Akron’s football suites sold out after viral play-calling promotion attracts celebrity season ticket buyers

Akron football’s viral play-calling promotion has already delivered a major off-field win, with the programme selling out their suite inventory after attracting several high-profile season ticket buyers.

The Zips announced earlier this week that one randomly selected season ticket holder will get to script the team’s opening offensive drive against Robert Morris on 12 September.

What began as a creative marketing idea has quickly become one of college football’s biggest talking points, with the promotion generating more than 16 million views on X during its first 24 hours.

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According to Front Office Sports, Barstool Sports personality Dan ‘Big Cat’ Katz, radio host Bobby Bones and basketball analyst Dan Dakich have all purchased season tickets to enter the draw.

Katz reportedly bought eight season tickets for $600 and even hinted he hopes to attend at least one game if his schedule allows.

Speaking to Front Office Sports, he joked: “No chance I give you the secrets to my playbook. Nice try.”

Akron’s senior deputy athletic director and chief operating officer Matt Pottorff revealed the response has exceeded expectations.

“We’ve had an awesome, awesome 24 hours, but we’re just getting started,” Pottorff said. “It’s going to be like a tsunami.”

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The promotion has already helped Akron sell out its suites for the first time in programme history, while annual season ticket sales have also surged well beyond their original targets.

Interest has been boosted further by the chance to enjoy much more than simply calling one drive.

The winning fan will receive an NFL Draft-style phone call before meeting head coach Joe Moorhead to discuss the opening script ahead of the home opener.

On game day, they’ll wear a headset in the coaches’ box, take part in a press conference and spend the second half watching from a suite with their guests.

The winner will be chosen on 19 August, with every season ticket counting as an entry.

However, fans purchasing multiple tickets improve their chances, meaning celebrity buyers such as Katz will have more opportunities to land one of the most unique experiences in college football.