Working for Game Day Operations can be very fulfilling, but it also requires hard work and a positive attitude. In universities, the majority of the team is made up of student workers, and above them are the Game Day Operations Director and the Assistant.
The Director has responsibilities in planning, setting up for, and managing all game day events and budgets, as well as being responsible for coordinating staffing needs and timing special events.
The Game Day Operations Assistant works closely with the student workers, aiding them in providing good services to the sports fans, setting up and taking down equipment, and managing the game floor.
College students who do work study can get experience in working for Game Day Operations and have a small taste of what it means to provide for the fans and help make these events possible. In order to serve the fans at their best, the student workers can look to the Game Day Operations Assistant for example.
Sara Navarro, a first-year graduate student of Belhaven University, is new in the position of Game Day Operations Assistant. She knows firsthand the responsibilities that come with this position and the skills they must utilize to guarantee an enjoyable game experience for the fans.
“Primarily, my job is to make sure that the fans that are coming have a good time. So that includes concession stands, having a work study that is smiling and energetic, and making sure all the behind-the-scenes are done, like paying the umpires and making sure everyone’s names is correct, all those kinds of things, which I love doing.”
While playing college softball at NC Dallas, Sara’s athletic director sent in her resume to an open position in Belhaven University’s Game Day Operations. She received a call from the new Game Day Operations Director and was invited to work at Belhaven University as the Game Day Operations Assistant.
“I think it’s really important to have people, be kind to everyone because when you have someone in your corner that’s fighting for you, stuff like this happens and it’s a really good opportunity.”
Tyler Freeman has enjoyed working with Sara in Game Day Operations. “Sara is a wonderful asset to our Game Day team. She works hard and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty to get the job done. Sara has excellent social skills, which is crucial in her position.”
The work study team for Game Day Operations look up to Sara and hope to perform their responsibilities with the same amount of happy energy she exerts.
Lewis Hines, a senior undergraduate, personally enjoys working with her. “She’s an extremely hard worker. She loves what she’s doing. She enjoys game day and the atmosphere. She does whatever she can to make game day better than it already is. I personally have fun working with her. She’s a true joy and a true life to game day staff.”
If you were looking for a Game Day Operations Assistant, who goes above and beyond to perform her responsibilities and builds relationships with those she serves, look to Sara Navarro.
Other Websites
https://www.sports-management-degrees.com/job-profiles/game-operations/
https://operations.nfl.com/the-game/gameday-behind-the-scenes/
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Nice story, Britney! I like the behind-the-scenes look at how Game Days come together successfully and your focus on Sara Navarro gives this story the personal face that it needs to appeal to readers. I’ve never been a part of the game day operations, but I have helped run a merchandise stand for Belhaven’s bookstore during some games, so I know how hectic it can get! I think my only suggestion might be to try and find places that are more noise-isolated to do future interviews, as the background noise might be distracting to some. Besides that, I really enjoyed your story!
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I thought this was a very insightful news story. Its interesting to learn about the various job opportunities at Belhaven. I thought your interviews were very good and went along with the story well. I didn’t realize how much is done behind the scenes by other students that attend Belhaven.
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Game days are really important and fun for students. It allows us to be in an environment that makes us feel like one. Like part of a team. So having people like Sarah is extremely beneficial to the atmosphere of games. Game days behind the scenes can be tough with all of the work it takes to make sure everything runs smoothly.
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Well done Britney! I was very impressed with your interviews and your focus on the behind the scenes. It is nice to see the work that is put into game days. It is also nice to see that students put the hard work in to get things done. I am sure that it felt nice to them as well because you were giving the recognition they have deserved!
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Good story Brittney! We never realize what goes on behind the scenes of gameday operations and its really interesting and appreciated! It is also nice to see you guys enjoy the things that yall do!
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