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Aspire and EMU Grow Partnership with Convocation Center Events

July 19, 2021

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ATLANTA, GA – Eastern Michigan University (EMU) and The Aspire Sport Marketing Group (Aspire) have agreed to an expanded scope of work, with Aspire taking on ticket sales and operations for all events hosted at EMU’s Convocation Center. The Convocation Center has a capacity of nearly 9,000 and hosts nationally known music acts, conferences, and graduations each year in addition to EMU athletic events.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with the Aspire Team to include concerts and events inside the EMU Convocation Center,” stated EMU Senior Associate AD for External Affairs, Andy Rowdon, “The Aspire Groups unparalleled level of customer service coupled with their track record of revenue generation makes them the perfect strategic partner as we look to cement our place as the preeminent concert and events venue for the residents of Washtenaw County and the Eastern Michigan University community.”

“Aspire is excited to continue bringing world class entertainment to the people of Ypsilanti and the surrounding areas by maximizing revenues and attendance for the Eagles, hosting amazing concerts, and honoring EMUs esteemed graduates each year at graduations at the convocation center,” said Aspire Senior Vice President of Fan Relationship Management, Tony Garrett.

Aspire and EMU are entering their sixth year as partners. Since its inception in 2015, Aspire’s on-site Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) at EMU has driven over $1.5M in ticket and donation revenue for the Eagles. Aspire’s Strategic Consulting and Research (SC&R) team has also conducted multiple fan sentiment research projects for EMU’s football program, helping to drive improvements across nearly every element of EMU’s gameday experience and net promoter scores up 20 points over a two year span.

About Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University, located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is a Division I institution that sponsors 19 varsity sports and competes in the Mid-American Conference. The Eagles have won 13 NAIA Division I national championships across five sports. The Eagles are entering their fourth year under the leadership of Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee.

Built in 1998, EMU’s Convocation Center is a 204,316 sq. ft. venue that boasts versatile seating configurations to maximize on capacity for acts from the Harlem Globetrotters to  Jay-Z.


For more information about the EMU Athletics Department visit their website here.

About The Aspire Group
The award-winning Aspire Group is a sports and entertainment marketing firm that is globally recognized for innovative consulting, research, and ticket sales services. Aspire created the outsourced ticket sales niche, revolutionizing intercollegiate athletics with the first Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) at Georgia Tech in 2009. Over the past twelve years, more than 280 collegiate and professional sports properties have trusted Aspire to drive revenue, attendance, and enterprise-value growth through the combination of marketing, strategic consulting, and research services and best-in-industry fan relationship management.

For more information about The Aspire Group visit: www.theaspiregroupinc.com and follow us on Twitter @theaspire_group

For inquiries and more information on how Aspire can provide support to your Athletic Department, contact A.J. Smith at 404-389-9100 or aj.smith@theaspiregroupinc.com.

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