100th Homecoming expected to have strong impact on Columbia economy
by Breanne Brammer, posted Sept. 14, 2011
Thousands of fans are decked out in their black and gold. Students are boasting tiger pride and painted faces. Proud parents are shouting at the first touchdown, and alumni are returning to their alma mater. Many will be returning home on Oct. 15 to the University of Missouri centennial homecoming, where the Tigers will take on Iowa State.
Homecoming is not just for the fans, students, parents or alumni. Homecoming is about the city itself, and the businesses that create the college town environment. As the centennial homecoming approaches, businesses are preparing for the anticipated crowds and centennial celebrations.
“I believe there will be an increase in number of people visiting Columbia with emphasis on the 100th homecoming,” Don Laird, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and 23-year Columbia resident, said.
However, in the back of every customer’s mind is the same thing that’s flashed across our television screen daily, the current national economic crisis.
“I don’t think there is any question that the economy has had a big impact on people’s general sense of disposable income,” Chad Moller, director of media relations for the University of Missouri Ticket Office, said. “Those of us in the athletic industry are aware that people don’t have the money to spend on events, unlike in the past. We are sensitive to that but know that fans still have the excitement for MU football. We try to keep ticket prices affordable, and have one of the cheapest ticket prices in the Big 12.”
Business owners are anticipating higher clothing sales with centennial homecoming just around the corner. Students and fans alike will show off their tiger pride with the latest university merchandise.
“I think that because we are celebrating the 100th homecoming, people that might not have bought a homecoming shirt before, will,” Michelle Froese, public relations manager for Student and Auxiliary Services and media contact for University Bookstore, said. “Our great tiger fans, parents, alumni, and students will be more likely to buy merchandise because it is the centennial.”
When Mizzou fans descend upon Columbia, they want to stay at the most tiger-worthy accommodations like The Gathering Place. The Gathering Place is a bed and breakfast located on the university grounds and run by hotel and restaurant management students.
“The most popular businesses visited during homecoming weekend are hotels, restaurants, taverns, convenience stores, mall, and downtown area because Columbia is such a diverse city,” Laird said.
According to Deb Strid, innkeeper for the Gathering Place, The Gathering Place has a full list for this year’s homecoming weekend as well as a wait list and is even booked for the 2012 homecoming.
Ticket sales for the homecoming game are also at a high demand.
“There are tickets at this point, but we expect to be at sold out status soon,” Moller said.
The homecoming game is sold out every year, with general admission tickets costing $32 and reserved seating priced at $63. With a stadium that can hold 71,004 fans, large revenue is expected.
“It hasn’t really affected The Gathering Place, we get parents, alumni guests of the university steadily throughout the year,” Strid said.
Businesses throughout Columbia are also doing their part to ensure fans can enjoy the 100th homecoming.
“The bookstore strives to offer different tiers of price ranges for all customers,” Froese said.
From $9.99 T-shirts, the current best seller for college students, to polos that community members and alumni favor, the bookstore has gear for anyone at a price for everyone. The clothing brand, Underarmor, is also the current “hot item,” which ranges from $20-$70, generating substantial income.
“There will be extended hours the Friday before homecoming, when we will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m,” Froese said.
The University Bookstore also offers a special 25 percent discount on storewide merchandise on “black and gold” Fridays before football games.
“When you spend a dollar at the bookstore you are putting dollars directly back to campus,” Froese said.
This price reduction is extremely budget friendly to college students. Just as tiger merchandise is essential to game day, any homecoming celebration or tailgate is not complete without great food.
“Where to eat is one of the first questions guests ask me at The Gathering Place,” Strid said.
All of Columbia’s eateries add to the festive air of the 100th homecoming, yet business owners and shoppers alike wonder what kind of impact the national debt crisis will have on the centennial homecoming.
“The economy could possibly have an effect, if guests are traveling a great distance, since it has made a difference in vacation plans, but I anticipate the impact to be only slight,” Laird said.
Columbia businesses have many “welcomes” to homecoming guests. Alumni are welcomed back, fans are welcomed to the game, students are welcomed to their home, and everyone is welcomed back. Despite the economy, Columbia businesses are ready to welcome you home.
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