They could curtain off some of uppers? Even big programs have done it.
In the meanwhile, how to get more locals into seats.
First, stop charging more at the door if they don't use the app to buy tickets. Second, charge a very discounted amount for games like Stetson and Alabama State. That way a family of 4 or 5 from The Plains can bring their wife and kids to a game. Let parking at Peden be free at those types of games. And discount popcorn and soda at those games. How much does popcorn and a coke full of ice cost the school? I would guess not very much. Come up with a catchy name for the discounted nights. Make people feel special that they showed up.
People might even break down and buy season tickets if things are promoted right.
They should expand on the Hardwood House, and make it a serviceable bar with food. I've been to multiple weekend games and it wasn't even open. We pulled chairs down and sat with friends with the lights off. It was weird.
It doesn't need to be BW3, but for those people coming in after work, even before going out - some elevated type diner food, something easy, but solid - burgers, hotdogs, Goodfellas pizza, Big Mama's, any way to get some of the locals involved - some solid craft brews. Nice welcoming place to sit down and relax before going to your seat. Always open. Always available.
Also, get Jackie O's to make a convo-only beer. Give it a silly name. Hell, call it Hardwood House. Roundhouse on Richland. Little Fish too. Take advantage of our great craft brews in the area. I'm sure they can make a small pony keg to start.
There is a lot of low-hanging fruit as far as improving the gameday experience I think they can do.
Can Little Fish come up with a way to make a beer that's not mega-hoppy???
Cue the "Ackchyually" meme...
My wife is a certified beer judge who has brewed on pro systems a handful of times (including at Little Fish) and is friends with a lot of people in in industry, so I've learned a bit along the way.
Little Fish isn't my favorite brewery in town (Devil's Kettle is) because I don't like sours or farmhouse beers. I prefer more European styles, but LF does make a few of those really well. Their stout is excellent, as is their marzen. Their flagship beer is a funky saison, so no one should be surprised about their brew menu. Jackie O's flagship is Mystic Mama, a West Coast IPA (VERY hoppy), and they also built a reputation as a great barrel aging brewer, so that tends to be the direction of their menu. But their menu's also huge, so there is something for everyone there.
For a more focused menu of awesome European-style beers, go to Devil's Kettle. The bottom line is there's great beer for any taste in Athens.
As far as making a single pony keg of beer, that's not how commercial brewing works. LF has a 10 barrel (310 gallons) system. DK is a 20 barrel system. I'm sure Jackie O's has a smaller pilot system they use for testing recipes and one-off beers, but those tend to be at least one barrel. So you'd be hoping to partner with Jackie O's to spend the time and resources -- which are pretty equal to large batches in every way except ingredients and packaging -- to build a recipe for one barrel of beer at a time that is poured off site (the margins on beer sold at the brewery vs. sold at a bar or restaurant are massively different). The economics don't work.