Doak Campbell Stadium memorabilia to benefit Florida State-driven Battle's End NIL collective
Florida State is finding ways for renovations at Doak Campbell Stadium to benefit NIL.
The Seminole-focused NIL collective The Battle’s End partnered with CollectibleXchange to allow Florida State fans a chance to purchase Doak Campbell Stadium bricks, seats, signs and bleachers. As part of the agreement, a portion of proceeds will directly go to the collective to support Florida State football.
In a period of the NIL Era where collectives are fighting donor fatigue and trying to provide a return on investment, this is a neat way for Seminoles’ fans to back the football program.
“This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of FSU football’s rich history while also making an investment in its bright future,” Battle’s End CEO Ingram Smith told On3. “We’re very excited to partner with an industry leader in Brandon Steiner and every piece will come with its own certificate of authenticity. Proceeds will go to support The Battle’s End, and we’ve been exceptionally encouraged by the fanbase’s response.”
Renovations of Florida State’s home are well underway, with plans for construction to be finalized by the start of the 2025 season when the Seminoles host Alabama. FSU athletic director Michael Alford recently said construction will impact the 2024 season. Capacity is likely to be capped at around 55,000, down from the sell-out capacity of 79,560 in 2023.
In 2025, Alford anticipates the maximum capacity to be back in the upper-60,000s, lower-70,000s range. The stadium’s west and east side stands are being worked on. Fans can purchase section signs for $299.99 and a brick for $249.99.
Florida State excelling in NIL space
The Battle’s End has been innovative in motivating boosters. The collective sent Jordan Travis and Trey Benson to the Super Bowl in February 2023, flying on a donor’s private plane to Arizona for the game. And last March, a trio of linemen attended the John R. Lewis Legacy Gala in Atlanta.
A founding member of The Collective Association, the Battle’s End is working with closely with its peers to support athletes. The TCA also met with the SEC and NCAA in July to discuss a revenue-sharing model for college athletes that does not require them to become university employees in the coming weeks. The organization has grown to more than 35 members.
The Seminoles have been one of the most aggressive programs in the transfer portal the last two years, in part due to a strong NIL pitch. One of the top 10 NIL collectives in the nation in On3’s rankings released in June, NIL stakeholders and competitors have been impressed with the operation in Tallahassee.
“Florida State has been aggressive, they’ve come on really strong,” a source in the industry recently said.
Added another: “They’re very sharp.”