickets and concessions - it involves strategic planning, creating multiple revenue streams, and providing value for attendees, participants, and sponsors alike.
Here are some proven strategies to help your band booster program maximize its earnings when hosting a marching band competition.
1. Leverage Ticket Sales and Pricing Strategies
Ticket sales are one of the largest revenue sources for any competition, so optimizing this aspect is key to success.
- Tiered Ticket Pricing - Offer a range of ticket prices to appeal to different attendees. For example, VIP tickets with preferred seating or access to special areas such as a VIP lounge can be sold at a premium. General admission tickets should be affordable, but consider bundling them with other offerings, such as food or merchandise.
- Online Sales - Streamline the ticket buying process by offering online sales ahead of time. This can reduce the workload on the day of the event and give attendees an easy way to buy tickets. Plus, online sales often result in higher ticket sales overall.
- Senior & Military Discounts - Offering discounts for seniors and military personnel not only increases accessibility but also broadens your customer base. This can also generate goodwill and attract local communities.
2. Increase Concession Sales
Concessions are another major income stream, but it’s important to make the most out of the food and drink offerings.
- Partner with Local Vendors - Instead of relying solely on the booster program to run the concessions, consider partnering with local food trucks or restaurants. They will bring their own customer base, and you can negotiate a percentage of the sales.
- Sell More Than Just Snacks - While hot dogs and soda are staples at marching band events, consider offering more substantial food options like sandwiches, wraps, and vegetarian-friendly meals. Healthy snack options, like fruit cups or granola bars, can also appeal to families and health-conscious attendees.
- Minimize Wait Times - Ensure you have enough concession stands to keep wait times low and provide a smooth experience for attendees. Long lines will deter many people from buying concessions.
3. Engage Sponsors and Local Businesses
Securing sponsorships can provide a significant revenue boost for your marching band competition. Sponsors benefit from the exposure, and your booster program benefits from the financial support.
- Sponsor Packages - Create different sponsorship tiers, offering various levels of exposure. For example, a gold sponsor might get their logo prominently displayed on all marketing materials, while a silver sponsor could have signage on the event field or near the entrance. Include opportunities for sponsors to be recognized in event programs or through announcements during the competition.
- Local Business Partnerships - Reach out to local businesses that align with your event, such as music stores, restaurants, or educational supply companies. These businesses may be willing to sponsor specific aspects of the event (e.g., providing trophies or sponsoring a band’s performance).
- On-Site Activation - Allow sponsors to set up booths or interactive areas during the competition. For instance, a local music store could sell instruments or offer free demonstrations. Offering valuable exposure in high-traffic areas increases the likelihood of securing more sponsorships in future events.
4. Maximize Donations with a Fundraising Campaign
Fundraising campaigns can encourage the community and parents to directly support the event through donations.
- Donation Stations at the Event - Have donation stations throughout the event. Make sure attendees know exactly what their money will go toward, like buying new instruments or helping with travel costs for the band.
- Matching Donations - If you have a major donor or sponsor, encourage them to match donations. A matching campaign can be a great incentive for people to donate, knowing that their contribution will be doubled.
5. Create a Unique Experience for Attendees
The more enjoyable and memorable the competition is, the more likely attendees are to spend money and come back next year.
- Host Interactive Events - Engage the crowd with fun and interactive experiences, such as audience voting on favorite performances, selling shoutouts for performers, or conducting a “best dressed” contest for attendees.
- Offer Free Activities for Families - A family-friendly competition encourages larger groups to attend, so provide free activities for kids, such as face painting, balloon animals, or mini performances by local groups. This can make the event more appealing to families with younger children.
Final Thoughts
By implementing a variety of revenue strategies, your band booster program can not only meet but exceed fundraising goals. With careful planning, smart partnerships, and a focus on creating a fun, engaging experience for all involved, your marching band competition will be a huge success both musically and financially.
Happy planning, and here's to a profitable event that supports the growth and success of your marching band!
