The Sports Info Business

Name:                                     John Drum


Title:                                       Vice President, Stadium Operations


Current Team/Organization:    Arizona Cardinals Football Club


Years with Organization:          3.5 years



1. Describe your position and current responsibilities

University of Phoenix Stadium in home to the Arizona Cardinals. The stadium is publicly owned and controlled by Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA). The total cost of the stadium was $455 million dollars, $300 million coming from the sale of bonds and the remainder from the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals own the land surrounding the stadium, known as Sportsman’s Park. My main responsibility is to ensure the game day experience at University of Phoenix Stadium is the best in the National Football League.




2. Tell us about your first job in sports.

I decided to attend Ohio University to obtain an undergraduate degree in Meteorology. During my first year, I attended many Bobcat hockey games and truly enjoyed the passion of the sport. During my sophomore year, I signed up to be the equipment manager for the team. This lowly job for a club hockey team was the beginning of my journey in a career in sports.




 3. What was best advice ever received?

“Nothing ever stays the same – it either improves or gets worse.” Never say, we will do it the same way as we did last time. Never be satisfied and always try to find ways to improve your product, service or presentation.



 
4. What sports memory are you most fond of telling to others?

Being on the field for the last out of the 2002 World Series. I never imaged an open air baseball stadium could be so loud. The energy in the stadium was amazing, and having my parents, sister and future wife there to share the moment with me was awesome.




 5. Describe the area(s) of opportunity for growth in your business.

The National Football League continues to dominate the world of sports. The success of the Cardinals this season will create a new generation of Cardinals fans. How we decide to develop and grow this loyalty will be very important. Continuing to provide a great game day atmosphere in conjunction with a successful team on the field will continue of streak of 32 sellouts at University of Phoenix Stadium.




 6. What are the biggest challenges that face your business today?

We have to continue to find ways to bring out to the stadium and not just watch the game on their 52″ HDTV in their home. We have to sell the excitement of watching the game live and being part of the home field advantage. Tailgating with friends and family is a huge part of the experience. Maintaining a safe and family-friendly environment inside the stadium is a priority. Training the staff that interacts with ticket holders is critically important. 




 7. What is the best way to get a full time job in your sport?

Internship opportunities. Being able to get your foot in the door and show people what you can accomplish.




 8. How has this business changed in the last five years?

After the 9/11 attacks, the security of spectator venues became priority number one. Ticket holders were very accepting of the increased security standards immediately following the attacks in New York and Washington, DC. However, as time moves on, some guests are looking at these security guidelines as more of an inconvenience. Being able to balance guest service and security is very easy.



 
9. What are the kinds of things do you look for in an employee?

The willingness to complete any task. As an intern, you need to prove you are ready for more responsibility. This comes from actions, not words. Everyone started off answering phones or making copies or other seemingly unimportant tasks, but completing those tasks to the best of your ability will demonstrate your passion to the organization. 



 10. Finish the thought.  If I had to do it all over again, I would start by …..

Keeping better track of all the people I have met during my 12 years in professional sports. It is amazing how often you come into contact with people you use to work with, met at a conference or is a friend of a friend. That’s why am I filling out this profile! I worked along side Charles Harris at the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. People move around often in the world of sports, so maintaining contacts will come in handy often.




 Anything else you want to share?

Sports is a wonderful profession to be part of, however it does require more than a normal 40-hour a week job. Working in sports needs to be a passion, and finding balance with work and family is not always easy. An internship will provide first hand experience as to what it’s like.

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Cardinals History:

Founded:  1898

Previous Team names:  St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cardinals, Racine Cardinals, the Normals, and the Morgan Athletic Club.

Arizona:  The Cardinals relocated to Arizona from St. Louis in the spring of 1988 and made Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University their new home.

Hall of Fame:  Number of former Cardinals in the Hall of Fame?  14

For a full history on the Arizona Cardinals, you can click here….http://www.azcardinals.com/history/index.php