Here is a story about my perfect part time job for Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment! The variety of events that I get to experience and the level of interaction that I have with people is exciting! GM Place is where everyone who is anyone comes to experience some world class entertainment. I can't tell you how many hockey players, broadcasters, celebrities, and even long lost friends from years back that I have met in only my first 10 events!
From Justin Timberlake and Beyonce to the Vancouver Canucks, every event is a learning experience. This place is like a city and it is very interesting to see how many different departments make up this massive operation. For Example: Catering (Food/Beverage from the suites to the hotdog stands), Guest Services, Security, Emergency Services, Post Event Conversions, Housekeeping, Merchandising, Game Presentation and contests, Audio/Video, NHL staff, officials and team support, Premium Services (Executive and Hospitality Suites), Season Ticket agents, Charity events, etc!
My favorite places would be the 200 Level Suites, The Champions Lounge, Seiman's Club 104-108, Brewhouse Grill, Visions Lounge, 311 and 317 Platforms, and the 500 Level Penthouse Suites. Being in these places makes me feel like a regular Donald Trump! It's a great way of getting a taste of the good life, except I'm getting paid to be there.
I will say that at times my job can be a little hectic because you are dealing with people who "pre-drink" heavily before the event. There are times however where you kind of pinch yourself to see if it's all a dream. Really its just about orienting fans and making them feel welcome. They are spending a lot of money, and I do feel obligated to make sure they get great service and enjoy their time in the building. I am just feeding off their energy because they are very excited to be at an event like a concert or a Canucks game.
At a concert the energy level is very high, similar to a Canucks game when the boys are playing well. (It hasn't been as often as I like so far this season.) The atmosphere becomes electric and the emotion that engulfs the building when the Canucks score a big goal, is something that I replay in my mind at spare moments later on! When the puck crosses the goal line and the red light goes on, 18, 630 fans explode and the horn puts an exclamation mark on an amazing split second that turns the arena into a madhouse!
It is also fun to watch the reactions of the players to their fans the moment after the goal is scored. These players are like kids with the huge grins and celebrations with their teammates. These are the moments they live for and we are going along for the ride! Personally it is alot of inspirational fuel for me to apply to what I am passionate about in life. It is very similar to watching someone like Beyonce gaze out into the crowd just after finishing a song and hearing the fans explode after yet another amazing performance. This is where I get to experience, first hand, a star's reaction to the fans appreciating their hard work and dedication.
I usually am scheduled to work about 2 hours prior to the event start time. Pre Event is like an ant hill! Everybody is pre programmed with their task and they execute like clockwork. As a host, I could be in any location! There are a few "bad spots" that are boring, but everyone gets a turn at those less than desirable posts. A great part of this job is that you get rotated throughout the arena and are always doing something different. From Guests Services, to the Gates and the Section Tunnels to the wheelchair sections. I am right in the middle of the event and it's a different experience each time! I get to know the season ticket holders and colleagues well and it doesn't take long for this large arena to feel like home!
Sure you may get some rowdies, but that's what security is there for. I do have several interesting stories about guests who decided to argue their evictions and try to take on Police as well! Let's just say folks, that if you get evicted, do the right thing and walk out! Believe me, It's not fun seeing your head bonked against the steps and metal railings because it's very difficult to drag someone out who is resisting.
With each issue of the Highlight Reel I will give you a bit of a look at what goes on in the "Premier Sports and entertainment venue in British Columbia!" My first two events were concerts by Justin Timberlake and then Beyonce two days later! You can find summaries of those on the "Concerts" category of my blog.
Photos Courtesy of: Generalmotorsplace.com
