The University of New England nets research partnership with Maine Mariners
File photo/ Jim Neuger
The Maine Mariners defend their goal during a 4-3 overtime victory over the Reading (Pa.) Royals at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland on Jan. 21, 2024.
University of New England undergraduate business students aim to help the Maine Mariners pro hockey team up its game from a business standpoint via a research collaboration unveiled Tuesday.
Offered as part of a fellowship through UNE’s Center for Sport and Business Innovation, the effort will give participating students useful research, analytics and project management experience while helping the team from a business standpoint.
“Through this partnership, we are bridging the gap between academics and industry,” said Connor Blake, director of the center, which aims to prepare young leaders for sports careers.
Blake said that participating fellows will focus on three core initiatives designed to enhance revenue generation, optimize operations and elevate the Mariners' competitive edge.
Examples include conducting revenue analysis, such as exploring trends in ticket sales, group packages and suite rentals to identify opportunities for maximizing revenue, as well as performing research and data analytics to boost the fan experience.
Initially, three to five undergraduate UNE business students will be evolved in the project, according to Blake, who said that talks began this summer as soon as news broke about a change in ownership at Maine's only pro hockey team. The team, an affiliate of the NHL's Boston Bruins, was acquired by New York financier Dexter Paine, a native of North Conway, N.H.
While the school does not currently have a program in sports analytics, it offers majors in sport leadership and management, outdoor business innovation and data science.
“This engagement with a loved local sport club will directly provide our students with the vital experiential learning opportunities they need to realize their longer-term career goals,” said Norm O’Reilly, dean of UNE's College of Business.
"I could not think of a better organization to sponsor the inaugural project under UNE’s newly launched Center for Sport and Business Innovation," added O'Reilly, co-author of a book entitled "Business the NHL Way: Lessons from the Fastest Game on Ice" and a regular columnist for the Sports Business Journal.
Triple 'win'
Brian Corcoran, CEO of Portland-based Shamrock Sports & Entertainment and former NASCAR executive, hailed the UNE-Maine Mariners collaboration as a “win-win-win.”
“The Mariners get to leverage data and analytics to be smarter on and off the ice. UNE showcases commitment to innovation and development of future leaders via hands-on learning with their students,” he said.
Shamrock Sports collaborated this fall with UNE sports management program students, who provided insights on tactical programs and partnerships Shamrock plans to pursue in making this year’s Drive Fore Kids charity golf tournament “bigger, better and best,” Corcoran said. The tournament raised $200,000 last year for two nonprofit beneficiaries.
“We are lucky to have so many amazing colleges and universities in our region,” he added. “These are only a few of many collaborations that will help the business of sports thrive in our great state. “
The partnership between UNE and the Mariners builds on their longstanding relationship, which includes school- and team-sponsored industry nights for students to meet with team executives.
Additionally, several alumni of UNE’s College of Business have gone on to work in both front office and management positions for the team.
Puck drop
UNE and the Maine Mariners will formally celebrate their partnership with O'Reilly dropping the puck at the Jan. 24 game against the Worcester (Mass.) Railers at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.
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