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RHS athletic director outlines revenue, spending and sponsorship opportunities
Summary
RHS Athletic Director Robert Lee presented the athletics budget and operating approach to the board, describing revenue streams (ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships, donations) and emphasizing equitable distribution of funds among sports and investment in feeder programs; trustees discussed sponsorships and naming-rights possibilities.
Robert Lee, Richmond High School's athletic director, presented the RHS athletics budget and described how the department manages revenue and expenditures.
Lee said the athletic program operates with a zero-based approach and relies mainly on ticket sales, concessions, sponsorships and donations. He described monthly reporting to the school treasurer, use of a program fund (referred to as a team's "TANFON" fund) for discretionary expenses, and policies intended to prevent duplication of equipment purchases and protect school facilities from unilateral changes by individual programs. Lee said the department attempts to distribute funds equitably to ensure non-revenue sports and feeder programs receive support.
Trustees asked about pricing, payment methods and sponsorship levels. Lee said varsity tickets are $7 at the gate, most other events are $5, staff and family passes increased from $10 to $15, and the event ticketing platform charges an 85-cent service fee. He confirmed cash remains accepted at all events and online ticketing is available. The board discussed pursuing large sponsorships or naming rights and noted those arrangements typically require a long-term contractual framework and board-level approvals.
Why it matters: athletics revenue supports many activities and facilities. Trustees indicated interest in sponsorship opportunities for items such as scoreboards or stadium improvements but emphasized the need for careful contracts and contingencies for long-term naming-rights deals.
Next steps: athletic staff will continue to develop sponsorship proposals and bring formal recommendations and contract language to the board for any naming-rights or long-term sponsorship deals; the board asked for periodic budget reports.
