Connect with Scott on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Having completed the first week of MSBA 2014, it’s become clear to me that each and every day of this experience is going to be unique. As the 25 of us navigate through our internships, MSBA activities, and this massive city, each day presents exciting new opportunities for us to learn and grow. Friday was no exception – our group was given the incredible opportunity to explore what’s known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden.
After convening in the arena lobby, we were greeted by Matt Ungaro, Manager of Integrated Sales for The Madison Square Garden Company. Matt led us on an in-depth tour of the recently renovated facility. The tour gave us the chance to see everything that the “new” MSG has to offer, from the incredible suites in the underbelly of the event level to the Chase Sky Bridge that hangs from the rafters high above the arena bowl. Although the building looks much different than it did prior to its renovation, it hasn’t lost its old-school, intimate feel that has made it such an iconic venue for so many decades.
Following our tour, we were lucky enough to hear more from Matt and two of his colleagues, Vicki Shapiro (Vice President, Digital at MSG Sports) and Shannon Fox (Director, Team Sales at MSG) about their experiences with MSG and how they got to where they are today. What resonated with me most from our time with them was that they each took unique paths to their respective positions. As I begin my own journey to carve out a niche in the industry it’s nice to know that there isn’t one set path to each career. If you work diligently toward your goals, doors can be opened, no matter how unique your background of experience may be. This really gives me the confidence to try new things and diversify my experience early in my career in order to broaden my opportunities down the road.
Following our time with Matt, Vicki and Shannon, a large portion of the group headed to a restaurant down the street called Lucy’s to grab a drink and some dinner – a great way to start our first weekend of exploring this incredible city!
It’s going to be hard to top Week 1 of MSBA 2014, but I can’t wait to see what Week 2 has to offer.