Boston, MA --- UMass Boston Athletics partnered this spring with the university's Sport Leadership & Administration program to provide students with a hands-on opportunity to enhance the game-day experience for men's and women's ice hockey.  

As part of Dr. Julián Alonso Restrepo's Sport Leadership 301: Sport Operations course during the Spring 2026 semester, students worked directly with athletics administrators and hockey staff on a semester-long project titled "Enhancing UMB Hockey Game-Day Experience." The initiative challenged students to evaluate current operations at the Edward T. Barry Ice Rink and develop creative, practical, and fan-focused recommendations. 

Throughout the semester, student groups attended and evaluated UMB hockey games, analyzed industry trends, benchmarked successful hockey programs, and met with industry professionals. Each group designed a proposal aimed at improving atmosphere, engagement, and overall event execution. Key areas of focus included promotions and student attendance, food and beverage offerings, intermission entertainment, merchandise and branding, facility accessibility, parking and signage, and overall game-day operations. The student groups delivered their proposal presentations to the UMB athletics administrators and head coaches of the men's and women's ice hockey teams.  

"This partnership gave students an opportunity to apply what they are learning in the classroom to a real Division III athletics environment," said Dr. Jacqui Schuman. "The presentations demonstrated tremendous creativity, professionalism, and strategic thinking. We look forward to exploring how these ideas can elevate the fan and student experience at UMass Boston and make our rink a destination that players and the community members desire to be a part of for years to come." 

Building on that impact, Dr. Alonso Restrepo emphasized that "the collaboration highlights the strong connection between the Sport Leadership and Administration program and Athletics at UMass Boston. It also reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for careers in the sports industry through both classroom learning and real-world experiences." 

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