Name: Jessica Martin
Date: February 20, 2017
Student Advisory Board Member
Thanks to Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing, I had the opportunity of attending a behind-the-scenes tour of Quicken Loans Arena this past Wednesday.
Myself, and several other University students met with Group Event Specialist Mark Mazzagatti, who gave us the VIP treatment.
First, we saw the control room where Q TV--the Production team which creates all in-game audiovisual for the Cavaliers, Monsters, and Gladiators--conducts their business. Each element to their production has an inherent quality that is only enhanced by the colossal jumbo-tron that the "Q" is recognized for (the pyro during pre-game intros was amazing!). The work that their team does is truly world-class.
After, Mr. Mazzagatti showed us the Cavaliers’ front office. Surprisingly, the main offices are all organized with an open concept design, made to have everyone work together as a team. Every morning starts with “pump up” music, and television screens are used throughout the Sales staff department to display critical numbers such as total revenue, retention, group sales, and so on. The fun corporate culture was contagious. He then proceeded to show us a working model of Quicken Loans Arena's expansion, plus one of the premium suiteholder spots (to see Lebron James warm-up!).
Our last visit prior to the game was with Point Park University alumnus Fred McLeod. Meeting him again (as I can recall attending his presentation last fall) was a treat. He has been in the industry for so long, and yet no day ever feels like work for him. He offered us all great advice on working in the sports business: it’s all about passion.
Going on trips like these for which the Center provides is the perfect chance to network with sports professionals from other cities, as well as see how other venues and facilities operate. I can’t thank them and the school enough for an educational and exciting visit to Cleveland.
Date: February 20, 2017
Student Advisory Board Member
Thanks to Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing, I had the opportunity of attending a behind-the-scenes tour of Quicken Loans Arena this past Wednesday.
Myself, and several other University students met with Group Event Specialist Mark Mazzagatti, who gave us the VIP treatment.
First, we saw the control room where Q TV--the Production team which creates all in-game audiovisual for the Cavaliers, Monsters, and Gladiators--conducts their business. Each element to their production has an inherent quality that is only enhanced by the colossal jumbo-tron that the "Q" is recognized for (the pyro during pre-game intros was amazing!). The work that their team does is truly world-class.
After, Mr. Mazzagatti showed us the Cavaliers’ front office. Surprisingly, the main offices are all organized with an open concept design, made to have everyone work together as a team. Every morning starts with “pump up” music, and television screens are used throughout the Sales staff department to display critical numbers such as total revenue, retention, group sales, and so on. The fun corporate culture was contagious. He then proceeded to show us a working model of Quicken Loans Arena's expansion, plus one of the premium suiteholder spots (to see Lebron James warm-up!).
Our last visit prior to the game was with Point Park University alumnus Fred McLeod. Meeting him again (as I can recall attending his presentation last fall) was a treat. He has been in the industry for so long, and yet no day ever feels like work for him. He offered us all great advice on working in the sports business: it’s all about passion.
Going on trips like these for which the Center provides is the perfect chance to network with sports professionals from other cities, as well as see how other venues and facilities operate. I can’t thank them and the school enough for an educational and exciting visit to Cleveland.