Today@Sam Article

Don't Miss Your Shot, SHSU Night With The Rockets

March 1, 2019
SHSU Media Contact: Carla Clark

The Department of Kinesiology’s Sport Management program invites students, faculty and alumni to make the Toyota Center “Bearkat Orange,” as they host the SHSU Night with the Rockets on March 30.

The project is a collaborative effort between the ‘Event and Facility Management’ class and the ‘Revenue Generation in Sport’ class. Organizers hope to beat last year’s attendance record of 1,061 as the Houston Rockets take on the Sacramento Kings at 5 p.m., but the fun begins for the group from Sam Houston State University at 3 p.m.  

“Fans get an all star basketball kind of experience when they attend this game, including a student pre-game event, a Rockets VIP event, access to the court for a chance to make a free throw, a special t-shirt and other prizes,” said Derek Beeman, Department of Kinesiology lecturer and senior director of Ticket Sales and Market Analytics for the Houston Texans.  “Kids age 13 and younger will have access with their ticket to the Memorial Hermann Skycourt, an interactive area for Rocketized games. There’s really something for everyone.”

Capacity for this event is limited. Students must have a Bearkat OneCard and register here to attend.

SHSU students who purchase tickets have the opportunity to attend a pre-game event at the Lakehouse Restaurant at Discovery Green, complete with games including corn hole, jenga and yard golf.  Food and prizes will be provided thanks to event sponsorships from the Division of Student Affairs and the College of Education. 

SHSU alumni, faculty, and staff also have the chance to attend a VIP event in the acclaimed 94/95 Champions Room, where the annual “Industry Impact Award” winner will be announced.  This year’s recipient is Nina Jackson, director of Marketing and Public Relations for SMG-NRG Park, Houston’s premier tradeshow, consumer show, convention and sports and entertainment complex.  

Jackson, an SHSU alumna, has assisted in securing some of the biggest sporting events in the country including the Super Bowl (XXXVIII, LI), Big 12 Conference Football Championship (2002, 2005), NCAA Division I Men’s Regional Basketball Tournament (2008, 2010 and 2015), and NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four Tournament (2011, 2016).

“Jackson is the epitome of an Industry Impact Award winner,” said Dr. Brent Estes, Sport Management Graduate Coordinator.  “With her start at SHSU and her rise through her career, she developed professionalism, people skills and a high energy level.  She has used her industry experience and financial background to capitalize on opportunities and solve problems in her current capacity.  She is a fantastic example of success to our students and we are very pleased to honor her with this award, especially since she is a proud Bearkat.”

Other notable SHSU attendees at the VIP Event include Chris Maynard, associate vice provost, K.C. Keeler, head football coach and Rodney Runyan, dean of College of Health Sciences. The event is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Alumni Relations and the College of Health Sciences.  To register for the event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-shsu-night-with-the-rockets-vip-event-tickets-55848962751. Space is limited.

According to Ryan Zapalac, associate dean of the College of Health Sciences and associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology, this event has been promoted by Sport Management classes since 2011.

“We owe tremendous gratitude to our professional sports teams in Houston who have worked with us through the years to develop our SHSU Nights,” Zapalac said. “These experiences are invaluable for our students and make them better prepared to assume leadership positions within the sport industry. Additionally, we appreciate the Rockets being so willing to help the students provide a signature experience to the SHSU community.”

Tickets start at $32 for the game. You must have a game ticket to take part in the activities for the evening and to enter Toyota Center. For full details about the event and the activities that will be taking place, please visit http://shsurockets.blogspot.com. For additional information about the event, please contact Zapalac at (936)294-4575 or rkz001@shsu.edu.

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