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With a stay-at-home-order issued for most of the United States and the world, the travel industry is being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. In a global economy, travel is a necessary part of doing businesses, from finance and healthcare to sports travel and entertainment, traveling is a must to keep any number of industries afloat.
Since travel is such an integral part of college sports as we know it, CollegeAD talked with travel industry insiders, Christy Bruce and Kyle McDonald of Sports & Entertainment Travel, to gauge how this sector will weather the crisis, get a look at the current state of the industry, and gain insight into how the travel space could look once the pandemic is over.
State of the Travel Industry
“While the industry may be taking it a hit, it will bounce back. The travel industry is integral to just about every other industry, especially higher education and sports programs. There will be changes on the horizon but for now there are a few things people in the sector can do to assure clients.”
Christy Bruce says now is the time to be transparent and helpful while remaining realistic and optimistic. SET is a full-service travel and tour management company dedicated to offering fan travel experiences. They cater to college sports, an industry virtually on pause during the pandemic. She says those in the travel space should continuously be in contact with their clients and offers tips for those travelers that must travel during the pandemic. Reminding people that masks, gloves and hand sanitizer should be standard while traveling and realizing that even after the immediate danger has passed, sanitation and hygiene will be paramount.
“There won’t be a switch that flips one day, life will get back to normal, but all indications are that it will be a gradual return to traveling,” Kyle McDonald explains. “Take this time to remind people why they travel with you in the first place, then reassure them all precautions are being taken now, and those precautions will continue for the foreseeable future.”
A Look to the Future
According to Bruce and McDonald with SET the short-term ramifications of the COVID-19 shutdown will be toughest on airlines and cruise lines, but there are some major opportunities that will emerge from the crisis.
First to the new normal and what that means for the future. Bruce says initially they expect to see business travel down from previous numbers.
“People will struggle getting back to the confines of an airplane, train or bus. Investment in fast modes of travel will start to look very appealing. Also, many of these business people will now be adept at the virtual meeting, not everyone will want to give that up right away.”
She says that younger people will likely be the first to venture out, but they will be looking for fast, efficient, and clean service. People that work in the travel space will need to be innovative and competitive to notice an uptick in their clientele.
For the people in the travel industry who can offer fast, clean, efficient service there will be opportunities that grow from this crisis. Bruce says there will also be an emphasis on self driving vehicles, technology that is available but has so far been out of reach for the everyday traveler.
“It’s going to be the time for innovation,” she explains. “Domestic travel will pick up first and we’ll have to remind people that there is more to experience within our own borders. Those who can focus on the experience of travel and how special it can be will emerge on the other side of this pandemic.”
Sports Travel
Traveling for college sports comes in a few varieties. Teams must travel to compete; fans travel to watch their favorite teams compete, and there are unique experiences like donor trips. According to SET, these will continue, but at a pace that is safe and comfortable for staff, athletes, donors, and fans.
“The health and safety of student-athletes, donors, fans, and staff become even more of a top priority. We could see a fundamental change in the behavior of how these sporting events come together,” McDonald tells CollegeAD.
He says being mindful of social distancing within stadiums will also come into play as will cleanliness. While health concerns will take priority, so will the bottom line. Athletic departments have taken a real hit during the pandemic, many have instituted pay cuts, implemented a hiring freeze, and some have laid off staff; department budgets will be impacted for the 2020 and 2021 season.
McDonalds emphasizes, “Now is the time for communication, keep those channels open. At SET we are not treating this as a break from business, now is the time we are doubling down on our uniqueness as a company. We are highlighting everything special and innovative in our arsenal. Our partners in the world of college sports know we are here to help get them through the uncertain times ahead.”
Athletic events themselves could also change, not just the way people get there. He says it’s too early to tell exactly what changes could be coming to stadiums but taking temperatures, wearing masks and gloves, creating sanitizing stations and maintaining a degree of social distancing could become the norm, and streaming live sporting events may feel safest for fans at first.
“We are already tracking the changes in the college sports industry, there will be impacts” McDonald explains. “Communication really is key here; we are actively discussing concerns and opportunities with our college sports partners at this time. All ideas are on the table.”
