When Colby Winship enrolled in the Sport Management Practicum at the University of Maine, he knew he was entering a course designed to operate like the professional world. After all, practicum experiences at the Maine Business School are built to move beyond lectures and case studies.
This semester, that meant working as a consultant for one of the nation’s premier sports destinations and presenting strategic recommendations to industry executives.
Undergraduate sport management students completed an industry-embedded consulting project with the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. Instead of hypothetical assignments, students addressed a real strategic challenge facing a real organization, applying classroom knowledge in a professional setting and gaining exposure to executive-level decision making.
“Our group developed technology-focused ideas that were both innovative and aligned with Grand Park’s goals,” Winship said. “We researched tools like AI cameras, smart facility features and tech-driven fan engagement. I learned how mission alignment, stakeholder priorities and operational goals all influence decision making.”
Students worked in teams of five to six, operating as consulting groups tasked with a central question: How can the campus activate its facilities 365 days a year while encouraging fans and families to stay longer, in ways that support Grand Park’s mission, align with the priorities of the city of Westfield and advance the operating goals of Grand Park Sports and Entertainment?
Over 12 weeks, students conducted research; analyzed comparable national and international sport facilities; evaluated financial and operational constraints; and balanced competing stakeholder interests. Each team developed strategic recommendations to strengthen Grand Park’s position in the sport tourism marketplace.
The course was designed and led by Buffie Quinn, a Maine Business School lecturer in management and marketing, who served as consulting lead and faculty advisor.
“This type of class is intentionally challenging because that is where the most meaningful learning happens,” Quinn said. “Students learn to recognize when an idea is not working, pivot their approach and persevere through uncertainty. Navigating setbacks and adapting in real time mirrors the realities of the sport industry and helps students build the resilience and problem-solving skills needed for professional roles.”
Partnerships elevate student learning
Greg Stremlaw, president and CEO of Indy Sports & Entertainment and CEO of Grand Park Sports & Entertainment, Maine Business School MBA graduate and member of the Maine Business School Advisory Board, served as the industry partner and project lead on behalf of the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus, providing executive insight and feedback throughout the semester.
“I have a genuine passion for the University of Maine, and any way I can help give back or create opportunities for students is vital to the continued pathway of excellence that they deserve,” Stremlaw said. “It was an absolute pleasure to work with the Maine Business School and especially the collaboration of professor Quinn and executive dean Jason Harkins, who help exemplify what UMaine is all about.”
Quinn guided students through the realities of consulting, including ambiguity, time pressure and feedback cycles. Stremlaw shared industry context and executive-level expectations, helping students understand how strategic decisions are evaluated and implemented.
“Partnerships of this caliber elevate student learning in ways that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom,” Quinn said. “Providing students with access to senior leaders, major sport organizations and real decision-making environments helps them connect theory to practice in powerful and lasting ways.”
One team invited to Indianapolis
The semester concluded with formal presentations during which teams pitched recommendations as emerging sport management consultants. One team was recognized for strategic clarity, feasibility and executive-level thinking. Its proposal emphasized technology, including checkout-free retail systems, to enhance food and beverage operations, demonstrating how digital tools could increase engagement, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Grand Park’s long-term competitiveness.
The winning team — Ian Lillis, Ian Luciano, Jameson O’Leary, Tom O’Leary, John Sutton and Winship — was invited to Indianapolis to present its work and receive feedback from Stremlaw and senior leadership in the Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus executive boardroom.
The visit also included a professional immersion experience organized through Stremlaw’s leadership and industry connections. Students attended an NBA Indiana Pacers game and toured NCAA headquarters, Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus and major sport venues, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Victory Field and Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Experiencing Grand Park Sports Campus in person after working on it all semester was a surreal moment because it’s so much bigger than I imagined,” Jameson O’Leary said. “This trip had a huge impact on me. I’m so proud of the way our group worked together to perfect our final presentation to Greg Stremlaw. The people I met and the connections I made have changed my life in a positive way.”
Contact: Melanie Brooks; melanie.brooks@maine.edu
