By PARKER CARLSON
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
One good turn deserves another, and Butler University is matching Indianapolis’ goal to be the global capital of sports by launching the Butler Institute for Sports & Entertainment (BISE).
“BISE will serve as a catalyst for developing the talent, research, and partnerships needed to fuel the region’s growing influence on the sports and entertainment industries,” Butler Director of Communications Mark Apple said in a press release.
Butler’s College of Communication and Lacy School of Business collaborated to create the institute to better connect Butler University’s academic and co-curricular strength to Indiana’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape. While Butler ties their institute’s goals to compliment the Indiana Sports Corp’s (ISC) 2050 vision of making Indy a premier destination, the University noted a particular interest in “experiential learning, media production, business analytics, and fan engagement.”
Bringing together both industry leaders’ needs and their students’ educational goals, BISE is designed to be a supportive pillar to the ISC.
“With a flexible, cross-disciplinary approach, BISE positions Butler as a responsive and collaborative partner — one that comes alongside organizations to co-create solutions and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future of sports and entertainment,” the press release says.
ISC’s Chief of Staff and Strategy Sarah Myer says it’s imperative to invest in people for the future of sports, “This initiative aligns powerfully with our 2050 Vision, especially in our commitment to growing Sports Academia as a pillar of Indiana’s long-term sports strategy. By connecting world-class education with real-world experiences, Butler is creating a pipeline of talent that will elevate our region and industry.”
BISE will be able to leverage its students, programs, facilities and resources for all of central Indiana’s sports and entertainment organizations, Dean of the Lacy School of Business Craig Caldwell says. BISE can offer their partners marketing, video production and streaming, event data analysis, market research, kinesiology-related projects.
To accomplish their ambitions, Butler says they’ll employ faculty and students from the College of Communication, Lacy School of Business, and College of Education.
“Our students are going to get practical, real-world experience that will propel them as they start their careers,” Caldwell said. “Additionally, central Indiana sports and entertainment organizations — many of which have limited staff and resources — will benefit from the bench-strength Butler can provide. It’s a win-win for all involved.”
Hamilton County Sports Authority will be the first partner as BISE will serve on the communication and marketing team for the LIV Golf Indianapolis 2025 tournament.
Butler Professor Bob Schultz, who formerly held leadership roles at Downtown Indy, Inc. and Visit Indy, will lead BISE.
This story originally appeared on WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/education/butler-launches-institute-sports-entertainment/