What is the Hokie Club?

The Hokie Club (i.e. the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund, Inc., or VTAF) is a university-affiliated support organization consisting of donors to the intercollegiate athletic program.  There are several club levels based on the amount contributed on an annual basis.  The funds raised are used to provide scholarship aid for student-athletes, to make capital improvements to the athletic facilities at Virginia Tech, and to support programmatic needs.

Why contribute to the Hokie Club?

• So we can have a better athletic program at Virginia Tech!
• Because you have a personal concern for the university and its image on both a local and national level.
• Because you have a strong conviction about Virginia Tech and the Hokie Club and the opportunity which is being provided to over 500 athletes.
• For civic pride, knowing that an effective support organization and thus a successful athletic program is a needed community activity.
• Because an investment in the Hokie Club is an investment, not only in the youth of the nation, but in all aspects of the university as well.
• For the satisfaction of knowing you contributed to the success of an outstanding collegiate athletic program through your involvement.
• For the social benefits of belonging to the Hokie Club, including special travel, meeting new friends, keeping in touch with old friends, and making possible business contacts.

Why are contributions needed?

Because of Virginia Law, no tax money whatsoever goes to athletics at Virginia Tech (unlike West Virginia and Maryland).  We currently sponsor 21 varsity sports and have approximately 500 participants, not including managers and student trainers.  Of those 21 sports, only football and basketball operate at a profit.  Virginia Tech depends on the funds generated by football and men's basketball to pay for not only football and basketball, but also for the coaches, secretaries, travel, equipment, uniforms, medical attention, and publicity for the 19 other sports, and to pay the administrative staff and upkeep of all facilities.  The program does all that - however, it cannot also meet all its needs in terms of scholarships and facilities improvements.  The Hokie Club and all its contributors provide scholarship aid and build new facilities.  This requires the support of all friends of Virginia Tech athletics to meet this obligation.  Over the years, the Hokie Club has helped build Lane Stadium, Cassell Coliseum, Rector Field house, English Baseball Field, Burrows-Burleson Tennis Complex, the Merryman Center, and Cochrane Hall (athletic dorm).

Following a string of major bowl appearances, why is support still needed?

• The cost of athletic scholarships is on the rise.
• With gender equity being a central topic in intercollegiate athletics, money must be there to field competitive teams in both men's and women's sports.
• With our athletic endowment and annual support, we still do not fully fund all athletic teams with the maximum number of scholarships as allowed by the NCAA.
• We continually need to expand and modernize facilities.  Part of the proceeds from the Alliance Bowls were used to complete the following capital projects: outdoor track and soccer complex, English Field Press Box, indoor track, and Astroturf for Rector Field house.  New facility needs are being identified such as expansion and renovation of Lane Stadium.

What are the more tangible benefits of joining the Hokie Club?

As a Hokie Club contributor, you will receive the monthly magazine Inside Hokie Sports, a decal for your car, Hokie sports schedules, and special travel and motel arrangements through your local Hokie Club.  And, depending upon your level of giving, benefits such as parking, and home/away game ticket priorities are available.  A complete description of the various levels of contribution and the benefits associated with them can be found here.

How does my Hokie Club membership affect my purchase of season tickets and the location of my seats?

In order to get priority seating you must be a member of the Hokie Club, at the Hokie Club level as a minimum.  Beyond that, exact seat locations are based on a complicated points system.  For a complete description of the point system, please see the Priority Point System description page.   However, your general seat location is largely determined by your level of contribution.  This map of Lane Stadium delineates the sections reserved for the contributors to the Hokie Club.

What are the parking privileges associated with Hokie Club membership?

You will be offered a pass which allows you to park in one of the nineteen areas reserved for Hokie Club members.  The cost of this pass is $30 per year ($105 for an RV) in 2005.  The specific lot is based on your level of contribution. All Hokie Club reserved lots are licensed by the State of Virginia to allow tailgating (i.e. open containers of alcoholic beverages).  Note: this is NOT the case with lots open to the general public.  Tailgating in general public parking areas are subject to all VA open container laws. See the parking maps.

What are the forms of payment the Hokie Club will accept?

The Hokie Club will accept cash, check, MasterCard, and Visa.  You may join online by using the VTAF secure membership form. You can make your gift annually, quarterly (due the first day of January, April, July, and October), or via Hokie-Matic.

What is Hokie-Matic?

Hokie-Matic is the easiest way to give money to the VTAF.  The Hokie Club drafts money from the donors account every month.  This spreads the total yearly contribution level over 12 months.  Drafts occur automatically on either the 15th or 30th of each month, specified by the donor.  Full Hokie Club privileges start when the VTAF receives the first payment.  The Hokie Club will automatically renew the membership.  You can download an online form for printing here, to start the process immediately.  Directions for completing and submitting the form are found on the form itself.

Are there any special programs for new graduates?

We are sorry but this program is closed to any new members. Anyone who is currently in the program will be able to stay in the program through the full cycle. For details check out the Recent Grad Page.

Are there cumulative giving levels available?

Yes,  as of January 1, 2002 we have established cumulative giving levels as follows:

   $100,000 - Hokie Benefactor
   $250,000 - Orange & Maroon Benefactor
   $500,000 - Bronze Benefactor
$1,000,000 - Silver Benefactor
$2,000,000 - Golden Benefactor

What are some of the ways to make planned gifts?

There are Life Income Gifts such as gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts. We would irrevocably receive control over the gift, but owe the donor (or someone else) a stream of income over a certain period.

There are also Testamentary gifts or gifts after life. These gifts are made through wills, revocable living trusts, retirement benefits and life insurance.

The VTAF has three attorneys on staff who handle planned giving.  If you would like to make a planned gift please contact the VTAF staff at (540)231-6618.