The safety of athletes, staff, donors, fans, and alumni are at the forefront of all current discussions about travel. SET is preparing to be proactive with all aspects of their business, this could mean stricter safety guidelines when providing vendors, helping partners come up with a checklist for all events, and being flexible with current offerings and being able to pivot off of what comes next.
“It may feel the travel industry and college sports industry are in a holding pattern,” Bruce explains, “but now is the time to prepare. Explore what those branding opportunities will look like, what are the possible travel scenarios once football gets going, talk to fans about how they will feel once the danger has passed. Being proactive will help all of us tied to college sports weather this storm.
GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS (February 25, 2020) — Caymax Sports is partnering with Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC as the official travel package provider for the fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic Nov. 23-25.
“The Cayman Islands Classic is proud to partner with Sports & Entertainment Travel to provide college basketball fans a first-class travel experience while supporting our team as they compete and represent their universities,” said Joe Wright, chief executive officer for Caymax Sports, Ltd.. “This collaboration is yet another example of the main mission of the Cayman Islands Classic and that is to bring fans to the wonderful Caribbean Island for an unforgettable experience while supporting their university.”
The relationship will allow the Cayman Islands Classic and Sports & Entertainment Travel (SET) to create turn-key all-inclusive travel packages for the tournament that include deluxe team hotel accommodations, private functions, transportation and options to enjoy island excursions. SET brings years of experience in providing travel package services for universities and this will allow the tournament to continue to grow as fans experience the island with first-class service.
Defending Big 12 Conference champion Kansas State, along with Mississippi and Nevada, headline the field for the fourth annual Cayman Islands Classic college basketball tournament. Kansas State, Mississippi and Nevada all competed in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.
LaSalle, Miami, Northern Iowa, Oregon State and Western Kentucky round out the field for the tournament which will be held at John Gray Gymnasium, just minutes away from world famous Seven Mile Beach.
“Our goal is to create, manage, and provide an exceptional fan travel experience,” said Kyle McDonald, vice president of Sports & Entertainment Travel which is based in Indianapolis, Ind.. “We’re excited to provide our fan travel package services to the Cayman Islands Classic! We were so impressed with the island, tournament and culture that we can’t wait to share it with other valued alumni, donors, and fans.” To learn more about Cayman Islands Classic fan travel packages, please visit CaymanIslandsClassicTravel.com or call 877-669-8903.
ST PETERSBURG, Fla. (November 26, 2019) – The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is partnering with Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) as the official fan travel package provider for the upcoming race set for March 13-15, 2020.
SET’s official travel packages include hotel accommodations, VIP Club tickets to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Firestone Paddock Pass to access the “locker room of motorsports” where the crews work on the cars, driver meet and greet, plus more. Prices start at $2,789 for a double occupancy three-night land-only package with a hotel check-in on Friday, March 13th and check-out on Monday, March 16th.
“The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is proud to partner with SET to provide race fans a first-class travel experience,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “St. Petersburg is the ideal host city for the NTT IndyCar Series season opener each year. This is a can’t miss event with terrific weather and an awesome waterfront backdrop as the site for the race. Working together with SET on this collaboration further elevates the experience for race fans attending the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.”
As the season-opening event for the NTT IndyCar Series for the 10th straight year in 2020, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a global motorsports gathering. It attracted advance ticket buyers from 48 different states from across the U.S. as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, plus 19 additional countries in 2019.
“Our goal at SET is to create, manage, and provide an exceptional travel experience for those attending from the U.S. and across the globe. We’re excited to provide our services with travel packages for the valued race fans who are interested in attending the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg,” said Kyle McDonald, vice president of SET.
This travel package can be purchased from SET online at http://gpstpete.com/festival/travel-options or by calling 1-888-219-5323. To learn more about the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, please visit gpstpete.com or follow on social media using #FirestoneGP.
About Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC
Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) is a full-service travel and tour management company. SET’s collective experience spans the entire landscape of sports-related programs. SET pooled their expertise and deep industry connections with a common vision: to become the country’s foremost provider of sports-related group travel services. SET is committed to delivering the ultimate fan travel experience by utilizing its travel, hospitality, collegiate athletic, sports marketing, and sales experience to execute custom collegiate sports travel and hospitality programs for its partners. To learn more about SET, go to sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844-438-8738.
