Sports and Notre Dame have always gone hand in hand. As a university, we have always pushed our students to be the best on and off the field. But, sometimes we can forget that our athletes aren’t the only ones involved in these world class sporting events. There are many other students behind the scenes that make all the pieces fit together and help to make the events run smoothly.
At almost all sporting events, you will probably see a member of the Athletic Marketing Department. These are the students who toil to give you the best sporting event experience possible. They hand out that coveted free swag and make sure your halftime entertainment is actually entertaining. I am lucky enough to have two awesome friends who are a part of that team. Carly Meacham is a sophomore Management Consulting and Psychology major who lives in Lyons, and Ross Laedtke is a sophomore Finance and Econ major from Keough Hall. They are committed to giving fans an amazing game day experience and are willing to withstand pretty much anything to give it to them. They are a critical part in giving the fans the game day they want and deserve. Carly and Ross are the best both on and off the job!
How would you describe Athletic Marketing?
Carly Meacham: BEST. JOB. EVER. But actually, athletic marketing focuses on promoting sporting events and making the fan experience that best it can be.
Ross Laedtke: Athletic Marketing is in all aspects the perfect combination between the sports and business world. Especially at a college, in the spotlight with a competitive athletic program, creating an exciting environment for players and fans is a top priority.
Ross modeling at one of his events
What do you do normally on the job?
CM: The job varies slightly depending on which sport you are working (I worked Men’s Soccer in the fall and am now working Men’s Hockey), but typically a ~day in the life~ involves setting up and working the marketing table (with rosters, team posters, season-ticket-holder contests, etc.), selecting students and fans to participate in halftime/intermission competitions (shooting a hockey puck to win a prize, etc. so hmu at hockey games if you wanna be selected), coordinating national anthem singers and/or special guests, and making sure things run smoothly in the press box.
RL: Like Carly said, it changes a little based on what you work – I had Men’s Soccer in the fall and am currently working Men’s Basketball. Customer interaction is one of the most important skills on the job, whether it’s greeting people as they come it, picking fans for contests, or politely apologizing to the student that juuust missed the last giveaway. A unique aspect for basketball is helping coordinate halftime acts. Some of them pretty much run themselves, but others have specific directions for set up and their actual shows, so it feels like I’m part of their performance.
Carly on the job at a recent Men’s Hockey game
What has been the best part of the job?
CM: Other than the abundant amount of issued gear (#athleticism), I love being behind the scenes at sporting events, getting to meet so many awesome people, and giving back to Notre Dame even if in a small way. Oh and also I get to experience something other than NARP life when I get to go on the field and on the ice during intermissions.
RL: The best part of the job for me is getting to see how much actually goes on over the course of a game. Most fans just show up (especially if there’s something free), go crazy, and leave after the alma mater, but seeing everything that goes on in between really makes you appreciate all of the moving parts to run a game start to finish. Oh and the issued gear has people thinking I’m an athlete, but they should know I’m not that talented.
What has been the hardest part of the job?
CM: Definitely managing so many things at once, especially if you are one of the only staff members available. There always tends to be a hectic time when so many things are going on and we are responsible for making sure everything happens at exactly the right time.
RL: If I had to pick a “most difficult part”, it would probably be simultaneously being a fan and worker. For the most part, I’m able to watch the games, except then there are specific times we have things to prep or check on to make sure everything goes smoothly. But then refer to the previous question, and the best parts of the job definitely make it worth it.
Which event was your favorite?
CM: I would have to say my favorite game was the second round of the Men’s Soccer NCAA tournament. It was the coldest day of the year, so we gave out (and drank) a TON of hot chocolate and were able to watch the 2OT penalty kicks from the press box. *see picture*
RL: It hasn’t happened yet, but my favorite event will be the Men’s Basketball game against North Carolina. It’s on Gameday, the theme is gold out, and I’m hoping for a huge upset. Basketball games are one of my favorite to watch since everyone is so close to the action, and I can’t wait to see if the noise meter finally gets to “Full Domer” level.
Carly and Ross at the Men’s Soccer NCAA Tournament Game
If you were able to have a code name on headset, what would yours be?
CM: Jersey Chaser. (just kidding)
RL: Golden Boy?
If you could give one piece of advice to future hires, what would it be?
CM: I would say to make the most of the experience and give the job your all. Notre Dame athletics are some of the best in the country, and being part of that is one of the best feelings in the world.
RL: Sign up for as many games as possible. Not many people get to say they watched soccer games from the press box, or got to stand courtside/go on the court at ESPN televised basketball games. You won’t be able to say you enjoy going to work for just any job, but this is definitely one of them.
Look out for these pretty faces at the next game!
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Images provided by author and interviewees