 |
SPORTSCENTER SUPPORTS ATHLETICS THROUGH CONCESSIONS
2-2-06
As many of the SportsCenter students have learned since coming to VCU, a sports organization is multi-faceted. As some aspects of organizations are well-known, others are not readily thought of, such as concessions. Although many people may not initially think of concessions as being a part of the sports industry, it is actually a very integral piece of the very complex puzzle. If operated correctly and efficiently, a significant amount of revenue can be generated from concession sales. According to Al Deschamps, Director of Food Operations at the Siegel Center, VCU concessions produces approximately $500,000 of revenue each year. And, of that, around 20% is given back to the community through the organizations that work at each window.
The VCU SportsCenter attempts to give students a broad experience of what may be to come in their future careers. As future leaders, it is important that students not only understand the sports industry, but embrace it as well. In order to accomplish this, one element of the SportsCenter program is for students to work concessions for several basketball games or other events held at the Siegel Center. Working concessions not only allows the students to obtain a diverse experience in the sports industry, but is also a customer service as it satisfies the desires of fans attending games.
Working concessions aids SportsCenter students in developing their own personal leadership skills. As many students have quickly discovered, working concessions requires those present to work as a team. Each individual working knows that in order for the night to go smoothly, they must be willing to help the other students with whom they are working. Furthermore, communication is imperative while working concessions. There are a few times during the night when business can become quite chaotic. It is during these times that those working must be willing to open all doors of communication. Finally, people skills are improved through interaction with hundreds of fans who come to buy an order of nachos, a pretzel, or a hot dog. Students must not only take their order, but must also treat them with appreciation, because if it was not for the fans, the concessions would not exist. And, if concessions did not exist, neither would the revenue that it generates. It's a winning situation for all involved!
|
|
|
|
|
