A competition among Eastern’s residence halls challenges students to show their spirit for an event and a prize no college student can pass up – football and pizza.

The Agency, Eastern’s student-run public relations firm, has paired up with the Eastern athletic department to design the Pack the Place campaign.

The Pack the Place campaign focuses on increasing attendance at sporting events.

Fliers were sent by mail to notify students of the event.

Cory Dimitrakopoulos, the Agency’s student director, said she had to receive the name and address of every student living on campus in the 12 residence halls to get the word out.

She also hoped for the opportunity to create sidewalk chalk announcements, doorknob hangers, screen savers in Booth Library and a front-page link on Eastern’s homepage to advertise the event.

The Agency enlisted the help of the athletic department for the campaign.

“The Agency approached us first, and I jumped all over the chance to work with

such an ambitious group that wanted to help us increase student attendance,” said Ryan Gilmore, director of marketing and promotions for the athletic department.

Gilmore said Pack the Place was a combined effort between both parties.

“We all want to be successful but we need each other to reach a higher level of success than what we could do on our own,” he said.

On Saturday, students will be tracked upon entrance at Gate 1 at O’Brien Stadium.

Beginning at noon, students will be asked for their Panther Card and what residence hall they live in.

The first 250 students will receive a free Eastern athletic bag. Students also have the opportunity to win 30 dining dollars and a $25 savings bond.

New Eastern T-shirts will be thrown into the audience as well.

From Carman Hall to Weller Hall, every student has a fair chance of winning.

The winning residence hall will be determined by the percentage of students from each hall who attend the game.

The winners will receive a pizza dinner for the entire hall from Domino’s, Papa John’s or Pizza Hut.

Gilmore believes Pack the Place will encourage students to get involved in campus athletics because the overall experience for fans is being enhanced with the campaign.

He feels the atmosphere created by students and athletes is an amazing event to take part in.

Bryn Rich, a communications major, thinks the impression created at Eastern is less than encouraging for some.

“The sight of the student section sends a message to the teams, the university and all of the other people in attendance,” Rich said.

Including 2008, football games in past years saw attendance ranging from 6,000 to

7,000.

Family Weekend and Homecoming usually have higher attendance.

Gilmore also thinks that campus athletics and students have a relationship most students do not get a chance to experience or even realize they possess.

“Get to know the student athletes in your class or on your floor; then go watch them play,” he said. “Student athletes play for pride and the love of the sport – the same people you have class with are practicing all week to represent EIU and you on the field, court or pool.

“Besides, all EIU athletic events are free for students.”

Pack the Place in one way the Agency hopes to increase their experience in public relations.

The Agency also publishes three newsletters monthly.

These include The Journalist, a newsletter about print journalism at Eastern; The Relay, a public relations newsletter; and The Wavelength, a broadcast newsletter.

The Agency is also involved with Donate Life Illinois Campus Campaign.

Donate Life Illinois educates the public about organ, eye and tissue donation, as well as donor registration and education.

Cari Wafford can be reached at 581-7942 or at DENnewsdesk@gmail.com.