ABOUT FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG
The 16th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season each March. As the NTT IndyCar Series’ season-opening race for the 10th consecutive year, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, whose affiliates also promote three additional IndyCar races, Honda Indy Toronto (July 10-12, 2020), The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (August 14-16, 2020) and Grand Prix of Portland (September 4-6, 2020).
For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.
Indianapolis, Indiana (May 14, 2019) — We are thrilled to announce that as of January 1, 2019, Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) has been acquired by Orbridge, a premier tour operator and provider of educational group travel. Both companies have a guest-first philosophy and reside primarily in the alumni, athletic, and university marketplaces. We are very excited about this opportunity for two main reasons.
First, the two companies offer vastly different, yet complimentary, travel products. Orbridge is a leader in the alumni travel space, while SET is known for our superior sports travel offerings in the collegiate space. Second, enhanced collaboration between the company’s extensive resources will result in increased development of existing and new international travel opportunities.
What does this mean for us?
Our entire staff is now a part of the Orbridge family! SET’s offices will remain in Champaign, IL, and Indianapolis, IN. From an organizational standpoint, Christy Bruce will continue as President, Kyle McDonald remains as Vice President of Development, and our sales and operations Departments remain unchanged.
Our story continues…
When we created SET four years ago, our goal was to create a company whose core focus and reputation would center around a high level of customer service for, and engagement in, our fan travel packages. We believe in living this promise through every interaction with our current partners and travelers. Along the way, we have developed and operated customized fan travel programs for over 50+ university alumni association and athletic donor organizations in the collegiate marketplace.
By joining forces with Orbridge—a company just as passionate about providing captivating travel programs as well as consummate guest experiences—we enter into the next exciting chapter in our story.
For more information about Orbridge, please visit orbridge.com.
Madison, Wisconsin (Nov. 12, 2018) — The Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) and UW Athletics are partnering with Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) as the official athletic travel provider for all future UW–Madison fan travel packages.
“The Wisconsin Alumni Association is proud to partner with SET to provide Badger fans a first-class travel experience while supporting our team as they compete and represent the University of Wisconsin,” said Sarah Schutt, chief alumni officer and executive director of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. “This collaboration is yet another example of the Badger family working together to provide opportunities for alumni and fans to stay connected for life to Wisconsin.”
The relationship will allow WAA and SET to create athletic travel packages for special regular season and all postseason football games and NCAA Tournament basketball games. Additionally, SET will provide WAA specialty travel options to such sporting events as the Kentucky Derby, the Masters, and select golf trips, to name a few. These opportunities will range from land-only packages, game-day packages, and à la carte services, to all-inclusive packages with charter air.
“Our goal at SET is to create, manage, and provide an exceptional fan travel experience. We’re excited to provide our services with fan travel packages to the Wisconsin Alumni Association and to all their valued alumni, donors, and fans,” said Christy Bruce and Kyle McDonald, president and vice president of SET.
To learn more about Wisconsin Alumni Association fan travel packages, please visit www.WAAFanTravel.com or call 877-295-3068.
About the Wisconsin Alumni Association®
Founded in 1861 to promote the welfare of the University of Wisconsin and serve the interests of its graduates, the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) connects, enriches, and serves a growing number of alumni to help facilitate their support of each other and the university. WAA is a division of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing UW–Madison.
For more information, please visit uwalumni.com.
About Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC
Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) is a full-service travel and tour management company. SET’s collective experience spans the entire landscape of sports-related programs. SET pooled their expertise and deep industry connections with a common vision: to become the country’s foremost provider of sports-related group travel services. SET is committed to delivering the ultimate fan travel experience by utilizing its travel, hospitality, collegiate athletic, sports marketing, and sales experience to execute custom collegiate sports travel and hospitality programs for its partners. To learn more about SET, go to sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844-438-8738.
STILLWATER, Okla. (Nov. 20, 2015) – The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association and OSU Athletics are partnering with Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) as the official travel provider for all OSU alumni and fans wishing to follow the Cowboys to their bowl destination this season.
“The OSU Alumni Association is proud to partner with OSU Athletics to provide Cowboy fans a first-class travel experience while supporting our team as they compete and represent Oklahoma State University,” said Chris Batchelder, OSU Alumni Association president. “This collaboration is yet another example of the Cowboy family working together to provide opportunities for alumni and fans to stay connected for life to OSU.”
