The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Saluki success sells

Since the Salukis' recent rebirth as an athletic powerhouse at the turn of the century, ticket sales have increased 82 percent, and merchandise royalties have jumped 140 percent, bringing big money into the University.

Local businesses haven't been left out of the success either, as many say the sports teams' winning streaks have meant higher profits and a welcomed boost to the local economy.

Randy Johnson, manager of 710 Bookstore, said the success has changed the way it does business.

The store has increased its staff by as much as 20 percent to accommodate the growing crowds seeking Saluki merchandise. It has also has started selling its merchandise at games and has partnered up with the Athletic Department to open a store in the Illinois Center Mall in Marion.

"There has been a pretty steady increase in excitement over the last three years at least," Johnson said. "Now we have a little more staff, a little more product and get ready for things earlier."

As the conference championship and NCAA postseason appearances mount, so does the pile of cash SIUC can rely on.

Men's basketball has made the NCAA tournament field three years in a row, and softball has done it two years in a row.

Football will easily make its second consecutive playoff appearance this season, baseball has nearly done the same and the volleyball team played themselves into T-shirt material two years ago.

"There is no question that success leads to more revenue," said Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk. "As our attendance numbers increase, we are bringing people into the area that haven't been here before and they are spending money at the stadium, but also at hotels and restaurants.

Tim Leslie, manager of Applebee's Grill and Bar in Carbondale, said he and his staff look forward to game day.

"Its helps us tremendously," Leslie said. "The winning probably helps because when they win more people are coming out and there are only so many different places to eat."

Carbondale Hampton Inn Manager, Vicki Morten, also said she sees an increase of business during home games, possibly by as much as 10 percent. She said the hotel sees the biggest increase during basketball season because the visiting teams often stay there.

Carbondale does not have a hotel big enough to accommodate an entire football team, Morten said, so those teams usually stay outside the region. Still, she said their families and fans bring in reservations.

"With football doing well, a lot more visitors are coming in to see the games, so they are staying over," Morten said.

Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole said the teams' success could mean more visitors to the city.

"The positive attention is good for both the community and the University," Cole said. "It brings a lot of people into town that wouldn't be here otherwise."

Bob Jansen, manager of University Bookstore, said the athletic department's success has not only lead to higher store sales, but also increases in demand for Saluki produces from their internet site.

"Clearly we do better when they are winning," Jansen said. "The more they keep going that way, the more we are going to see people around the nation buying SIU clothing."

But Jansen said that at the playoff level, as soon as a team loses, sales drop off. This sometimes leaves the store with an excess of merchandise.

"It lasts as long as they are winning," Jansen said. "When they suddenly lose, sales plummet."

David Hart, owner of Egyptian Photo, said the success of Saluki sports has offset the fewer amount of students in town.

"Good sports teams help business," Hart said. "And when those teams are traveling, they shoot a lot more pictures. I haven't seen so much energy in years."

Kowalczyk said he thinks the department's success and national media attention have helped enrollment numbers, including the increase of freshmen students the last three years.

"I do believe there is a correlation between success on the field and certainly application numbers if not enrollment figures, as well," Kowalczyk said. "It is a tremendous advertising tool for the University."

 

 

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