Page 140 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2015

SPORTS & OUTDOORS believing in biloxi
FEELIN’ LOVE
FEELIN’ LOVE
FEELIN’
THE
LOVE
story by F. Cliff Kirkland photos by Teddy Lewis
Coast businesses have Shuckers steaming
Averaging more than 4,000 fans a game, the Biloxi Shuckers
have been an unmitigated success in their first season inside MGM Park. Chief
among the reasons for that success is baseball’s enduring popularity and the financial support from the Coast business community.
“There are very few places in minor league baseball where you have a waiting list for suite rentals,” noted Shuckers minority owner Tim Bennett, who also is president of Overtime Sports, which manages the stadium for the City of Biloxi. In comparison, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos don’t even have suites in their 3,500-seat stadium.
Bennett was introduced to Biloxi more than a dozen years ago by native son and former major leaguer Barry Lyons, who wanted to bring professional baseball to his hometown. Bennett was convinced the area was ideal for several reasons, including the civic involvement of local businesses.
All 12 suites at MGM Park are under minimum three-year leases. Additionally, the oversized Mercedes-Benz of South Mississippi suite is available for private rental or individual access. It can host up to 100 fans at a time and boasts its own bar and catering.
Some local companies using stadium suites for entertainment and development purposes are Yates
Construction, Biloxi Freezing, Butch Oustalet, REX Distributing, FEB Distributing, Allen Beverages, Coca-Cola, Beau Rivage, Hancock Bank, Mississippi Power Company, Guice-Spinner Holdings, Medical Analysis and Bienville Orthopedics.
Other sponsors include Hard Rock Casino, The Shed and Raising Cane’s, which offers a popular reward of free chicken to each ticket holder after every game the Shuckers score at least four runs.
“The support from local businesses
has been phenomenal,” Bennett said. “From suite rental to video board and outfield sign advertising, the Coast has embraced the Shuckers and enhanced the experience for fans and players. I can’t say enough about how pleased we are with the interest and support from local businesses, and we’re looking forward to a continuing relationship.”
Bennett pointed out that M&M Processing was the first local business
to approach the team before stadium construction even began. “And now M&M Shrimp is recognized as the official shrimp of MGM Park,” he added.
Bennett expects more sponsors as the current season progresses, and more businesses from outside the area to
get involved in the future. Jackson International Airport already has a sponsorship for the party deck located on the third level down the third base line.
ADVERTISERS AND VENDORS ALIKE support the Shuckers. ABOVE: The outfield electronic scoreboard. BELOW: The Shed sells BBQ at all home games.
140 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2015
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Biloxi Shuckers
228.233.3465 www.milb.com/content or www.milb.com/tickets info@biloxishuckers.com