Stadium Operations Associate

Ford Field Management and the Detroit Lions currently need a Stadium Operations Associate. This position will report to the Operations Manager. The position will have the opportunity to learn and assist with the coordination of Ford Field events and stadium operations.

This is a full-time internship working approximately 40 hours per week. This position would begin on or around June 2026 and end approximately April 2027. This position is based at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. This is a paid position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (including, but not limited to):
The Stadium Operations Associate position will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, the following:

Working Events (calendar subject to change):

• All Home Lions Games


• All Upcoming Ford Field Concerts


• Catholic League Football Championships


• Michigan Competing Band Association Championship


• BGCSM Football Championship


• PAL Championship


• MHSAA Football Championships


• MAC Championship


• GameAbove Sports Bowl


• 2027 Monster Jam and Supercross


• 2027 Final Four

Major Events:

• Assist the event lead for certain events, to work directly with the client (pre-determined by employer) and communicate all client needs to the appropriate departments as necessary.


• Supervise and coordinate operational and logistical elements for street parties that are held the day of the event.


• For major sporting events, assist with game day logistics including team bands, equipment, practice, signage and other duties to ensure a seamless and positive experience for teams and their staff.


• Assist with loading in/out vendors activating on concourse.


• Ensure that all necessary signage is created and displayed for all major events to accommodate guests.


• Assist inputting incidents in 24/7 Incident Management Software, fielding radio/telephone calls, and responding to text assist messages in Operations Center.

Detroit Lions Events:

• Assist with management of Game Day Credentials – Organize, Input, Print, Distribute & Game Day Credential Help Desk.


• Detroit Lions Pregame Tailgate (Pride Plaza) – Assist in managing operational and logistical elements for tailgates on Brush Street prior to Lions games. Includes determining vendor booth locations, scheduling food trucks, making sure all vendors adhere to the NFL Best Practices and Ford Field guidelines, and maintaining a safe environment for all guests.


• Work to secure and negotiate competitive bids for equipment needed for Lions games. May include golf carts, signs/banners, crowd barrier, portable restrooms, and all other items that may be needed.


• Assist with post-event Guest Code of Conduct efforts, including notetaking during review meetings, sending letters and tracking resolutions.


• Assist inputting incidents in 24/7 Incident Management Software, fielding radio/telephone calls, and responding to text assist messages in Operations Center.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Analyze post event feedback from each event and determine which operational items can be performed more efficiently in the future.


• Assist with daily general office duties and operational needs of the Operations department, including making copies, filing, laminating, creation and hanging event signage, front office coverage and phone/email correspondence


• Respond to the Guest Services emails daily and forward those that require more in depth follow-up.


• Answer guest questions and concerns from phone calls, letters, comment forms & voicemail.


• Track and log radio inventory and distribute as needed for events


• Create event diagrams and layouts


• Maintain professionalism when communicating with internal and external contacts


• Must be detail oriented with strong organizational skills


• Ability to work independently; to perform multiple, unrelated duties at the same time, and to organize work effectively and efficiently.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and able to juggle, shift gears and maintain a sense of humor


• Adjust work schedule to meet departmental demands


• Keep appropriate information confidential


• Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, Event Management or related field required


• Minimum 1 year of operations and/or event management experience required, experience within professional sports or entertainment preferred.


• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Suite (Illustrator & Photoshop)


• Demonstrated ability to provide exceptional guest service


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and guests.


• Ability to negotiate with clients and maintain effective working relationships.


• Experience operating portable radios, telephones, computers, and other office equipment associated with responsibilities.


• Ability to work a flexible schedule to be available for scheduled events, including nights, weekends, and holidays.


• May require work out of both the Ford Field Management Office and the Meijer Performance Center


• A valid Driver’s License and good driving record


• You may use AI as a tool in creating your application, but this role is powered by human talent—your judgement, experience, and character are integral. Please let your personal talent shine.