Key Takeaways
- Ole Miss is expanding its in-game entertainment, giveaways, and fan-engagement events at The Pavilion for the new basketball season.
- The team is looking to capitalize on last year’s Sweet 16 run and boost excitement inside The Pavilion.
- New additions to the in-game entertainment include the "Domino’s Delivery" and a three-point shot competition with prizes.
- The fan experience team is providing themed T-shirts, pom-poms, and elaborate walkouts for the Rebels, including an introduction video, pyrotechnics, and fireworks.
- Fans can participate in games such as the 30-second shot challenge, sponsored by Renasant Bank, with a grand prize of $1000.
Introduction to the New Basketball Season
The new basketball season is underway, and Ole Miss is rolling out an expanded slate of in-game entertainment, giveaways, and fan-engagement events at The Pavilion. This is all part of a renewed push to capitalize on last year’s Sweet 16 run and boost excitement inside The Pavilion. The Ole Miss Rebels and Head Coach Chris Beard have revamped their team after losing several players this past offseason and are looking to improve their record. Their first game is against Alcorn State on December 29, and the team is hoping to make a strong start to the season.
Enhanced Fan Experience
Ole Miss Athletics and its fan experience team are attempting to improve the overall fan experience at The Pavilion. According to Margo Lewis, marketing assistant, "We have big plans for the upcoming season. We hope to make these events as fun as possible and have as many fans as possible." The team has provided themed T-shirts at the start of each game to members of the student section, which has been a tradition at home games. The supply of these shirts is usually limited, which encourages students to get to the games as early as possible. Along with the shirts, they provide pom-poms that are usually the same color as the tees, adding to the excitement and energy of the game.
New Additions to the In-Game Entertainment
This year, the fan experience team has set up elaborate walkouts for the Rebels, including an introduction video, the classic starting line-up announcement, and pyrotechnics, with nearly sky-high flames and a minor sprinkling of fireworks. A few new additions this year include the "Domino’s Delivery," where the cheerleaders pass around Domino’s pizzas to members of the student section. Also, they added a new competition where two fans each get three attempts at a three-point shot for a prize. The December 2 game featured tickets to the first College Football Playoff game as a prize, making the competition even more exciting for the fans.
Fan Engagement and Participation
The fan experience team has also introduced several games that fans are allowed to participate in, such as the 30-second shot challenge. This event is sponsored by Renasant Bank and allows one fan to attempt four shots from four different locations, earning prize money by making the shots, with a grand prize of $1000. Fans can also participate in other games and competitions, making the overall experience more engaging and interactive. As Ole Miss sophomore Jackson Story said, "I think it’s awesome how they make the basketball games just as much of a show as the football games. They are so excited, and it is such an amazing environment."
Conclusion and Expectations
As the Rebels look to recreate the success of last season, fans can expect an exciting atmosphere at The Pavilion. The expanded in-game entertainment, giveaways, and fan-engagement events are sure to enhance the overall fan experience and make the games more enjoyable for everyone involved. With the new additions and competitions, the team is hoping to attract more fans and create a lively and energetic atmosphere at The Pavilion. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how the team performs and how the fan experience continues to evolve and improve.