An E&I 2-Minute Read Article
The Top 8 Procurement Items of College Athletic Departments to Prep for Fall
2025
From gearing up for packed stadiums to ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols, athletic departments are making strategic purchases to support their athletes, staff, and fans.
As the fall semester approaches, college athletic departments across the country are in full preparation mode. From gearing up for packed stadiums to ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols, athletic departments are making strategic purchases to support their athletes, staff, and fans. These investments are not only about performance but also about experience, recruitment, revenue, and safety. Here are eight key things college athletic departments are buying to prepare for the new academic year.
These top procurement items and categories show that athletic departments today are no longer just buying gear—they’re investing in ecosystems that support student-athletes holistically. From health and nutrition to branding and compliance, the fall semester brings a full slate of operational needs. These purchases show departments are building sustainable programs that can attract talent, retain students, and engage fans in a competitive higher education environment. For colleges large and small, the investments made today shape the success and stability of their athletic programs tomorrow.
8 procurement items that college athletics are looking for to prepare for fall:
#1) Upgraded Training and Recovery Equipment
One of the top procurement priorities this fall is athlete performance and well-being. As competition intensifies across divisions, departments are investing in state-of-the-art training and recovery technology.
New equipment purchases include:
- Hydrotherapy tubs and cryotherapy chambers for faster muscle recovery.
- Smart weight racks and motion-sensor squat systems that analyze biomechanics in real time.
- GPS trackers and wearable sensors to monitor workload, performance, and risk of injury.
These technologies not only help athletes perform at their peak but also allow athletic trainers and strength coaches to personalize conditioning programs, help reduce injury risks and maximize output.
See your E&I contract with Medline, the official supplier of the National Athletics Trainers Association
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#2) Performance Analytics and Video Systems
Film study and data analytics have long been staples in elite sports, but more schools—especially at the D-II and D-III levels—are also now investing in advanced performance analysis systems.
This summer, departments are purchasing:
- High-speed video recording systems with AI tagging.
- Tactical analytics software that breaks down plays, formations, and opponent tendencies.
- Drones for bird’s-eye views of practice and game-day formations.
These tools are being used by coaches to sharpen strategy, by athletes to fine-tune technique, and even by recruiters to evaluate prospective talent more objectively.
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#3) Branding and Fan Engagement Technology
Modern athletics isn't just about winning games—it’s also about building a brand and creating a memorable fan experience. As students and alumni return to campuses, athletic departments are investing in digital marketing tools and fan engagement platforms to enhance visibility and drive attendance.
Common purchases include:
- LED video boards and in-stadium digital signage to entertain and inform crowds.
- Mobile app upgrades for ticketing, live stats, and exclusive content.
- Augmented reality (AR) filters and social media integrations to amplify game-day moments.
Tools like these advanced engagement tech items help schools create a cohesive, interactive experience that increases school spirit, alumni involvement, and donor support.
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#4) Nutrition Programs and Equipment
Nutrition is a cornerstone of athlete success. Departments are allocating resources toward in-house fueling stations and meal planning systems to ensure athletes get the right fuel before and after practice.
Purchases include:
- Blenders, juicers, and refrigerated vending units stocked with protein shakes, energy bars, and recovery snacks.
- Nutrition tracking software that syncs with wearable tech to adjust intake based on workload.
- Partnerships with registered dietitians and food service providers to build personalized meal plans.
Providing consistent, science-backed nutrition improves athlete performance, boosts immune health, and aids recovery—especially important during the long fall season.
You have E&I contracts with top food and diet suppliers:
Chartwells
Levys
Sodexo
Compass Group USA
#5) Facility Upgrades and Renovations
Whether it's for recruitment, training, or compliance, many departments are making capital investments in athletic facilities during the summer months.
Key areas of spending include:
- Locker room renovations with personalized lockers, lounge areas, and branding upgrades.
- Field resurfacing (turf or natural grass) to ensure safety and durability.
- Lighting and sound system enhancements for better game-day atmosphere.
- Scoreboard replacements and digital displays to modernize outdated infrastructure.
Improved facilities signal institutional commitment to athletics and help attract top-tier recruits and coaches.
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#6) Compliance and Mental Health Resources
In today’s NCAA landscape, staying compliant with mental health initiatives, Title IX requirements, and academic monitoring is essential. Athletic departments are making purposeful investments in mental health services, educational tools, and compliance software.
Popular acquisitions include:
- Confidential athlete mental health platforms, allowing 24/7 access to licensed professionals.
- Compliance tracking systems that ensure adherence to NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA regulations.
- Education modules covering topics such as hazing, sexual misconduct, diversity, and inclusion.
These investments show a department's commitment to student-athlete well-being, while also safeguarding the institution from legal and reputational risks.
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#7) Travel and Gameday Logistics Support
With schedules finalized and travel demands increasing, athletic departments are also focusing on travel logistics, equipment transport, and game-day operations.
Purchases and contracts often include:
- Charter bus and flight arrangements for long-distance away games.
- Updated travel apparel and gear bags branded with team logos.
- Portable medical and training kits for on-the-road recovery and injury treatment.
- Onfield communication systems (e.g., coach headsets, intercoms).
As more teams travel nationally and compete in televised games, the need for reliable travel infrastructure and logistics coordination has become critical.
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#8) Additional Strategic Purchases
While the seven categories above capture most major investments, many schools are also purchasing:
- DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Training Programs
- Environmental sustainability upgrades (LED lighting, waste reduction)
- Mobile video production kits for live streaming and athlete storytelling
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and emergency response kits
- Esports equipment as more schools expand into digital athletics
Interested in video production, lighting, or sound equipment? See your contract with B&H.Why Members Work With E&I?
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How is E&I Different?
E&I Cooperative Services is the only member-owned, non-profit sourcing cooperative exclusively focused on serving the education community. Because it is our sole focus, we are uniquely equipped with the knowledge, experience, and passion to meet the specialized needs of educational procurement. We help our nearly 6,000 member institutions make informed, analytics-driven decisions to capture more spend and optimize their education dollars.
