Collaboration between USM Sport Management Classes and Biloxi Shuckers on Ticket Sales and Marketing Projects

In a unique collaboration between the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Sport Management classes and the Biloxi Shuckers minor league baseball organization, students had the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the sports industry during the spring 2024 semester.

Undergraduate students in Dr. Sabrina Reed’s SM 395 Sport Sales Methods and Techniques class worked on a Ticket Sales Project with the Shuckers. The students were tasked with promoting and selling tickets for specific theme nights such as Mardi Gras Night and Military Appreciation Night. With guidance from Shuckers sales executives and sales consultant Kathy Burrows, the students successfully sold nearly 200 tickets for the theme night games.

On the graduate level, Dr. Chris Croft’s SM 715 Sport Marketing and Public Relations class developed marketing plans for the Shuckers under the guidance of alumna Makenzie Crampton, Director of Marketing and Social Media with the Shuckers. The class worked on strategic planning for brand awareness, traditional marketing, social media marketing, and community involvement for the Shuckers’ future marketing and promotions plans.

Both students and executives expressed the value of this collaboration, with Shuckers Assistant General Manager Trevor Matifes highlighting the practical skills and knowledge gained by the students. Dr. Croft emphasized the importance of applying course concepts to real-world scenarios and expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Biloxi Shuckers front office.

Overall, this partnership between USM and the Biloxi Shuckers provided students with invaluable hands-on experience in sports management and marketing, setting them up for success in their future careers in the industry.