From Classroom to Center Stage: Students Pitch “SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone” Concepts
“What’s your name and who do you think will win the World Cup?” This wasn’t just an icebreaker; it was the nametag requirement for students from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management, showcasing the diverse fandoms coming together for one massive event.
The true purpose of the day went far beyond debating which team would take home the trophy. These graduate and undergraduate students were preparing for a significant professional opportunity: pitching their strategic visions for the upcoming SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone to the team from the Spokane Sports Commission.
As Spokane prepares to serve as an official Fan Zone for the upcoming World Cup, students in the Master’s in Sport and Athletic Administration (MASAA) program were tasked with translating their classroom lessons into actionable strategies supporting one of the most watched sporting events in the world.
“You can’t let a World Cup happen in your backyard and not get involved,” says Dr. Ryan Turcott. “This Fan Zone workshop gave our students the chance to think critically about fan engagement and the business of global sport, while working directly with Spokane Sports in a truly experiential setting.”
During the on-campus event, students delivered presentations covering pillars of the sport industry including marketing, ticket sales and event operations. The main difference from the usual classroom experience was that the feedback was delivered in real-time by the very professionals responsible for the Fan Zone’s success.
The Spokane Sports team challenged students to pivot quickly, encouraging them to navigate the nuances of large-scale event hosting such as navigating strict regulations regarding logo usage and terminology, balancing the need for free community access with cost-friendly elevated experiences, and building a memorable experience for attendees in limited space.
For Amy Laywell, a current student, that interaction with the panel bridged the gap between a classroom project and a real-world simulation.
"What stood out to me was how involved and intrigued the attendees were in listening to all the presentations, as well as the involvement and feedback from the panel/judges, which was so involved and truly immersed me in the SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone.”
In the second half of the day, students were shuffled into new groups and given just fifteen minutes to adjust and enhance their plans based on the feedback provided. This taught an important lesson: how to remain engaging, professional, and cohesive under extreme time constraints and shifting variables.
This event serves as a powerful testament to the value of the MASAA degree at Gonzaga University. By fostering direct connections with established and growing organizations, the program ensures that its graduates leave with tangible experiences and connections that will benefit them throughout their careers. Current student Samantha Kyle saw this value firsthand during the workshop.
"The overall Fan Zone workshop experience was amazing. I loved hearing from my fellow classmates and other students on their ideas and hearing feedback from the commission. It gave me a great perspective on what it may look like to work in this field,” said Kyle.
As Spokane continues to evolve into a premier sports destination, these students aren't just watching the industry grow; they are the ones helping build its future.
The true purpose of the day went far beyond debating which team would take home the trophy. These graduate and undergraduate students were preparing for a significant professional opportunity: pitching their strategic visions for the upcoming SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone to the team from the Spokane Sports Commission.
As Spokane prepares to serve as an official Fan Zone for the upcoming World Cup, students in the Master’s in Sport and Athletic Administration (MASAA) program were tasked with translating their classroom lessons into actionable strategies supporting one of the most watched sporting events in the world.
“You can’t let a World Cup happen in your backyard and not get involved,” says Dr. Ryan Turcott. “This Fan Zone workshop gave our students the chance to think critically about fan engagement and the business of global sport, while working directly with Spokane Sports in a truly experiential setting.”
During the on-campus event, students delivered presentations covering pillars of the sport industry including marketing, ticket sales and event operations. The main difference from the usual classroom experience was that the feedback was delivered in real-time by the very professionals responsible for the Fan Zone’s success.
The Spokane Sports team challenged students to pivot quickly, encouraging them to navigate the nuances of large-scale event hosting such as navigating strict regulations regarding logo usage and terminology, balancing the need for free community access with cost-friendly elevated experiences, and building a memorable experience for attendees in limited space.
For Amy Laywell, a current student, that interaction with the panel bridged the gap between a classroom project and a real-world simulation.
"What stood out to me was how involved and intrigued the attendees were in listening to all the presentations, as well as the involvement and feedback from the panel/judges, which was so involved and truly immersed me in the SeattleFWC26 Fan Zone.”
In the second half of the day, students were shuffled into new groups and given just fifteen minutes to adjust and enhance their plans based on the feedback provided. This taught an important lesson: how to remain engaging, professional, and cohesive under extreme time constraints and shifting variables.
This event serves as a powerful testament to the value of the MASAA degree at Gonzaga University. By fostering direct connections with established and growing organizations, the program ensures that its graduates leave with tangible experiences and connections that will benefit them throughout their careers. Current student Samantha Kyle saw this value firsthand during the workshop.
"The overall Fan Zone workshop experience was amazing. I loved hearing from my fellow classmates and other students on their ideas and hearing feedback from the commission. It gave me a great perspective on what it may look like to work in this field,” said Kyle.
As Spokane continues to evolve into a premier sports destination, these students aren't just watching the industry grow; they are the ones helping build its future.