The University of Southern Mississippi’s Sport Management program has collaborated with the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS⁴) in an experiential learning project during the fall 2021 semester. The project included the undergraduate Introduction to Sport Marketing class working with NCS⁴ staff to develop a marketing plan for the sport security center.

Dr. Stacey Hall, NCS⁴ Executive Director and Professor of Sport Management, and Daniel Ward, Director of Training and Exercise, visited with the class early in the semester to introduce the students to NCS⁴, its background, and mission. The students worked in small groups throughout the semester to develop a proposed marketing plan.

Various marketing plan components included SWOT analysis, market analysis, buying cycle, marketing strategy, and social media categories. All student group information was formally presented to NCS⁴ staff for evaluation and possible consideration for implementation at the end of the semester.

“We are grateful for Dr. Hall and NCS⁴ staff in approaching us about the opportunity to work with their sport security center on creating marketing plan ideas. It was an outstanding opportunity for our students to learn about NSC⁴ on our campus and their impact on sport security both internationally and nationally,” said Dr. Chris Croft, Assistant Professor of Sport Management, and class instructor.

Hall stated, “It was a pleasure working with Dr. Croft and his sport marketing students to develop marketing strategies for the NCS⁴. The students displayed a lot of passion and creativity, and we walked away with some great ideas for building brand awareness. The NCS⁴ intends to continue collaborating with academic units on campus for various projects.”

Established in 2006, the NCS⁴ is the United States only academic center devoted to the study and practice of spectator sports safety and security. The NCS⁴ mission supports the sports and entertainment industries through training and educational programs, research, and outreach activities. The NCS⁴ collaborates with sports leagues and governing bodies, facility and event managers, professional associations, private sector firms, and government agencies.  It is a critical resource for sport venue managers, event managers, first responders, and other key stakeholders. For more information, visit their website at https://ncs4.usm.edu/.

 

The University of Southern Mississippi and NCS⁴ currently offer graduate-level sport security classes that are connected to both the Master’s in Sport Management and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs to offer an emphasis in sport security management. Additionally, a Graduate Certificate in Sport Security Management is offered. For more information, visit Academic Programs at https://ncs4.usm.edu/training/.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 131 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education’s “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and large event venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 39 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $663 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of more than 14,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 27 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.