Event Management in College vs. Professional Sports

Having had the opportunity to work in event management roles within both college and professional sports settings, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique demands, expectations, and operational distinctions in each. During my time as a Special Events and Fan Experience Intern with the Cleveland Browns and as an Athletic Event Intern with Baldwin Wallace University, I gained valuable insights that highlighted key differences in event management for college versus professional sports. Below, I’ll outline some of these differences based on my experiences and discuss how event strategies shift depending on the environment, audience, and goals of each type of organization.

1. Scale and Complexity of Events

The scale of events is a significant differentiator. Professional sports events, such as NFL games, operate at a larger scale and with more complex logistics compared to typical college events. At the Cleveland Browns, the training camp required extensive setup, ongoing coordination with corporate partners, and teardown, as well as interfacing with a high volume of fans and media. Each detail, from fan zones to corporate partner areas, demanded a high level of coordination.

In contrast, my work at Baldwin Wallace was smaller in scale but required a similar attention to detail. Setting up and tearing down for college athletic events often focused on ensuring that team logistics, fan guidance, and safety measures were in place. However, these events didn’t typically include the larger sponsorship and media elements that accompany professional events. This difference in complexity often impacts resource allocation and staffing, with professional events typically requiring a larger and more specialized team.

2. Audience Engagement

Engaging with fans differs significantly between college and professional sports. The Browns organization emphasizes a seamless fan experience across all interactions. I often dealt with fan inquiries, resolved issues, and oversaw special youth football events to enhance engagement. These engagements are designed to foster brand loyalty and enhance the fan experience, which is critical in a highly competitive sports industry.

College sports fans, while passionate, often have different expectations. At Baldwin Wallace, audience engagement was more personal and focused on building community around the school’s athletic program. I frequently guided visiting teams and answered fan questions, ensuring that spectators felt welcomed and valued. This experience gave me a perspective on how college sports rely heavily on fostering local pride and a sense of belonging, which can be different from the more commercial approach seen in professional sports.

3. Resource Management and Budgets

Budgets and resource management differ significantly between the two. Professional teams like the Cleveland Browns operate with considerably larger budgets, allowing for more elaborate setups, advanced technology, and larger staff teams. Professional sports also offer a higher degree of financial backing from sponsorships and corporate partners, which means that event managers can innovate and improve operational efficiency through these partnerships.

In college sports, resources are typically more limited, which calls for creative solutions to enhance the event experience. As a Baldwin Wallace intern, I saw firsthand how our team maximized a smaller budget by focusing on essential setup, operational efficiency, and volunteer engagement. This leaner approach taught me valuable skills in resourcefulness and prioritization, as we had to focus on what would deliver the most impact within our budget constraints.

4. Security and Safety Protocols

Safety protocols vary based on the scale and risk level associated with each event. Professional sports events generally have more stringent security measures. For instance, during Browns training camp, there were clear procedures for managing fan interactions and resolving altercations. Professional events must handle larger crowds and higher-profile attendees, necessitating advanced safety measures and trained security personnel to maintain a safe environment.

In college settings, while security is also a priority, the protocols are often scaled to match the lower risk and crowd size. At Baldwin Wallace, we managed fan safety and responded to minor altercations, but without the intensive security procedures required in the professional realm. These experiences underscored how security needs can vary drastically depending on the type of event and the associated risks.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my experiences, I’ve found that event management in college versus professional sports presents unique challenges and learning opportunities. Professional sports, with their larger budgets, audiences, and media visibility, demand high levels of coordination and specialized roles. College sports, on the other hand, offer a more intimate and community-focused experience that requires flexibility and a personal touch.

For those considering a career in sports event management, gaining experience in both settings can provide a well-rounded skill set that is valuable across the industry. Understanding how to manage events with different resources and fan expectations is critical to developing a successful career in this field. Professional sports management often benefits from a more corporate-driven structure, whereas college sports may lean towards a community-centric approach to engage fans and alumni alike

Through my internships, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the skills needed to navigate these varied environments and look forward to applying these insights to future opportunities in event management.