Upper school students in TICE's Center for Business + Entrepreneurship marketing class (taught by Kevin Maggard) have collaborated on a four-week project developing strategic solutions for Belmont Athletics to increase attendance at basketball home games. 

Belmont Athletics Associate AD of External Affairs Josh Ward met with students earlier this fall to outline key targets for both mens' and womens' basketball programs. Students then worked in teams to identify strategic solutions to meet those targets. One group built out an app-forward plan to encourage digital ticket sales, creating a more seamless participation platform for fans. Another designed special event campaigns and promotions targeting key demographics in the Nashville community to boost attendance. Both groups conducted research, gathered analytics from existing attendance, formed action steps specific to local contacts/resources, and developed discount pricing structures for ticketing to benefit the university. 

Students' research culminated with a presentation to Belmont, ultimately laying out their formal proposals in a professional setting. 

"This project is about critical thinking which is at the core of any solid marketing plan, and also cultivating professional presentation skills. Thanks to Josh Ward for collaborating with the class to help them build their solutions," says Instructor Kevin Maggard.