The SportsGrad Podcast #277: Journey from Event Coordinator in Melbourne to NFL Stadium Director for the Jacksonville Jaguars with Eray Saban
Meet Eray Saban, the Assistant General Manager of ASM Jacksonville and the Director of EverBank Stadium, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
As you’ll learn in this episode, Eray is no stranger to a large stadium and event, and all of the challenges that come with it. From sports games, to sell-out concerts, to dealing with the FBI, his job is to make sure that every attendee has a safe and enjoyable experience.
Previously, his roles have included Event Operations Manager at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Stadium Event Manager at Marvel Stadium, and Event Operations Coordinator at Tennis Australia.
Lots to look out for, including how to break into the US sports industry, skills needed to manage large-scale events, and how to effectively manage and lead.
Enjoy the episode!
We cover:
(01:25) Who is Eray Saban?
(02:38) Reuben & Ryan welcome
(07:40) What’s happening in the SportsGrad Community?
(11:45) Get to know Eray: Quick-Fire Questions
(15:25) Who are ASM Global?
(19:45) Journey from China to the US following his role at Marvel Stadium
(25:05) How Eray navigates the safety and well-being of crowds at large events
(30:29) Things people wouldn’t know about event management
(31:25) How Eray transitioned to living to the US
(33:27) Application process for an NFL stadium
(35:45) What to know about the US Visa process
(39:29) How Eray used LinkedIn and networking to get hired for overseas roles
(44:39) How differentiating yourself will get you your dream roles
(47:53) Similarities and differences between the AFL and NFL
(52:07) The investment that goes into public safety
(53:35) Challenges as an event manager
(58:14) How Eray has dealt with the transition into leadership
(1:01:09) Advice that has shaped Eray’s leadership skills
(1:03:24) One action that you can do to start your event management career
(1:06:27) ASK SPORTSGRAD
Additional episodes you may enjoy:
#41: Eray Saban (Marvel Stadium) - How to Launch your Career in Event Management
#208: Kerry Gassner - How to make a career change into the sports industry
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This episode is brought to you by Deakin University, the Official Education Partner of The SportsGrad Podcast. Find out why their Master of Business in Sport Management is not one of, but the best one in Australia ranked at #1 at www.deakin.edu.au
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