|
 |
|
One of the major draws of studying the sports business in San Diego is that there is always an opportunity to get experience in the industry while you’re in school. From college sports to marathons to air races and everything in between, there’s always something sports-related happening any time of year in San Diego. Thanks to the enthusiastic students in the Class of 2010, any time there’s a sporting event in San Diego, you’ll find SDSU Sports MBA students. A group from the Sports MBA class recently had the opportunity to help put on a major event here in San Diego for one of the most popular and sought-after athletes on the planet, LeBron James. This year, for the first time in its four year existence, the LeBron James King’s Academy relocated from Akron, OH to San Diego. LeBron’s first time in San Diego generated a significant buzz within the SD sports scene, and students worked alongside Angela LaChica of LaChica Sports to handle the event's ground support, including marketing, advertising and media relations.
Sports MBA students and 520 campers at the LeBron James King’s Several months prior to the event, five Sports MBA students assisted with the camp’s local marketing campaign, working directly with local media outlets, sports properties, and non-profit organizations such as the local Boys & Girls Club and It’s All About the Kids. “I gained firsthand experience running press junkets, making promotional partnerships, and handling event operations” stated Erin Garvey (SMBA ’10). When the Academy officially began, more Sports MBA students joined in to manage the camp’s day-to-day operations, overseeing 520 campers, managing logistical operations, and assisting with the event’s overall production. Aside from overseeing the camp office and camper/staff needs, Sports MBA students deftly handled photo and autograph sessions with LeBron as he posed for pictures and signed memorabilia for all of the camp’s attendees. From the business perspective, students witnessed ways in which corporate sponsors such as Nike, Vitamin Water and Upper Deck incorporated their partnerships with LeBron into on-site activations at the Academy. Experience with this camp gave the Sports MBA group real-life exposure to the marketing, media, sponsorship, and operations aspects of working alongside professional athletes, and gave each student an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. The volunteers got an inside look at how a high-profile camp was successfully promoted and operated, all while enjoying a nightly courtside seat to watch the reigning MVP of the NBA play basketball with local kids. “It was a great experience”, stated Erika Lamiell (SMBA ’10), “I will definitely apply the practical knowledge and first-hand experience I gained working on the King’s Academy in my professional career”. The SDSU Sports MBA program wishes to sincerely thank LeBron James for the opportunity to work with him at his first camp in San Diego, King’s Academy Camp Director Damon Haley for his guidance and leadership throughout the event, and Angela LaChica of LaChica Sports for presenting this opportunity to our program. |
