(By Tylee Stauffer ’24, associate editor)
LVC’s business department launched a new sports marketing course for marketing majors and minors this semester.
Adjunct professor Todd VanderWoude is teaching the sports marketing course that is being offered this semester.
VanderWoude originally grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been a resident of Harrisburg for 37 years. He is currently employed as the executive director for the Harrisburg Downtown Improvement District and was involved in business management for Minor League Baseball for 24 years.
“I always had an interest in competing on the field and once I realized that my playing days were limited, I looked for other avenues to stay involved in sports,” VanderWoude said. “So, I ended up getting my master’s degree in sport management and was very fortunate to work in Minor League Baseball for many years to see how important marketing is to the off-field success of sports teams, win or lose.”
In the sports marketing course, students can expect to learn about the principles of marketing and how it plays a role in the unique and ever-changing world of sports. In addition, students will focus on the importance of having an emphasis on the customer in relation to sports teams and sports products, such as understanding, responding, engaging, satisfying and serving the customer.
“My hope is that students will gain a better understanding of sports that fans do not see, which is the importance of marketing’s contribution to the overall team’s financial success,” VanderWoude said. “Customer service is a major part of our sports experience to keep fans returning to games again and again.”
For more information about this sports marketing course and when it will be offered again, please reach out to an academic advisor or a faculty member in the business department.