The partnership comes as Cowboy football fans prepare for OSU’s tenth-straight bowl game after the team’s second 10-0 start in five seasons. SET will offer a variety of exciting bowl packages to any post-season game the Cowboys play in with options including an all-inclusive package with air, a land-only package and a game day package. Game tickets should be purchased through the OSU Athletics Ticket Office.
During the first year of the College Football Playoffs, SET served as the official travel partner for three of the four participating schools including Oregon and Ohio State, the two teams that advanced to play in the championship game.
“By partnering with the OSU Alumni Association to create an exceptional fan travel experience, we believe the entire university gets stronger,” said OSU Athletic Director Mike Holder. “We hope the OSU faithful will embrace this new opportunity to build on its reputation as a passionate fan base that turns out in large numbers to support their team.”
Following the bowl, the OSU Alumni Association and OSU Athletics will collaborate to provide travel packages for future OSU football, men’s and women’s basketball, and other Cowboy and Cowgirl athletic events. These opportunities will compliment the Alumni Association’s recently relaunched Traveling Cowboys program, which has already scheduled eight trips to exotic locations in 2016.
OSU alumni and fans interested in pre-registering for bowl travel packages may do so now at okstatefantravel.com or by calling 1-888-218-5367. Bowl packages will be available immediately following the Cowboys’ bowl destination announcement.
About the OSU Alumni Association
Founded in 1897 by the university’s first graduates, the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association serves as the connection for life to OSU for more than 200,000 alumni and friends. As a member-based organization, the Alumni Association offers programs for Cowboys of all ages supporting past, present and future generations of students. Through the Alumni Association, Cowboys get involved with the OSU family, stay informed of alumni and campus news, give back to support university initiatives, and show their pride in America’s brightest orange. Learn more at orangeconnection.org or call 405.744.2066
About Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC
Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC is a full-service travel and tour management company. SET’s collective experience spans the entire landscape of sports-related programs. SET pooled their expertise and deep industry connections with a common vision: to become the country’s foremost provider of sports-related group travel services. SET is committed to delivering the ultimate fan travel experience by utilizing its travel, hospitality, collegiate athletic, sports marketing, and sales experience to execute custom collegiate sports travel and hospitality programs for its partners. To learn more about SET, go to www.sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844.438.8738.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chicago, IL — Vivid Seats, a recognized leader in competitively priced event tickets to premier sports and entertainment venues nationwide, today announced a strategic alliance with Sports & Entertainment Travel (SET). This relationship will deliver significant benefits to SET and its clients. As a travel package partner, SET will enjoy preferred access to Vivid Seats tickets for college football regular season and bowl games, NCAA March Madness, Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby, the Masters, US Open Tennis/Golf, as well as numerous marquee concert and theater performances.
“Vivid Seats is excited to partner with an organization as respected as Sports & Entertainment Travel,” said AJ Machosky, Vivid Seats Vice President of Sponsorships. “Their impressive portfolio of university and corporate clients will enable them to optimize our extensive ticket marketplace and deliver exciting offers to thousands of the most passionate sports fans in the country. We look forward to becoming SET’s primary source of tickets for all major sports and entertainment events.”
“Our goal at SET is to provide the members of our partner organizations with unmatched opportunities to experience the best in sports and entertainment events. Working with Vivid Seats, one of the leading ticket vendors in the country, will make this possible,” said Kyle McDonald, SET’s Director of Business Development.
For more information and to learn about Vivid Seats, please visit www.vividseats.com or call 866-827-7094.
About Vivid Seats
Since its founding in 2001, Vivid Seats has attained prominence in the online resale ticket market. By combining full service customer care with discount pricing across one of the widest selections of event tickets, Vivid Seats is known as an affordable, convenient, and trusted way for fans to buy and sell tickets to their favorite events.
About Sports & Entertainment Travel
With 95 years of experience behind it, SET specializes in developing and managing group travel programs for not only university alumni associations and athletic donor organizations, but also for corporate incentive and executive groups. SET is committed to delivering the ultimate fan travel experience.
For more information and to learn about Sports & Entertainment Travel, please visit www.sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844-438-8738.