University of Massachusets Athletics
UMass Marketing Announces Upcoming Basketball Promotion Schedule
November 15, 2004 | General
Nov. 15, 2004
AMHERST, Mass. - With the basketball season in full swing, the University of Massachusetts Marketing Department has several special upcoming promotions for hoops fans of all ages.
These promotions include `Operation 8K'; Fan Appreciation Day; Girl Scout Day; Kids' Day; and the high-energy, fast-paced antics of J.J. Jumper - the official mascot of the NCAA.
Complete information on these events as well as future promotions and marketing opportunities, can be found on the official website for UMass athletics: Promotions Page.
The marketing department is also giving the Graduate Sport Marketing class a unique opportunity to take part in the promotional operations of four basketball games this season. This project allows students the first-hand, real-world application of marketing and promotional practices outside of the classroom.
"I am very excited to offer this opportunity to the Graduate Sport Marketing class," said Tamra Geryk, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing. "They will gain valuable experience in college athletics, grass roots marketing and game day operations."
These include the men's basketball games against Birmingham Southern (Nov. 23) and Northeastern (Dec. 1), and the women's games against Syracuse (Dec. 4) and Toledo (Dec. 6).
Students in professor Stephen McKelvey's class will work under the guidance of the UMass marketing department with the goal of increasing attendance as well the overall fan experience.
Students will be placed into four groups consisting of five-to-six members. Each group will be given a budget as well as promotional ads in several area papers and radio. They will be responsible for all elements of an athletic event including advertising, promotions and game day operations.
The promotions project is an annual event for the Graduate Sport Marketing class. These special learning projects serve as an opportunity to give students real-world marketing experience. The goal of the project is to teach students teamwork and practical skills while thinking `outside the box' to achieve project goals.
To find out more on sponsorship or promotional opportunities with the UMass Athletic Department, contact Tamra Geryk in the Marketing Department at (413) 545-9596.
