What You Don’t Know About Sports Facility Management
Whether it’s the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the Tennis Opens, Formula 1, NFL, NBA, Champions League, or Golf Tournaments, sports events are eagerly anticipated by fans. The team anthems, an announcement of lineups, pioneering of peace in Ukraine and No Room For Racism agendas, celebrations, disappointments, and lifting of major trophies are some of the most attractive factors of these great games.
However, many fans are addicted to the highs and peaks of these sports events, but they are unaware of the work that’s made them a success. So who cleans the seats, when are fields prepared, who maintains the technical areas, who gives the supplies; basically who is behind the complete success of these sports events? That’s where the sports facility management team comes in, with the expertise and workforce.
So what is sports facility management, and who are the team players?
What is Sports Facility Management?
Sports facility management is the work input to ensure that the selected locations that host events are well kept. This task can be as simple as maintaining a small pitch to working on an international sports hosting facility. It’s the work done on and off the pitch, including maintaining the fields and the entire facility.
Sports facility management involves many responsibilities, and different individuals are assigned to serve a particular purpose. The roles range from designing the facilities for renovations to the hospitality of fans and players. So what are some of the jobs available in this industry?
Types of Sports Facility Management Employment Opportunities
Different professionals serve individual roles in sports facility management. Some of the available positions include:
- Operations Manager – This is the top position and oversees all the responsibilities allocated to junior employees. When it comes to decision-making, the manager calls the shots and keeps every other employee in check to ensure they deliver on their duties. They also follow up on routine maintenance, and they are responsible for hiring the other employees.
- Facility director – This is the second in command after the operations manager. They serve almost similar roles as the manager, although they are more involved during actual sports events. They ensure everything is in place and that the entire event runs smoothly. A different role from what managers do is that directors cater to players’ and spectators’ medical needs and safety.
- Promotions specialists – This role is for the public relations of the sports facility. A promotions specialist is tasked with ensuring that the facility attracts suitable events and sponsors to grow its reputation to the public.
- Athletic trainer – Among the minor but significant roles, this employee is paid to ensure that players are fit for matches and help those with injuries to recover until they are fit for competitions.
- Ticketing – This important role is what raises a significant percentage of funds to maintain the facilities. Ticketing has evolved over the years, and it is now done digitally, but confirmation upon entry and helping fans to their seats is part of the job.
- Technicians – This team ensures that the lights, entry points, alarms, screens, scores display, etc., are correctly functioning. They also handle the cameras that help stream matches, communication, and commentary sound heard throughout the event.
- Field maintenance – This team ensures that the field is well kept from the grass, field markings, borders, seats, and posts are perfect. They also clean the changing rooms and stock up on the requirements needed during the event.
- Engineers – Are tasked with the design and construction amendments of the field. They majorly come in when there is a need to expand the number of attendees per event or create safety measures.
- Health team – They are responsible for catering for any injuries to players or medical emergencies of spectators.
- Security team – They handle the safety of the entire facility.
- Catering – They supply the foodstuff from drinks to snacks that spectators buy during the matches.
The Guide to Sports Facility Management
All sports facility managers are expected to maintain their arenas under a high level of scrutiny. These responsibilities range from capital to operations with tasks such as construction, marketing, and the planning of events. The key to succeeding in such a position requires a set of tips that’ll help you grow other the years.
Some of the things to consider include:
- Setting goals – It’s crucial to have a sense of direction and a vision to grow. You can set some goals, including increasing memberships, increasing daily check-ins, introducing more amenities and services, and increasing attendance during events.
- Pricing – Pricing is crucial, and as part of financial management, you should ensure that you earn more than you spend. It would be best to wisely charge for ticketing and field accessibility to ensure you can maintain the facility, pay salaries, and still make a profit.
- Operation hours – You should know when people can access the facility and when staff will do their maintenance jobs. There should be a balance between the two to create a win-win situation.
- Management plan – A plan is necessary for your management. What you are looking to do, introduce, or change should be openly communicated to your employees for the smooth running of activities.
- Management model – A management model is essential to air out your strategy and how you intend to work with everyone.
- Transportation and location – Accessibility of your facility is crucial, and transportation of both spectators and members should be considered.
The Dos and Don’ts of Running a Sports Facility
As a sports facility manager, there are several rules that you should stick to attain excellent results. These tips will keep you in check and ensure that you don’t fall out of favor with your employers, the fans, the workforce, sponsors, and the public. Some of the dos and don’ts include:
The Dos:
- Manage your programs
- Maintain your inventory
- Work on time management
- Regulate costs
- Optimize communication
- Increase operational efficiency
- Optimize your working space
- Organize and empower your staff
The Don’ts:
- Don’t skip your research
- Don’t consider cost over value
- Don’t ignore advice from other experts
There are many tasks involved in sports facility management, and hiring an expert in the field is vital to ensure that you get everything right and grow in the process. GUIÓN PARTNERS is an agency specializing in sports facility management, and it’s backed by years of experience and a team of experts. It is a well-groomed company that provides an overall quality team of professionals to tend to all your facility management needs.
Reach out to GUIÓN PARTNERS for your sports facility management needs.