This past Saturday I survived my first game day as an intern - something to be proud of! The Boston Cannons beat up the Chicago Machine with a final score of 22-11 (very impressive for a lacrosse game) and it was a beautiful evening at Harvard stadium to witness such a win. But, lets back-track to 8 in the morning - the time I arrived at our Allston office to start preparing for game day. Throughout the morning, half of the interns are required to work at the office (like myself) to take phone calls for last-minute ticket orders and inquiries, as well as gather the materials for the ticket office and clubhouse. The other half of the interns report directly to Harvard Stadium (the homefield of the Boston Cannons) to begin set-up on the field. After taking many hurried ticket orders (people seem to act on things at the last possible second), we packed up our cars and head for the stadium around noon. The rest of my duties until game time are quite varied and scattered - I helped with everything from merchandise set-up to tents and signage to birthday orders. Around 4 pm, we are required to be in “uniform” (khakis, staff polo, New Balance sneakers) and assume our game time positions - again, a time that I can wear multiple hats. On this particular game day, I was first responsible to work at the “Will Call” booth where I distributed pre-ordered tickets, as well as media and game passes for the VIPs (clearly, a very important task). Once face-off was approaching at 7 pm, I switched to the Fan Services tent where I managed the alternate jersey raffle - something we run each game to benefit Metro Lacrosse, a program which sponsors inner-city lacrosse leagues. Using my stellar Babson sales skills, the raffle was pretty successful and lasted until half-time - and then will be resumed at our next home game. After half-time, I helped monitor operations in the clubhouse and filled in at the merchandise tent until the final minutes when we begin breakdown. As an intern, breakdown primarily consists of: the merchandise tent and inventory, the entire field (including special zones such as the BudLight Barracks and the Qdoba Lounge, as well as all signage and equipment), the clubhouse, the Murr Center (where the VIPs reside), and the Fan Zone. Needless to say, being an intern on game days is very different than regular office days - a fair amount of manual labor is involved, and working a full day can be exhausting. With a high level of motivation, our entire team finished breakdown by 11 pm - when the 15-hour work day is finally completed and we are rewarded by our sponsors (Qdoba burritos for all!). I am tired just recapping the experience.

The third work week has commenced and it is yet another cool, cloudy day in the city. We are primarily focusing on ticket sales for the next home game which is on June 25th versus the Toronto Nationals. In addition, I am continuing my work on our new customer database (a tedious but rewarding task), digging deep into the depths of our numerous contacts. This weekend I will also be participating at the Special Olympics at Harvard for an outside marketing event to promote the Cannons season and brand. So far, I am thoroughly enjoying my experience here, and it is greatly influencing my thoughts of working for another professional sports team in the future - something I certainly would not mind pursuing.

-Lindsay

“It’s a great thing when you realize you still have the ability to surprise yourself. Makes you wonder what else you can do that you’ve forgotten about.”- American Beauty