FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University Athletics has been named a finalist for the 2023 PACnet Awards in the category of Newcomer of the Year, announced by Paciolan. Fairfield partnered with Paciolan to streamline the ticket buying experience in preparation for the opening of the $51 million Leo D. Mahoney Arena, the new on-campus home of Fairfield Basketball and Volleyball.
 
"Paciolan has been an invaluable partner for Fairfield University as we prepared to modernize our infrastructure with the opening of Leo D. Mahoney Arena," said Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann. "Our external team has done incredible work in partnership with Paciolan to drive new fans to our doorstep to experience Mahoney Arena, and the response has been exceptional."
 
In the inaugural year of Mahoney Arena, season ticket holders and revenue have increased by over 300%. Revenue goals for both soccer and basketball have both exceeded for the first time in school history. Additionally, the Red Sea VIP pass, created for students to purchase to gain advanced access to student tickets for basketball games, sold out in three days totaling over $15,000 in additional revenue. 
 
Fairfield is competing against Vanderbilt University, Oklahoma State University and the Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation in the Newcomer of the Year category. Voting concludes on January 27 with all four nominees recognized at PacNet '23 on Tuesday, February 28 in Huntington Beach, Calif.