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| Hanging out in front of the PNC Arena |
Our second field trip of the year was short but exciting, as we headed over the the PNC Arena where Doug Warf, the vice president of marketing for the Carolina Hurricanes, gave us a behind-the-scenes tour and talked about what it's like to work in sports. We also met with folks involved in the CanesVision in-house broadcasting team as well as the food and beverage side of the arena; we're extremely grateful to everyone involved for taking time out of their busy days to share their insights with us.
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| Looking out on the arena from the CanesVision producer's perch |
Our first look out onto the arena (which was being prepared for a Bruce Springsteen concert) was from the top level, normally inaccessible to general patrons. We saw the view that the CanesVision producer and others see of the entire arena on gamedays as Doug explained several aspects of the arena that makes it unique for hosting a variety of different types of events. Although we saw the big red button that signals the extremely loud goal horn when the Hurricanes score a goal, we weren't allowed to touch it (even though some were very tempted) for fear of causing a heart attack or two.
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| Inside the CanesVision control room |
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| Inside the CanesVision control room |
We moved inside the CanesVision control room next, where Doug and a couple CanesVision producers explained the fast-paced work that goes on there during events. We saw an amazing HD camera hidden under the scoreboard that can be controlled remotely and zoom in on any seat in the lower bowl of seats, showing impressive detail. We found out how they choose what crowd shots make the scoreboard between plays and learned about some of the responsibilities these producers have to sponsors when running in-game promotions.
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| Doug Warf explaining the feeds shown on the monitor wall |
Heading out of the control room, we ran into former Hurricanes captain and current assistant coach Rod Brind'Amour as he left the CanesVision studio, where interviews and other features are filmed. We peeked into the studio, where we talked with in-game host Amber Jaye and another producer about their interest and background in sports broadcasting and how they landed jobs with the Hurricanes.
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| The view from press row |
Our last stop on the upper level of the arena was on press row, where broadcasters and other media members sit during Hurricanes games. We learned more about how the Hurricanes staff accommodates large contingents for events like the Stanley Cup Finals or the NHL All-Star Game and checked out the huge screens that were recently installed to make it easier for press to view the TV broadcast.
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| Inside the Lenovo Champions Club |
En route to the club level and the Lenovo Champions Club, Doug shared some very interesting (and often surprising) facts about the costs of running an NHL franchise, their sources of revenue, and the ongoing challenges of ticket sales. Tickets can go for over $300 in the Champions Club, but Doug explained why the Hurricanes converted space for a few large suites into the exclusive section as some businesses prefer the all-inclusive approach when taking clients to games.
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| Discussion at the Arena Club restaurant |
Our final stop was at the Arena Club restaurant, where Katrina Ryan, the arena's director of catering, discussed the many facets of her job. We learned what NHL players and touring musicians like to eat, as Katrina and her staff prepare meals for them as well as for corporate meetings, private events, and pre-concert VIP parties, among other occasions. She shared the high expectations required of employees in catering and client services, both with the Hurricanes and in her previous experience working with the New England Patriots.
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| Discussion at the Arena Club restaurant |
