Students plan day at Pirates game

As part of their senior capstone course, a group of West Virginia University public relations students are aiming to bring the student body a day of fun, food and baseball.

During the WVU/ Morgantown Day at the Pittsburgh Pirates, students will be able to enjoy transportation to the April 19 game, a ticket for admission, a food voucher, a T-shirt and a Roberto Clemente jersey – all for $30.

"It’s a really great package deal," said senior public relations student Cornelius Cody.

Thanks to support and funding from the Student Government Association and student affairs, Cody said he believes the event will not only provide students with a fun extracurricular activity, but also a chance to build relationships within the WVU and Morgantown community.

"What I really think is the greatest part about this whole experience is the opportunity to build community within the student body, but also to build community with Morgantown and the alumni," he said. "One of the things that this University and this town prides itself on is its sense of community ... It’s essential to preserve that unity between the town and the school, but also it’s essential to preserve it between the alumni and the school so we can truly foster a national and worldwide community, in which Mountaineers are able to call on each other to make real change."

Cody said the group hopes to take the event above and beyond in years past and hopes to include a meet and greet prior to the game for current students and alumni, and the opportunity to speak with alumnus and owner of the Pirates Robert Nutting.

"I think that’s an aspect that makes this day really special," he said. "Not only do students have ties to the Pittsburgh
community but it’s run by one of our own."

Senior public relations student Gina Sporio said the group hopes to launch a social media campaign one week prior to ticket sales to help spread
awareness of the opportunity.

Sporio said she has enjoyed the opportunity to gain real-world experience through this capstone campaign and has made connections she hopes to last a lifetime.

"It’s a lot different than any other course – especially through the journalism school. Our capstones are so different than a lot of the other ones, and its such a hands-on experience," she said. "I really think that’s the best way to work. We’ve already learned so much. We’ve been reaching out and already starting to network and begin planning things. It’s a great way to even get to know your classmates better, too, before graduating and hopefully keep in touch and network even before graduation."

Tickets will be available for purchase midnight March 3, and booths in the Mountainlair will be available throughout the week.

Cody and Sporio said they encourage students to look out for the social media campaign, which will include more information on the event.