The Dog Pound Student Rewards Program has some students racing to specific athletic events. The second-semester program gives students an opportunity to win prizes for attending Fresno State athletic events.
Students get their student ID cards swiped at the games to earn points and to be eligible for prizes. Some of the prizes the Dog Pound offers include flat screen TVs, China Peak packages, a foosball table and gift cards to various food and local retailers.
Physical therapy major Courtney Waddell said the Dog Pound is a great program that attracts students to the various athletic events, despite their academic standing.
“Especially since I’m a freshman, it puts us out there and pushes us to attend,” Waddell said.
Kinesiology major Brittany Gibson won a 37-inch flat screen TV this past November after being selected from the monthly drawing. Gibson said it seemed too good to be true, but a Dog Pound representative assured her that the prize was hers to keep.
Athletics Communications Specialist David Roost said the goal of the program is not only to increase student attendance, but also to enhance the atmosphere at athletic events. They have been meeting with students, staff and different departments to improve the student sports culture on campus.
One of the Dog Pounds most recent efforts was to teach students all the cheers and basketball traditions. Roost learned from talking to students that many didn’t know any of the cheers.
The Dog Pound consulted with the band and developed a cheer sheet that they distributed at the ESPNU televised game against Louisiana Tech at the Save Mart Center.
Roost said that this year the Dog Pound would also be the new name for the Fresno State student section.
“The goal is to create the best student section in the conference,” Roost said. “Each school has its own unique recipe to create the optimal student section; the challenge is discovering what the ingredients are, and how best to use them together.”
Roost said that one challenge has been building student awareness. He said that this is normal for a new program, and despite minor difficulties they’re off to a great start.
One way the program keeps students up to date on events is through their Facebook fan page. Roost said they have close to 1,200 followers on their social networking sites. In addition, posters throughout the University Courtyard inform students on the program and upcoming events.
“The Dog Pound’s Facebook is a good thing,” advertising major Russell Goolsby said. “Students have constant contact through Facebook and can always get updates.”
Several students found out about the Dog Pound through information tables outside athletic events.
Waddell said the rules are basic, and receiving free stuff for simply attending is a definite plus.
“I just had to go to athletic events to earn points; it couldn’t hurt anything,” Gibson said.
Roosts said there are 1,000 current members, and is anticipating the program’s biggest turnout for baseball, softball and lacrosse. An announcement of spring giveaways is coming soon.
“Students can expect to see us all spring long,” Roost said. “We’re very active.”