Dr. Sungick Min (far left) and students (continuing from left) Jack Hoadley, Evan Barrett and Arianne LeRouzes, have a commanding view of KeyBank Center at a recent Buffalo Sabres’ NHL game.
It doesn’t get any better than taking in an NHL hockey game at the suite level.
That’s an assessment first-year Sport Management students can make after watching the Buffalo Sabres take on the Detroit Red Wings at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, on Oct. 26.
From their perch in the 19,200-seat arena, Jack Hoadley, Arianne LeRouzes and Evan Barnett were ideally positioned to examine and break down assorted aspects of a professional hockey game, while also taking in the overall game atmosphere.
“As an avid sports fan, I really enjoyed my experience. I have been to many different professional games but was truly impressed with the vibrant sports culture, fan interaction, merchandise,” said Ms. LeRouzes, an Ontario, Canada, native, “and my absolute favourite part was the live band encouraging fans to be attentive with the game.”
Likewise, the suite-level accommodations and amenities didn’t disappoint Ms. LeRouzes, a middle/utility player on the Blue Devils softball team. Transportation, parking, food and premium seating were all part of the package.
Getting to analyze and dissect professional sporting events in person made this such a cool experience to be a part of and a valuable experience as a Sport Management student.” -- Jack Hoadley
A big hockey fan, LeRouzes was especially impressed with their seating because of the overall view it provided. The entire rink could be easily seen, so player action could be easily tracked and the high level of athleticism truly appreciated, she explained. Seating was comfortable and premium catering offered a wide variety of grab-and-go food.
Mr. Hoadley, of Auburn, NY, indicated he saw a side to a sport of which he knew little. “With it being my first real experience with hockey, I was certainly unfamiliar with the sport as a whole but at the game I was able to easily pick it up and ended up coming out interested in hockey much more than I was in the past,” he said.
“Getting to analyze and dissect professional sporting events in person made this such a cool experience to be a part of and a valuable experience as a Sport Management student,” said Hoadley, who also has a minor in Communication.
It’s very important to take advantage of opportunities to go to games like this, especially for Sport Management majors, according to Hoadley, who’d like to work at the executive level in sports. He highly recommends the experience to fellow Sport Management students.
The KeyBank Center experience offered every year to students enrolled in SPMG 100: Pathway to Success and SPMG 210: Principles of Sport Management can help students to become more engaged and intellectually curious and can lead to understanding concepts more deeply, said Applied Professional Studies Associate Professor Sungick Min, who accompanied the students.
“Also, it can create memories that can motivate students to continue learning.” Dr. Min added.
