Wednesday Bulldog Update - 3/23/11
If you or someone you know is not receiving this and would like to, please e-mail us at:
bulldog-club@athletics.msstate.edu
Our student-athletes finished off the spring break with some solid performances last weekend. The softball team improved its league record to 5-2 with a weekend sweep of Arkansas at the MSU Softball Field. The Diamond Dawg baseball team came from four runs down to win its Sunday match-up with national No. 1-ranked Vanderbilt. Our men’s tennis team improved its league record to 4-1 with a road shutout win over South Carolina. And not to be outdone, our men’s track team turned in a solid showing at the Louisiana Classics, and begins this week ranked No. 8 in the country on the outdoor side, its highest preseason ranking ever.
You may have also seen that Dave Curtis of The Sporting News wrote a story this week highlighting the 10 most improved college football programs in the country. It certainly was exciting to see Mississippi State right there at No. 6. It was also exciting to read why we occupied that lofty position:
“Coach Dan Mullen arrived in 2008 with an SEC West championship as a goal, and while still a longshot, MSU can hang with any of the division’s powerhouses. Blasting Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl and Michigan in the Gator Bowl gives the program its greatest optimism since the Jackie Sherrill era.”
* * *
FOOTBALL SEASON TICKET RENEWAL DEADLINE MAY 2
Despite the fact that we are still nearly six weeks away from our renewal deadline for football season ticket orders, our ticket office has begun the process of tracking our season ticket numbers.
Since we sold out in season tickets last year and historically have run a high renewal percentage, we expect demand to be through the roof this year following the excitement of 2010. The initial ticket report displays that interest. We are running approximately 40 percent ahead of where we were last year on this date, a clear indication our fans can’t wait for next fall.
When you consider that we have 326 customers on a waiting list for new season tickets, and 223 renewal orders on file requesting an increase in their season ticket order over last year, tickets will be in high demand for this coming year.
Remember, the season ticket order renewal deadline is May 2. You don’t want to miss that deadline this year!
* * *
GEORGIA SENDS RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ADVISORY
With our road ticket information being made available soon, we received information this week regarding recreational vehicle parking at the University of Georgia. Coach Mullen and his Bulldogs play in Athens this coming October 1.
For those Mississippi State fans who intend to drive their RV to Georgia this fall, that parking facility is located a little less than three miles from the stadium. Georgia runs a shuttle to transport fans from its RV parking area to the stadium beginning two hours prior to kickoff, and begins the return service to the RV park at halftime. The weekend rate is $300 and our fans may arrive any time on Friday and depart any time on Sunday. Georgia also reports a week rate of $750 is available. Fans may reserve multiple spaces and the UGA will do everything it can to assign adjacent spaces.
You can check out their services at www.bulldogpark.com, which also has contact information for real estate representative Jamie Dutton.
* * *
BELL FOUNDATION PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHERS
We continue to receive requests about, and donations for, the Nick Bell Fund we established following his passing this past fall. The heart-felt response of our people, as well as the countless numbers around the country who heard of Nick’s story, is very much appreciated by Nick’s mother Linda and the entire Bell family.
Linda recently sent us an email for informational purposes and we wanted to share that with you: “We at the ‘Nick Bell Mentoring Memorial Foundation’ would like to invite you to visit our web site at www.nickbellfoundation.org. Help us to assist other young people as they strive to achieve their goals in the name of Nick Bell, who recently passed away with a rare form of cancer. Thank you for your continued support…Linda Bell.”
We would ask anyone with interest to contact the Foundation directly for information or donation procedure.
* * *
MISSISSIPPI STATE WEEKEND HOME SPORTS SCHEDULE
Friday, March 25 – Women’s Tennis v South Carolina, 2 pm; Baseball v Auburn, 6:30 pm
Saturday, March 26 – Track & Field hosts SEC v Big Ten Challenge, All Day; Men’s Tennis v Florida, 1 pm; Baseball v Auburn, 2 pm
Sunday, March 27 – Baseball v Auburn, 1:30 pm
* * *
SUPER BULLDOG WEEKEND PREVIEW? WEAR MAROON!
We have a full weekend of activities on the campus, not the least of which is the first track meet at the refurbished Spencer Stadium/Maddox Track. We have visitors coming from seven other institutions, including four from the Big Ten. It’s a perfect opportunity to wear your colors. Are you in the maroon?
* * *
We appreciate what you do for Mississippi State Athletics and want to encourage you to get others involved. There are three things you can do to help the athletic department at Mississippi State reach its desired goals –
1. Buy Season Tickets
2. Financially Support the Bulldog Club
3. Get Others To Do The Same
Thanks for taking the time to read this Update.
Go Dawgs!
Scott Stricklin