It's Reds' Opening Day! Did a Xavier Student Sell You Tickets?
March 26, 2026
The connection between Xavier University and the Cincinnati Reds runs deeper than their new 10-year partnership naming Xavier the team’s official university. For the past five years, Senior Teaching Professor Karen Eutsler has collaborated with the Reds to give students hands-on sales experience through the Professional Selling Practicum.
Developed with Dustin Thorn, Associate Professor of Sport Science & Management, the course allows students to sell real professional sports tickets while learning the fundamentals of professional selling. It’s a rare experiential-learning opportunity offered at only a handful of universities nationwide. Students make real cold calls, meet with prospects and close sales—experiences that stand out on resumés and in job interviews.
The class also includes a friendly regional competition against University of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky University to see which school can sell the most tickets. Xavier has won six titles so far.
With the expanded partnership, the Reds and Xavier plan to deepen collaboration through internships, mentorship opportunities and new experiential projects that help prepare students for successful careers.