Back-to-school chaos is behind you, fall sports are in full swing, and you may finally have a moment to breathe. Even if the athletics schedule is still packed, the middle of the school year is often when high school athletic directors find their rhythm — and that makes it the perfect time to start modernizing your school’s recognition programs.
If you’ve been wondering when to launch your digital hall of fame, consider this your sign: mid-year may be the best time to start.
Here’s why:
1. You actually have time to plan out your digital hall of fame content
Getting a digital hall of fame off the ground takes some preparation. Mid-year is one of the few times in your athletics calendar when big events die down and workloads lighten (even if just a bit), making it ideal for planning and organization.
Take advantage of this quieter time to:
- Outline the structure of your digital hall of fame
- Source photos, videos, and other media
- Write bios and recognition blurbs for your featured athletes
- Map out how to plan school recognition for the future
If you complete the heavy lifting now, you’ll stay ahead when events pick back up and your digital hall of fame will be ready to shine.
2. You can be proactive when it comes to budget
Let’s face it, by spring any left over dollars may only cover last minute essentials — like unexpected needs for new lacrosse balls. Your digital hall of fame project might not make the cut — or even be a part of the conversation — if you wait until then.
And that’s exactly why you should start planning for it now. Prioritizing your digital hall of fame before the spring budget crunch will open up more creative funding options such as:
- Utilizing excess budget mid-year (if your school allows)
- Partnering with your booster club
- Splitting costs between departments
- Securing local sponsorships or donations
Even if these options aren’t available to you, having a content plan and timeline now will make it easier to secure approval later.
3. You’ll be able to leverage booster club support
Booster clubs love projects that celebrate athletes and engage the community — and your digital hall of fame checks both boxes. Mid-year is often a slower period for boosters, so it’s easier to get their attention and pitch your idea.
With the holiday season approaching, there are also plenty of creative fundraising opportunities that your booster club can use to fund your school recognition project. Think themed events, alumni outreach, or donor walls tied to your digital hall of fame launch.
4. Your digital hall of fame will be ready for key school events
Some of your biggest school milestones happen in spring and fall — graduation, hall of fame induction ceremonies, and fall kickoffs. These events draw large crowds with community pride, making them ideal opportunities to showcase your digital hall of fame.
By starting your project mid-year, you’ll ensure your digital hall of fame is fully built and ready to display at these events — not still in development.
You’ll also have time to involve your community in the process. Ask parents, alumni, and coaches for stories, photos, and memorabilia to include in your digital hall of fame. This collaboration builds excitement, engagement, and a personal connection to your school recognition project.
5. You can get more support from digital hall of fame providers
That personalized support means your project moves faster and smoother than if you wait until late summer — when everyone else is scrambling to launch their digital hall of fame in time for the new year.
Plus, some digital hall of fame providers may offer exclusive discounts or bundles that are only available at this time of year. Gipper Touch, for example, is offering free hardware to schools that sign up before the end of the year!
Pro tip: Finding the best digital hall of fame provider for your school can feel daunting, especially mid-year. Take some time to consider your goals and budget before evaluating options. And to help ensure things run smoothly, look for digital hall of fame providers, like Gipper Touch, who offer white-glove support.
Recommended digital hall of fame planning timeline for your school
To simplify your school’s digital hall of fame planning, here’s a sample timeline to guide your mid-year launch:
- October / November: Outline the content and structure for your digital hall of fame.
- November: Explore budget options, pitch your booster club, and take advantage of mid-year provider incentives.
- December: Gather photos, videos, and recognition content.
- January: Work with your provider to start building your digital hall of fame.
- February: Share sneak peeks, collect community stories, and build momentum.
- April: Launch in time for your hall of fame ceremony, graduation, and spring celebrations!
So if you’ve been wondering when the right time is to launch your digital hall of fame, don’t wait for the summertime cram. Start now. By the time the next big event rolls around, your digital hall of fame will be ready to shine — and your community won’t be able to wait to get their hands on it!
Digital hall of fame frequently asked questions
What is a digital hall of fame?
A digital hall of fame is an online platform that allows schools to showcase athletic achievements, history, individual recognitions, and more without the physical limitations of traditional trophy cases or wall displays.
How much does digital hall of fame software cost for a school?
Digital hall of fame software prices depend on the specific tool. Some providers charge one-time costs up to $20,000, while other providers like Gipper Touch typically charge thousands per year for an annual subscription.
What is the best digital hall of fame provider for schools?
The best digital hall of fame software depends on your school’s goals and budget. For professional branding and ease-of-use, Gipper Touch stands out. For robust customization and analytics, Rocket Alumni Solutions is a great fit. Schools seeking a free or temporary solution may be best suited for a DIY tool like Google Slides, though this requires more upkeep and lacks interactivity.
When is the best time to launch a digital hall of fame?
Mid-year can be a great time to start the process of launching your digital hall of fame. Most high school athletic directors have more time to devote to planning and budgeting for a school recognition project. It's also recommended to have your digital hall of fame launched by springtime events like graduation.
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