The Golden Flashes Club Enhances Game Day Experience with Alumni-Owned BlazeBite Mobile Ordering
12/13/2024 10:02:00 AM | General, Men's Basketball, The Golden Flashes Club
KENT, Ohio — For the past three Kent State men's basketball seasons, The Golden Flashes Club has provided first-class treatment to the courtside ticket holders with BlazeBite, a cutting-edge mobile ordering platform designed to revolutionize the game-day experience for fans. Co-founded by Kent State alumni Bryan Thomas ('06) and Jeff Leahy ('06), BlazeBite enables these Kent State fans to order beer, wine, soft drinks and popcorn from their seats with ease, ensuring they don't miss any of the on-court action.
Longtime courtside season ticket holders Steven Bierfeldt ('88) and Al Linder ('90) have been enjoying the service since it was offered at the start of the 2021-22 season.
"It's like having instant refreshment at my fingertips and not having to deal with waiting in a line," says Bierfeldt. "Plus, it's quick, easy, and I can focus on what's important: the game!"
Linder reiterates that thought, "I come to the games to watch basketball, not to wait in line. I can get drinks and popcorn delivered to me from the comfort of my seat."Â
BlazeBite, which originated from a ski trip where a prolonged wait for the check inspired Thomas and Leahy to create a more convenient food ordering experience, has become a game-changer in the world of sports concessions. Since launching, BlazeBite has brought its innovative service to multiple venues, including high schools and universities, and is making a particularly significant impact at Kent State games, where it has enhanced fan engagement by eliminating the hassle of concession lines.
"Bringing BlazeBite to Kent State Athletics has been a full-circle moment for us," says co-founder Bryan Thomas. "Kent State helped us build the foundation for our business, and we're thrilled to see our platform benefiting fans right here in our hometown community."
BlazeBite's impact extends beyond game-day convenience. The company actively recruits Kent State students, providing real-world experience in a high-growth startup environment. Last spring, BlazeBite welcomed a Kent State intern, solidifying the company's dedication to fostering local talent and contributing to the university's ecosystem of innovation.
In addition to Kent State Athletics, BlazeBite's presence spans regional high schools such as Twinsburg, Hudson, Brecksville-Broadview Heights, and Stow—all significant feeder schools for Kent State. This alignment further strengthens the ties between the university, local communities, and BlazeBite's commitment to supporting Northeast Ohio.
"The Golden Flashes Club is happy we can offer this to our courtside fans," says Maggie McKendry, Associate Athletics Director and Senior Director of Philanthropy. "The fact that the company is owned by Kent State alumni is a bonus. Flashes take care of Flashes."Â
As BlazeBite continues to grow, the company looks forward to deepening its partnership with Kent State, exploring future opportunities to expand its services within the university's Food and Beverage departments. With its user-friendly interface and seamless mobile ordering, BlazeBite is poised to continue enhancing the fan experience and fostering pride within the Kent State community.
For more information on BlazeBite and its partnership with The Golden Flashes Club, visit www.blazebite.com.
