In this episode of "Stay Sporty," Matt Surabian, Vice President of Event Booking and Transportation at MetLife Stadium, shares his career journey through the sports and entertainment venue industry. He discusses the operational challenges of managing one of the world’s busiest stadiums, from hosting NFL games and major concerts to handling complex logistics and weather emergencies. Matt offers insights on leadership, teamwork, and career growth, emphasizing the importance of communication, adaptability, and building strong relationships in the industry. The episode provides valuable advice for aspiring sport and entertainment professionals.

• Matt Surabian's career journey in the sports and entertainment venue industry.
• Early exposure to the public assembly business through family background.
• Experiences at various venues, including Rollins College, Walt Disney World Sports Complex, Philips Arena, Spectrum Center (formerly Charlotte Bobcats Arena), and Barclays Center.
• Operational challenges and logistics of managing MetLife Stadium.
• The unique dynamics of two NFL teams (Jets and Giants) co-owning a stadium.
• Event booking processes and the importance of collaboration with teams and promoters.
• Strategies for ensuring a high-quality guest experience at large events.
• The complexities of managing transportation and crowd control during and after major events.
• Insights on career growth and the importance of mentorship in the industry.
• Advice for young professionals in venue management and the sports industry.

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Ready to turn your passion for sports and entertainment into a high-impact career?

Stay Sporty is just the beginning of the journey; at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM), you can step out of the audience and into the industry with world-class faculty and unmatched networking opportunities. Visit the College of HRSM today (www.sc.edu/hrsm) to explore our residential and online degree programs and discover how we can help you build the experience that sets you apart from day one.

In this episode of "Stay Sporty," Adeja Spain, Manager of Partnership Management at SoFi Stadium, shares her unconventional career journey in sports and entertainment. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, her roles with the Charlotte Hornets and Wasserman, and her current work managing brand partnerships at SoFi Stadium. Adeja explains the difference between sponsorships and partnerships, highlights memorable projects like launching the Gallagher Club, and offers leadership insights. She also previews her forthcoming memoir and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and relationship-building for career success in the industry.

• Introduction and Guest Welcome
• Early Interests and Education
• First Internship at Live Nation
• Describes applying for multiple internships in Charlotte, facing rejections, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
• Charlotte Hornets Internship Experience
• Transition to Full-Time at Hornets
• Move to Arena Marketing
• Impact of COVID-19 and Career Reflection
• Joining Wasserman Agency
• Agency Life and Working with A’ja Wilson
• Career Break and Joining SoFi Stadium
• Role at SoFi Stadium: Partnerships
• Lessons from Arena Marketing and Mentorship
• Preparation and Behind-the-Scenes Work
• Sponsorships vs. Partnerships Explained
• Managing Multiple Partners and Daily Operations
• Event Attendance and Work-Life Balance
• Leadership Lessons and Management Philosophy
• Forthcoming Book: "It Had to Happen"
• Advice for College Freshmen
• Favorite Events and Overcoming Challenges
• Conclusion and Episode Wrap-Up

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Ready to turn your passion for sports and entertainment into a high-impact career?

Stay Sporty is just the beginning of the journey; at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM), you can step out of the audience and into the industry with world-class faculty and unmatched networking opportunities. Visit the College of HRSM today (www.sc.edu/hrsm) to explore our residential and online degree programs and discover how we can help you build the experience that sets you apart from day one.

In this episode of "Stay Sporty" Jessica O’Neill, President of Business Operations for the Houston Dynamo and Dash, shares her journey from the University of South Carolina to leading two professional soccer teams. She discusses building her career in sports, the challenges of leadership and motherhood, growing soccer’s popularity in Houston, and the importance of representation and mentorship. Jessica offers candid insights on embracing failure, balancing work and family, and choosing happiness, while highlighting Houston’s diversity and the city’s excitement as a host for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

• Introduction and Guest Welcome
• Jessica’s Career Journey: Education to Early Career
• Transition to the Carolina Panthers
• Charlotte FC and MLS Expansion
• Opportunity with Houston Dynamo and Dash
• Reflections on Leadership and Taking the Top Job
• Day-to-Day Responsibilities as President
• Managing Two Teams: Dynamo and Dash
• Growing Soccer in Houston and the “Soccer Curious”
• Challenges as a Woman in Sports Leadership
• Work-Life Balance and Motherhood
• Vision for the Future: Clubs and World Cup
• Learning from Failure and Leadership Lessons
• Life Advice: “Choose Happiness”
• Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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Ready to turn your passion for sports and entertainment into a high-impact career?

Stay Sporty is just the beginning of the journey; at the University of South Carolina’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM), you can step out of the audience and into the industry with world-class faculty and unmatched networking opportunities. Visit the College of HRSM today (www.sc.edu/hrsm) to explore our residential and online degree programs and discover how we can help you build the experience that sets you apart from day one.