Encouraging students to recognize the accomplishments of varsity athletes is one way to improve their UWindsor experience, says Ryan Flannagan, associate vice-president, student experience.

His office has partnered with residence services, athletics and recreational services, and the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance to launch an effort aimed at boosting turnout at Lancer games.

The “Ignite Pride” campaign asks students to show up for at least two of nine key contests identified by organizers — for a chance to win an Apple iPad tablet computer.

“We want to see more students attending our varsity games,” Flannagan says. “We have nearly 16,000 students and if only 20 per cent attend two games, we’ll absolutely crush our student attendance record from last year.”

Students who use the Lancer Loyalty app to check-in to a minimum of two of the specified games are eligible for the prize draw. The more games they attend, the more chances to win. Flannagan has committed to attending each of the nine games, which started with the Lancer football home opener August 27.

The other Ignite Pride games are:

• September 16, 1 p.m., football vs. Western on Alumni Field
• September 30, 1 p.m., football vs. Queen’s on Alumni Field
• October 20, 7:30 p.m., men’s hockey vs. Ottawa at South Windsor Arena
• October 21, 1 p.m., football vs. York on Alumni Field
• November 3, 6 p.m., basketball vs. Ryerson in the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse
• January 26, 7:30 p.m., men’s hockey vs. Waterloo at South Windsor Arena
• February 3, 6 p.m., basketball vs. Western in the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse
• February 9, 6 p.m., volleyball vs. Western in the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse

The Lancer Loyalty app allows fans to accumulate points by participating in fitness classes and intramurals as well as attending varsity events. Users will also receive notifications of upcoming promotions. It is available for free download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Mona Dosen, athletics marketing co-ordinator, says the Ignite Pride model may be applied to encourage engagement in other campus activities.

“Every faculty should look into this; it’s not restricted to athletics,” she says. “Maybe drama could get more students to plays or music to concerts, or the business school to its competitions.”