DAVIS, Calif. – The accomplishments on the field for the Aggies were bountiful during the 2021-22 athletic season. Championships, All-Americans and national recognition were all just a part of the successes the athletic department showcased this past year.
Off the field, the athletic department continued its pursuit of enhanced championship resources to support Aggie student-athletes, and the record numbers showed just that.
Despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic and other off the field issues presented to collegiate athletics, UC Davis raised over a record $7 million in cash giving for the second consecutive year, while 24 athletic programs exceeded their annual donation goals. During the 2021-22 fiscal year, the Aggies brought in $7,055,355 from over 2,100 households, exceeding total funds raised and average household giving from a year ago.
The state-of-the-art Edwards Family Athletic Center, which will be the epicenter of Aggie athletics, boasted a total fundraising pledge of $14,268,914. The over $14 million raised well exceeded the $12 million goal for the facility that is set to open in mid-august.
The consumption of Aggie sports grew across the board in 2021-22. Ticket sales increased by a department record 31-percent, highlighted by record-setting attendance numbers in football in both students and general fans. Two new UC Davis Health Stadium records were broken this past football season, hitting a high of 12,315 against Sacramento State with an average of over 11,000 in attendance across the five home games. Ticket revenues experienced a six-figure increase from previous seasons. The student body set new game day records as well, with over 8,000 entering the gates for their first game back in over a year and a half.
Fans were also able to watch the Aggies in record numbers from the comforts of their own homes in large part to the new broadcasting unit within the athletic department. The department streamed 54 full ESPN+ events and five outsourced ESPN+ football games. Over 137 Aggie sporting events were streamed in some capacity in 2021-22.
2022 also marked the 50 Years of Title IX Celebration that culminated on June 23, where Aggie student-athletes from equestrian, women's water polo and women's swim & dive gathered with Assembly members at the state Capitol for a Press Conference. Throughout the year, UCDAggies.com launched a nine-part feature series on Title IX, while also facilitating two round table talks, a National Girls & Women in sports day student-athlete reflection series, promotional games and a full celebration website dedicated to displaying the proud UC Davis history of Title IX.
Aggies also enjoyed unique promotions throughout the year, including the second Gunrocks Gallop 5k. Over 400 runners participated in the virtual event, spanning over 13 states and 104 cities. Of the 410 participants, 27 percent were current students. The 5k raised $3,894 for the ASUCD Pantry, equating to 11,800 meals.
