FAMU Athletics wanted to show the Rattler Nation, how to not only be smart with social distancing, but also provide Rattlers a fun tradition that they could join in from home. Led by DJ LooseKid and DJ Jam, FAMU Athletics presented The Official Virtual Set Friday.
 
"The virtual set was a great (virtual) event," said Vice President & Athletic Director, Kortne Gosha. "As a smaller athletic department, we have to be creative and engaging to many audiences. We put a MAJOR announcement teaser out that quite honestly had people wondering what was happening at FAMU athletics. I was getting calls from people all over guessing what was coming. This was great feedback to know what areas our fans are focused on. This marketing approach made FAMU the hot topic all week; which drove people to our website, social media, and other content."


 
The event was streamed via the FAMU Athletics Facebook and Instagram platforms, reaching over 40,000 fans. The department continues to look at different ideas to help engage Rattlers, including:
 

• Rattler Weekly (weekly emails to summarize the week in FAMU Athletics)
• Rattler Podcast (weekly audio podcast with special guests)
• Rattler Tales (weekly stories about student-athletes, staff and donors)
• Rattler Social Media Calendar (to let you know which sport will be highlighted each day of the week)

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Thank you to all who checked and was a part of today's Official Set Friday #FangsUp #FAMU #strikestrikestrikeagain #WeAreFAMU #FAMULY

A post shared by FAMU Athletics (@famuathletics) on Mar 27, 2020 at 6:52pm PDT

 
"Some considered the final announcement to be a letdown but I considered it to be a lift up for our students and alumni stuck at home during social distancing and a true opportunity to unite the FAMUly (virtually) of course," said Gosha. "The announcement video attracted over 40,000 views in a 24-hour time period. The actual Virtual Set Friday was filled with additional reminders to social distance, wash your hands and practice good hygiene, as we did not let COVID-19 disrupt the long-standing campus tradition. Some of the by-products were alumni being engaged with not only athletics but the university, students having an outlet and a sense of normalcy, recognition of classes, greeks, cities, and even the Marching 100; not to mention over 40,000 views during the event."
 
FAMU Athletics respects the efforts of the Rattler community and nation during this unprecedented crisis of COVID-19. FAMU Athletics will continue to work with the university, city and NCAA to provide updates as we move forward as a nation.
 
"During these sensitive times, it would be irresponsible for Athletics to be soliciting donations but the platform generated some donations during the virtual event," said Gosha. "I firmly believe that Athletics can be a vehicle for hope and perseverance during these uncertain times. We will continue to find unique opportunities to engage our students, alumni, and fans during these times and every now and then do something that hasn't been done on the Hill. Stay Tuned!"