ABOUT I STAFF

FAQ

1. What is the Center for Spectator Sport Research (CSSR)?

We are a full service research and consultancy group made up of executive leadership, doctoral and masters degree students from the University of Massachusetts Sport Management Department.  The center divides its research among market studies, customized marketing research, and the creation of strategic marketing plans. Many of the center’s initial studies have explored measures of affinity between sports leagues and their partnering sponsors.  In addition to expanding its research activities, the Center is strengthening the Isenberg School’s sports industry ties through a weekly blog, a guest speakers program, and a podcast for sport management professionals.

2. Does the CSSR have a relationship with the Sport Management program offered by the University of Massachusetts?

Since opening its doors in January 2007, the Isenberg School’s newest research center—the Center for Spectator Sport Research—has given sport management students unprecedented  hands-on industry training in marketing research. Drawing on director Tracy Schoenadel’s extensive industry contacts and experience, the center is attracting industry partners that offer the department’s students one challenging research assignment after another.

3. How are students involved with the CSSR?

The Center provides graduate assistant positions for individuals pursuing a masters and/or dual MBA degree in sport management at UMass.  These graduate assistantships work directly with clients in such tasks as questionnaire design, data collection, reporting and analysis, and client presentations/meetings.  The Center provides the students an enhanced training and educational opportunities in sport marketing and brand research.

4. What kind of work does CSSR perform?

Our areas of research expertise span across six key areas: sponsorship, brand, consumer/fan/attendee, advertising, media, and strategic consulting.  Sport marketing research experience is rare, and it is a specified field that few understand.  The CSSR cuts through all the clutter and assists clients from getting distracted by fancy bells and whistles in our industry.  The CSSR integrates sound marketing research and data collection methodologies and will provide you with cost-effective, sound and reliable research and analysis services.

5. How do you reach the CSSR?