For athletic departments, winter sports provide a new set of challenges compared to fall. Back-to-back days of basketball games, wrestling matches on weekends, swim meets, and many more can quickly pile up on an athletic administration.
Keeping the momentum of a successful fall going into the new season is crucial. Schools can achieve this by making game operations smooth so fans, families, and athletes can focus on what matters.
Here are practical steps schools can take now to prepare for an efficient winter season.
1. Set Up Digital Ticketing Before Tip-Off
Winter schedules bring more events in shorter stretches. If ticketing isn’t prepared, then long entry lines and cash handling hours after an event can pile up. With GoFan digital ticketing, schools provide faster entry and save countless hours on the back end financially.
Bookkeepers benefit from straightforward transaction reports that can be exported directly to district finance systems.
2. Expand Game Access with Streaming and Stats
Fans and parents can’t make it to every game. NFHS Network streaming brings events to families watching in the stands and online, while MaxPreps provides stats and scores for a national audience long after the final buzzer.
With NFHS Network automated cameras, schools don’t need additional staff to manage broadcasts. Games stream automatically, and stats push directly to MaxPreps with fewer steps for coaches with MaxPreps Advantage.
This efficiency means athletes get visibility, fans stay connected, and staff spend less time troubleshooting.
3. Automate Fan Engagement Content
As mentioned before, schools often manage back-to-back games across different sports during the winter season. Promoting each matchup can be a full-time job that gets lost in the shuffle for athletic directors. That’s where Fan Zone helps. Automated graphics, short-form video, and templated posts allow schools to engage their fans without needing to create content from scratch.
Athletic directors use Fan Zone to boost attendance by sending families reminders about upcoming games, while also sharing content to keep fans engaged throughout the year. Schools see attendance rise by 15% when consistently promoting events with graphics and video.
4. Use a Connected Suite to Save Time
Winter seasons move quickly; weather reschedules, overlapping games, and multiple teams competing on the same night. That’s where a connected suite matters. PlayOn brings together:
Together, these tools cut steps for staff and provide programs a unified platform. Bookkeepers save time reconciling revenue, coaches can promote athletes faster, and ADs gain clear views of attendance and engagement trends.
Why It Matters Now
Schools that prepare early avoid last-minute scrambles once winter events stack up. Setting up digital ticketing, streaming, stats, and fan content tools ensures your team runs with fewer steps once games begin. In a season where every week feels like tournament week, saving time is crucial.
Take the Next Step
Winter sports are around the corner. Schools that prepare now enter the season with less stress and more time to focus on athletes and fans.
👉 Schedule a setup session with our team to get your winter ticketing, streaming, stats, and fan engagement ready before the first whistle.