Sabertooth Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) will serve as the third-party ticket, premium and sponsorship sales agency for Austin Peay State University-hosted varsity sporting events.
SS&E is a division of Predators Holdings and will be a part of the promotional and marketing plans to sell general admission tickets, as well as premium experiences and sponsorships. Austin Peay State University is located in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Predators Holdings, which owns the Nashville Predators in the National Hockey League (NHL), formed SS&E in April this year to work on operational and sales opportunities outside the Nashville franchise and its Bridgestone Arena.
Sean Henry, Nashville Predators and SS&E president and chief executive officer, said: “Since the very early stages of SS&E’s formation, it has been our goal to pursue partnerships that will allow us to offer our services in such a way that organisations and events throughout Middle Tennessee are able to elevate their communities and promote economic development, just as the Predators, Bridgestone Arena and the Ford Ice Centres have done in Greater Nashville.”
Henry added: “Through this exciting partnership with Austin Peay State University Athletics, we are thrilled to assist in furthering the growth of not only Austin Peay as a force in the collegiate athletics space, but also the growth of Clarksville, Tennessee, as a vibrant city with a thriving economy.”
SS&E will manage sales for the APSU Governors’ football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball and softball games. Additionally, the business will be responsible for premier sales and guest experiences including, suites, patron enhancements, hospitality, parking and concession sales.
Austin Peay State University president Mike Licari said: “Forging this partnership with SS&E is an exciting and innovative step for Austin Peay and its athletics department. As this relationship grows and evolves, I believe we will improve our market presence and penetration, and increase the visibility of the Austin Peay brand.
“SS&E continues to be a great team to work with and I am particularly proud of Gerald Harrison and his team for their leadership and vision. I am excited that Smashville supports Stacheville.”
Gerald Harrison, director of athletics at Austin Peay, added: “Today’s announcement is transformational for Austin Peay Athletics as we partner with Sabertooth Sports and Entertainment. This partnership represents a unique, progressive partnership between two great brands.
“It is an opportunity for our university and athletics department to strengthen and grow our brand and increase our revenue streams and corporate sponsorships. Sean Henry and the entire SS&E team are unbelievable at what they do, but beyond that, they are great people to work with as we build and grow this Smashville-Stacheville partnership.”
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