Author
Wed,
05/08/2024 – 10:22am | By: Van Arnold
Two University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Sport Management classes collaborated
with the Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball organization during the spring 2024
semester on a program that allowed undergraduate and graduate students to participate
in experiential learning projects. The Biloxi Shuckers are the AA affiliate of the
Milwaukee Brewers Major League Baseball organization.
These projects align with USM’s College of Business and Economic Development (CBED)
mission statement of “ensuring that all students have applied experiences that build
the knowledge and develop the skills needed to succeed and lead in the global marketplace”
and “collaboration with our communities.”
On the undergraduate level, Dr. Sabrina Reed’s SM 395 Sport Sales Methods and Techniques
class partnered with the Shuckers on a Ticket Sales Project. For this class project,
students were assigned a specific Shuckers theme night to promote and sell tickets.
The theme nights included: Mardi Gras Night, Military Appreciation Night, Educator
Appreciation Night, and First Responders Night. The students applied course content
to develop promotional material, research and contact prospects, and ultimately make
sales.
Students were partnered with Shuckers sales executives who offered guidance throughout
the duration of the project. The executives also provided two training sessions during
the semester.
Kathy Burrows, sales consultant and founder of Sold Out Seating, also provided a training session in conjunction with the project. Overall, the class
sold nearly 200 tickets for the theme night games.
“With the majority of entry level positions in sport management being in ticket sales,
I felt this project is important to give the students a preview of what a career in
sales is like, as well as provide them with real-life experience that they can include
on their resumes to help secure a job in the sport field,” said Reed.
Added Shuckers Assistant General Manager Trevor Matifes, “We enjoyed partnering with
the USM Sales Class, giving students a chance to use what they’ve learned in a real-world
setting. This experience was invaluable for them, offering practical skills and knowledge
for their careers.”
Reed’s classes have previously partnered with the New Orleans Pelicans and USM Baseball
for similar class projects. She hopes to collaborate with the Shuckers and other professional
sport organizations with experiential learning class projects in the future.
On the graduate level, Dr. Chris Croft, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, and
his SM 715 Sport Marketing and Public Relations class developed marketing plans for
the Shuckers. The class worked under the guidance of Southern Miss CBED alumna Makenzie
Crampton, Director of Marketing and Social Media with the Shuckers.
Crampton visited the Hattiesburg campus in February to visit with the class and outline
the project, including new Shuckers features at MGM Park this year. The class worked
in groups with Crampton and Shuckers front office staff with strategic planning and
vision proposals for brand awareness, traditional marketing, social media marketing,
and community involvement for Shuckers’ future marketing and promotions plans.
“Working with Dr. Croft’s Sports Marketing Graduate Class has been an exhilarating
journey for us at the Biloxi Shuckers,” said Crampton. “These students represent the
future of the sports industry, and their insights are invaluable as we strive to evolve
and diversify our strategies. From renovating our ballpark to reaching new audiences
and expanding our offerings, their feedback is instrumental in shaping our vision
for the long haul.”
Added Crampton, “As we endeavor to ensure the longevity of our beloved ballpark, we
deeply value and appreciate the perspectives of these budding professionals. Our partnership
with USM Sports Management and Athletics is one we cherish, and we eagerly anticipate
the continued collaboration and the opportunity to welcome more of their talented
students into our team in the future.”
Croft noted, “This was an outstanding opportunity for the class to work directly with
the Shuckers and transfer sport marketing course concepts to the real world by applying
concepts to assist the Shuckers’ needs. Additionally, it was extremely beneficial
for students to work with a recent CBED alumnae in Crampton on the project in addition
to incorporating career transition and professional development components to students
in the project. This is the fourth time my classes have had the opportunity to collaborate
with the Biloxi Shuckers and are very appreciative and grateful to Hunter Reed, General
Manager, and the Biloxi Shuckers front office for their continued support to our Sport
Management program.”
