Maroon Memories is a program by the Mississippi State University’s athletic department that aims to provide MSU fans with the best Gameday possible through providing experiences like running onto the field with the team to early entry for students.
Danielle Smith, the director of fan engagement, said that people should try Maroon Memories “to make it memorable, to make that game day experience.”
“They leave with that lasting impression of: this is why I love this university, this is why I bleed maroon,” Smith said.
Maroon Memories was first offered in the Spring of 2013. Mississippi State University was the first in Mississippi to offer anything of this kind. The vision for this organization came from Athletic Director Scott Stricklin, who wanted to bring fan involvement in sporting events to a whole new and personal level. During the 2014 football season, there were over 1,400 fans who participated in the events offered by Maroon Memories. The gaol for this football season is to reach at least 5,000 fans and to grow steadily year by year.
Maroon Memories aim is to create unforgettable memories for fans. Some examples are taking pictures on the field either before or after the game, singing the national anthem alongside players, running onto field with football players, meeting and talking to Athletic Director Scott Stricklin, early entry for students, and many other opportunities.
Maroon Memories provides great activities for families as well. Rebekah Sparks, whose family has participated in much of what Maroon Memories has to offer, said that it has been really important to herself and her four year old son.
“It has been a family experience, something that we can experience together,” Sparks said. “It takes fan experience to the next level, giving us the chance to do something more than just watch.”
Maroon Memories also offers marketing and fan engagement internships for students. These interns are the brains of the operation. They are the ones to come up with different experiences for game day, trying to think of all the possible things that people would like to do at games. The interns also run the events that are offered to the public, assisting the fans in order to give them the greatest possible experience.
Ashley Williams, who is a fan engagement intern, said that with Maroon Memories they are less fans and more of a family.
“We’re welcoming people even deeper to our family, showing what we do, what we offer,” said Williams.
To register for Maroon Memories, go to HailState.com/memories. Once registered, you will receive text notifications before any sporting events that have memories offered. These are easy to purchase using either android or iPhone. It is free to sign up and once registered, prices of memories vary from $5 to over $300. It is affordable for everyone because it depends on what the buyer wants to spend.
“If you experience something like this, it will stay with you for a lifetime,” Smith said.
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Maroon Memories enhances Gameday experience for fans
Emmalyne Kwasny
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September 14, 2015
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