Sport management students get inside look at CT venues

During the fall 2024 semester, Eastern Connecticut State University business students went on tour throughout Connecticut's most renowned arenas and athletic complexes. From the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts to the XL Center, Professor Charlie Chatterton's "Facility Design in Sport Management" class offered students a glimpse into the inner workings of athletic/entertainment venues.

Chatterton organized visits to eight venues across the state, including the athletic facilities of Eastern, the University of Connecticut, Dunkin Park, Rentschler Field and others.

Each of Chatterton's trips are designed to be connected to course material. "It is not the traditional classroom setting, but during the course of the trips, different topics can be brought up," he said. Chatterton also emphasized that alumni often lead the tours and talk to students. "I hope it makes students realize that this could be them in the future."

The students are "fortunate to have these opportunities," according to Eastern Athletics Equipment Manager Scott Smith. "Experiences outside of the classroom are extremely important for students. Providing them with the opportunity to visit a facility and get a hands-on, real-life idea of what it is like … provides them with better insight into the realities of facilities management."

Smith also highlighted that he enjoyed interacting with the students. "Seeing their reactions when they find out new information about a facility or the reasons behind why things were or are done a certain way makes the discussions worthwhile," he said. Smith pointed out that touring facilities gives students a different perspective on the field that can't be obtained in the classroom.

Chatterton speaks at a business networking event on campus this fall 2024 semester.

At Rockville High School, students got a feel for K-12 sports facilities. The school's director of athletics and physical education, Jeff Farrell, appreciated the insightful and thought-provoking questions put forward by Chatterton and his students. "Getting field experience is perhaps the most valuable thing you can do in a course," said Farrell. "You get to see real world examples and speak to people in the profession."

Students also gained behind-the-scenes access to one of Connecticut's largest venues. The general manager and director of operations at East Hartford's Rentschler Field, Derek Miles '08, an Eastern graduate, highlighted the importance of exploring different areas of sport management. "Whether it be operations, ticketing, marketing, finance, etc., there are multiple avenues in sports to explore," he said.

Miles oversees the stadium's budget, operations and staffing. He works on different tasks around the venue each day: "That's what makes the job so enjoyable." According to Miles, every day is different in the field of facilities management. "When you're running a large facility with a small crew, it can be strenuous," he said.

Senior business major Connor Landon expressed his appreciation for the visits. "Learning how (Eastern business alumni) have developed into their careers was great to see," he said. Landon also indicated that he enjoyed getting to tour UConn's facilities, gaining behind-the-scenes access to a D1 sports program.

Field trips have become somewhat of a tradition in Chatterton's class in recent years. Supplementing Eastern's Office of Career Success and academic advising programs, Chatterton is providing his students with even more opportunity for post-graduate success.

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