What's Happening?
Stanford Athletics has launched the Block S Society, a program designed to honor and maintain connections with its former varsity student-athletes. Upon graduation or departure from Stanford, these individuals automatically become members of the Block S Society.
The initiative aims to engage alumni through social, educational, and philanthropic activities. A key benefit of this membership is eligibility for two complimentary tickets to most regularly scheduled home sporting events. However, tickets are not available for high-demand events, special events, postseason games, or NCAA championships. For events expected to sell out, complimentary tickets may be limited or unavailable. Members can also purchase additional adjacent tickets when claiming their free ones. The ticketing system was updated in July 2023, requiring former student-athletes to register or reactivate their accounts on the new Stanford Athletics ticket site. Tickets must be claimed online in advance, with specific claiming periods for weekday and weekend events.
Why It's Important?
The Block S Society program is important for fostering a strong alumni network and enhancing engagement between former student-athletes and Stanford Athletics. By offering complimentary tickets and facilitating connections, Stanford aims to leverage its alumni base for continued support, both financially and through community involvement. This initiative can contribute to a sense of loyalty and pride among former athletes, potentially leading to increased donations, mentorship opportunities for current students, and a stronger overall athletic program. The program also addresses the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics by recognizing the enduring contributions of its past participants. Maintaining strong alumni ties is crucial for fundraising and sustaining the competitive edge of university sports programs, especially in an era where athletic success often correlates with robust financial backing and community support.
What's Next?
Former Stanford varsity student-athletes are encouraged to register or reactivate their Block S Society ticket memberships on the new Stanford Athletics ticket site. The registration process involves creating an account and allowing for a full business week for activation, during which the Stanford Athletics Ticket Office will verify identity against its records. Once activated, members can claim their two complimentary tickets online for eligible regular season home games, subject to availability. The claiming periods are set for 10 a.m. on the Monday of the week prior for weekday events, and 10 a.m. on Monday during the week of the event for weekend games. Members should add their tickets to their smartphone's mobile wallet for event entry. Stanford Athletics reserves the right to revoke claiming privileges if tickets are resold, as they are intended for the exclusive use of the former student-athlete.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of programs like the Block S Society reflects a broader trend in collegiate sports where universities are increasingly recognizing the long-term value of their athletic alumni. Beyond immediate financial contributions, engaged alumni can serve as powerful advocates, mentors, and community builders. This initiative also subtly addresses the changing dynamics of college sports, including the impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and transfer portals, by reinforcing a sense of institutional loyalty and tradition. By providing tangible benefits like game access, Stanford aims to create a lasting bond that transcends individual playing careers, fostering a culture where former athletes remain invested in the success and well-being of the university's athletic programs. This strategy helps to maintain a stable foundation of support amidst the fluidity of modern collegiate sports.
