Empty Nest: Ball State working to increase attendance at football games

Media reports from Mid-American Conference schools Eastern Michigan University and Kent State University show that universities are experimenting with a new marketing strategy: selling beer at stadiums. Will Ball State see beer at Scheumann Stadium anytime soon? Shawn Sullivan, Ball State’s assistant athletic director for marketing and fan engagement, says there have been discussions but nothing anywhere close to final decisions. “I think it’s always a discussion point, and we’ve certainly had internal discussions about it,” Sullivan said. “But there are several discussion points that may increase revenue and attendance and that’s just one of many options that we talk about.” While there are no plans to sell alcohol in the immediate future, one thing is clear — attendance at Cardinals football games was one of the lowest in the country in 2015.



The Homecoming Court watches performances during the 32nd annual Talent Search at Emens Auditorium on Oct. 18. Reagan Allen // DN
NEWS

More students vote for Homecoming royalty than for SGA elections

More students have voted for Homecoming royalty than the Student Government Association executive board in the past nine out of 10 years. In 2015, nearly 700 more students voted for royalty than SGA. This may not seem like a lot, but only about 4,000, or a fifth of Ball State’s student population, vote in these elections.



Junior midfielder Carley Shannon attempts to get the ball around a La Salle defender at Briner Sports Complex on Oct. 16.  Shannon had one shot on goal in the game.  DN // Patrick Murphy
SPORTS

Ball State field hockey fighting for last spot in MAC Tournament

Only four teams make the Mid-American Conference field hockey tournament, and right now Ball State (6-9, 1-2 MAC) is in that last spot. Half a game back in the standings is Missouri State (7-8, 1-3 MAC), which hosts the Cardinals Friday at 4 p.m. “It’s a must-win game, 100 percent," said senior forward Lexi Kavanaugh. "We have to [win].”




Junior midfielder/forward Allison Abbe goes to kick the ball during women's soccer's match against Xavier University. The team tied 1-1 after a double overtime. Kara Berg // DN
SPORTS

First place Ball State soccer travels to second place Kent State in battle of unbeatens

The Cardinals' road trip this weekend is like none they have had so far this season. Saturday, Ball State soccer (12-2-2, 7-0-1 MAC) takes on Kent State (10-1-2, 6-0-2 MAC), the only other unbeaten team in the Mid-American Conference. The winner will be the favorite to win the MAC Regular Season Champion with just one game remaining. The Cardinals also face a 3-11-1 Ohio program (1-7 MAC) Thursday. While they cannot overlook the Bobcats, even with an upset loss the matchup with Kent State will determine which team is first in the MAC.


NEWS

THE ISSUE: WHY IT MATTERS: Veterans ​

WASHINGTON (AP) —There are an estimated 21.6 million veterans in the United States. Among them, nearly 9 million are enrolled in health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. About 4.3 million veterans get disability compensation from the VA and nearly 900,000 have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.







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