We are all keenly aware of the fact that the Blue Crew is comprised of the best fans and represents the most decisive home court advantage in the Patriot League. Students make up the majority of the Blue Crew at games though it is not uncommon to see many diehard alums and staff wearing their Blue Crew shirts as well.
I have to warn you, my next statement may shake your world.
Everything you thought you knew about cheering for the AU Eagles is going to be turned on its ear this year.
Introducing...the Blue Crew 2.
According to the Athletics website, "the Blue Crew 2 is your opportunity to show your school spirit, wear your colors proudly, and let everyone know that you support your alma mater!" I know, I know, what we'd really like to see is everyone decked out in blue body paint, but this just may be the next best thing!
You can get most of the basic details from the website link above, but I had some other questions that Associate Athletic Director for Development David Bierwirth was nice enough to answer for me via email recently:
Q: It says on the site that there will be home game ticket discounts if you're a BC2 member. How much is the discount per game? Does this mean if someone signs up for BC2 they will get a discount on their season tickets? If so, how much is the discount on a season ticket package?
A: All Blue Crew 2 members are eligible to receive $2 off any regular season home sporting event on our campus. (Our season ticket programs are managed independently). Members are limited to a maximum of two discounted tickets per game. This offer does not apply to post-season play. Blue Crew 2 discounted tickets are available for purchase online and on game days at the competition venue.
Q: For basketball, will BC2 members have a dedicated section in Bender Arena in the same way that student Blue Crew members currently occupy sections 114/115 predominantly? If no, would you folks encourage BC2 members to try and sit in the same section?
A: All alumni, anywhere around the world, are encouraged to join. With this in mind, Blue Crew 2 membership will be independent of seating arrangements at home games.
Q: This campaign appears to be largely geared toward alumni (and as an alumnus, I'm very happy to see that!). I assume there is no prohibition against staff members/other AU community members joining the BC2, but this is just not a campaign that is specifically geared toward them, correct? In the future, can you see a push to make the BC2 more inclusive to staff as well?
A: Blue Crew 2 is an alumni affinity group that has been developed solely for American University alumni. The special connection our graduates have with the Eagles is unique, albeit not exclusive. So we designed this in a model that reflects our alumni's passion, is an extension of the student experience with Blue Crew and works well with the department's and university's goal of increasing our connection with alumni. Faculty, staff and fans are all welcome to attend our free series of Blue Crew 2 launch parties and can also visit AUeagles.com to see other programs offered for their participation as well. (BBQs, Fac/Staff basketball games, ticket discounts, etc...)
Q: Is there any kind of governance associated with BC2? I.E. there are student leaders "in charge" of BC. Is there going to be any kind of governing body comprised of alumni for BC2 that would work in collaboration with Athletics?
A: At this time, we do not foresee a governing structure associated with Blue Crew 2.
Overall, I think this is a solid idea from Athletics, big kudos to them. I really wish that the Blue Crew 2 discount applied to season tickets. Think about it, Blue Crew 2 will be comprised of your most connected and passionate fans; said fans are the most likely candidates to have season tickets, but they won't get to take advantage of the Blue Crew 2's prime benefit: home game discounts. From what Athletics has said, this will be a very fluid program, so I hope sometime in the future season ticket holders will get a discount for being Blue Crew 2 members.
Even if Athletics says seating assignments are independent of BC2, I personally recommend to you that we get together and all sit in the same section. We need to designate a Blue Crew 2 section so we concentrate our cheering power and presence. Over the next week, I'll take a look at an arena map and make a suggestion. Feel free to make your own in the comments!
What are your thoughts on the Blue Crew 2? What does it include that you're psyched about? What is it missing that can be improved? Will you be signing up for it (like I will?)
Leave it in the comments or at the AUHoops Message Board!
Pro deo et patria and GO EAGLES!
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