Bluejay Athletics Hopeful Students Will Flock to the Stands

“Pack the Nest” is a new initiative Elmhurst University Athletics is implementing in homes of scoring more students in the stands at Bluejay games.

Certain games for each sport are marked as “Pack the Nest” games. Students are invited to sit in a student section designed as The Nest, which was named last academic year.

Games designed as “Pack the Nest” are on the EU athletics website, marked underneath the opponent’s name on each sport’s schedule page. Games are also promoted on EU athletics social media platforms.

A throw-in from a member of the University of Dubuque men’s soccer team during their match against the Bluejays on Aug. 3. The Bluejays won 2-0.

According to Matthew Haufe, director of athletic communications at EU, “Pack the Nest” games are typically picked due to their importance in a team’s season. “These games are often high stakes, for various reasons such as rivalries, key conference games in deciding the playoff push” said Haufe.

Sometimes though, Haufe notes certain “Pack the Nest” games are, “just a match that a team wants the most student support at.”

All students of EU are welcomed and encouraged to participate, but there is an added incentive for Bluejay student-athletes. “Pack the Nest” is also a challenge between all the athletic teams.

Bluejay teams will receive points based on what percentage of the roster attends the event. At the end of the year the team with the most points will be awarded the “Most Spirited Team” award at the Student Athlete Advisory Committee end of year outing, along with a trophy.

The idea for “Pack the Nest” came from a group that included Haufe, various coaches, and Payton Schmidt, athletic department graduate assistant and former EU women’s basketball player. The group looked for a way to create more student engagement at athletic events. “Pack the Nest” came directly from the coaches as they wanted a way to get more students to games of their choosing.

“These initiatives came after hearing a great deal of feedback from students and student-athletes alike, all saying that they wanted to see an increased effort in getting student support at our athletic contests,” said Haufe.

The hope from Haufe and the athletic department is that “Pack the Nest” will turn into a yearly program.

“A successful Pack the Nest game is one which we quite literally ‘Pack the Nest’,” said Haufe. “Where we see a great amount of student support sitting in our section, standing, and cheering loudly for the Bluejays.”

Home athletic events can take place at Langhorst Field, R.A. Faganel Hall, Lester Brune Tennis Courts, Salt Creek Park, Butterfield Park, Oak Brook Golf Course and Suburbanite Bowl. Fall sports kicked off on August 29.