Written by Emma Field // Graphic by Ben Evans
Campus Life introduced a new incentive for undergraduate students to attend NCAA events on campus. As of Aug. 31, students can purchase a sports passport and win prizes for collecting stamps at various athletic events.
Passports can be purchased for $10 at the Campus Life office. A similar program was once used for other campus events, and Director of Campus Life Jane Chandler has worked to bring it back.
Chandler, who was a student at Harding from 2012-2016, said a similar program was available to students when she attended. She said similar prizes were offered then as well.
“One of my best friends won it in 2013, so once I started in this position, I knew it was something I wanted to look into bringing back,” Chandler said.
Upon arrival at a game, a Campus Life student worker will mark the passport with a red stamp and then a blue stamp at departure. Eligible sports include football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball.
“We are looking into doing a one-time event for the remaining sports that are a little trickier in terms of audience and participation,” Chandler said.
Chandler mentioned the Code Black and Midnight Madness hype rallies. These events are highly anticipated and considered double-stamp events, where students will gain two stamps for attending rather than just one.
“While 40 stamps may sound like a lot, there are over 90 home sporting events this year,” Chandler said. “Between the frequency and the double-stamp games, I think it is more achievable than people might realize.”
To follow along with the various events, physical schedules are in the Campus Life office or students can follow @hardingcampuslife on Instagram for weekly updates.
Freshman Ella Fox said she looks forward to the season ahead.
“I played basketball for a while, so I really like basketball,” she said. “I would also probably go see a football game because it’s fun to cheer.”
Sophomore Jiles Burnham said he also anticipates a busy athletic season.
“I think the sports passport is a great idea,” Burnham said. “It’ll drive attendance and promote student camaraderie.”
Passports must be submitted to the Campus Life office by Friday, April 12. Winners will be announced the following week.
The rewards are as follows:
20 stamps: Meal card to be used anywhere on campus
30 stamps: Exclusive T-shirt
36 stamps: Bluetooth speaker
40 stamps: Entrance into Grand Prize giveaway
3rd Place: $100 Amazon gift card (three winners)
2nd Place: Apple AirPod Pros (two winners)
Grand Prize: Free study abroad trip
