As spring games disappear, teams are losing opportunities to connect with ‘regular’ fans – and make new ones

Spring games have long provided an affordable way for families to enjoy college football together. However, the number of schools canceling spring games is increasing, driven by various reasons among coaches and institutions. The diminishing opportunity for fans to engage in these events highlights a troubling trend in the sport, where economic considerations overshadow traditional fan experiences.

The recent wave of cancellations raises concerns about the growing popularity of college football while sidelining fans. With rising costs for stadium experiences, families face significant barriers to accessing games, making the spring game a vital and affordable way to maintain fan engagement.

In addition, while some schools phase out spring games, examples like the Ohio State spring game showcase the importance of these events. They promote connection and community among fans, further emphasizing the need for accessible sports experiences.

Nevertheless, there are potential paths forward, and innovative ideas from coaches could help transform spring games into engaging celebrations rather than mere practices. For example, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is leaning toward OTA-like practices, which comes with safety concerns but also limits traditional fan connection.

Ultimately, saving the spring game tradition may require a balance between modern trends and the essential connection that drives fan loyalty. The loss of this tradition risks alienating future generations of fans who won’t get the same opportunity to connect with their teams as previous generations.

To read more about how spring games are changing, check out related articles.