When it comes to high school athletics, football and volleyball often dominate the spotlight in the fall. But every program deserves full stands, loud cheers, and a strong community backing. The challenge is finding ways to make less-mainstream sports—like cross country, tennis, swimming, or golf—must-see events. For athletic directors and coaches, the challenge is finding unique ways to generate buzz and build school spirit.
Recently, Mayville High School made history in Wisconsin by setting up a temporary volleyball court on their football field. Three teams played in front of a packed crowd, creating a memorable night that captured attention across the state. Mayville Makes Wisconsin History With First Outdoor Volleyball Match
This simple change of scenery turned a routine match into a memorable experience, proving how creativity and novelty can transform the atmosphere around any sport.
Change the Setting
Novelty is powerful, and changing the setting of a game sparks fresh energy. An outdoor volleyball match, a cross country “glow run” at night, or a tennis scrimmage played downtown on a public court gives the community something they haven’t seen before. The unexpected setting becomes a story in itself, drawing media attention, sparking curiosity, and giving athletes a chance to play on a stage that feels bigger than usual.
Pair Sports Together
Another way to increase visibility is by combining sports into showcase events. A soccer match scheduled before a Friday night football game, or a swim meet paired with a pep rally, encourages fans to arrive early and support multiple teams. These doubleheader-style events create a festival feel, keeping the stands full for longer and giving every program their own moment in the spotlight.
Involve Younger Athletes and Families
Few things draw a crowd like giving kids a chance to be part of the action. Hosting a youth clinic before a varsity game or creating activities, like having youth athletes form a tunnel for player introductions guarantees families will come out to watch. Parents and siblings will want to see, increasing attendance while also planting seeds for the future as younger kids see themselves in the older athletes. Family recognition nights and alumni celebrations work in a similar way—by connecting the program to a larger network, they transform a single game into a community event.
Focus on Atmosphere
People don’t just show up for the scoreboard—they come for the experience. Creating a festive atmosphere around less-popular sports goes a long way. Tailgates at cross country meets, live music at soccer games, or halftime entertainment at tennis matches make these events feel like more than just competitions. Senior celebrations, often reserved for marquee sports, can also bring a sense of occasion to smaller programs. When athletes are honored and the community is invited to take part, the result is an event that feels significant and worth attending.
Why It Works
At the heart of all these strategies are three key ingredients: novelty, connection, and atmosphere. Novelty sparks curiosity, connection gets people invested, and atmosphere makes every moment enjoyable—whether people know the score or not. When these components come together, the result is a crowd that wants to be there, athletes who feel celebrated, and a community that rallies behind every team.
Every sport has stories worth celebrating. With a little creativity, athletic directors and coaches can turn less-popular events into unforgettable experiences. When athletes in every program feel the energy of a crowd behind them, it strengthens school pride, unites the student body, and leaves the community buzzing beyond the game.
