Ole Miss expands game day entertainment, ramps up fan giveaways

Ole Miss has increased in game attractions and fan giveaways this season as part of a concerted effort to convert last season's success into higher attendance and a livelier home court advantage. The moves come after the Rebels advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, and as the team, coached by Chris Beard, has been revamped following the loss of several players during the offseason. Ole Miss will play Alcorn State on December 29, giving the program an early chance to measure the effect of the new initiatives.

Athletics and the fan experience team expanded traditional offerings and added new promotions aimed at students and the broader fan base. As has been tradition, themed T shirts were distributed to members of the student section at the start of each home game in limited supply to encourage early arrival. Pom poms matching the shirts were also provided. Walk out presentations were upgraded with an introduction video, the classic starting lineup announcement and pyrotechnics that organizers described as featuring nearly sky high flames and a light sprinkling of fireworks.

This season introduced several novel elements. Cheerleaders have begun a Domino’s Delivery routine, passing pizzas to students in the section. A new competition gives two fans three attempts each at a three point shot for prizes, and the December 2 game awarded tickets to the first College Football Playoff game. The 30 second shot challenge, sponsored by Renasant Bank, allows one fan to attempt four shots from four locations with prize money awarded for made shots and a grand prize of $1000.

“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.” Margo Lewis, marketing assistant, 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,” Ole Miss sophomore Jackson Story said.

For Lafayette County businesses and vendors near The Pavilion, a fuller slate of in game attractions could translate into increased foot traffic and higher game day spending, while the university hopes a more theatrical game day experience will sustain student engagement and translate into better home court performance. Fans attending the remainder of the season should expect an amplified atmosphere and frequent opportunities to participate in on court contests and promotional giveaways.