Steps for a Successful Sports Event

Have you ever enjoyed watching a sports event in person or on television? Have you thought of the planning that it takes behind the scenes to make the event happen? Sports event management is a huge job. Events play a major role in generating income for sports organizations and, often, nearby restaurants, hotels, and airports. Sports event managers are responsible for planning and delivering on every detail.

It can be thrilling work. It’s also tremendously challenging and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more health concerns and drastic changes to how sports events are managed. As in-person events gradually come back, follow the steps below to create a successful sports entertainment event.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Start with a master plan

As you start to plan for an event, map out everything you want to include in it. Your plan might involve some or all of these:

• Venue and logistics
• Catering
• Speakers
• Entertainment and activities
• Advertising
• Registration
• Sponsors
• Paid and/or volunteer staff

Establish Your Budget

Include estimates for every important element of your sports event, including travel and accommodation costs for speakers, food costs, vendors, presenters and other special guests.

Set the Date

Once the date is confirmed, you’ll be able to book the venue, schedule staff, and start promoting the event.

Get Support from Sponsors

Sponsorships help you cover costs. Seek out corporate sponsors and establish partnerships with community organizations. Many will gladly contribute in return for the promotion of their brands and services. Get creative finding sponsors! They can supply prizes, charitable contributions, equipment, uniforms, in-race refreshment, and beyond. The more open you are to creative sponsorship ideas, the more likely you’ll be to land sponsors.

Select the Venue

Choose a venue that meets your sports entertainment event needs and fits your budget. Check estimates and availability for multiple venues to keep your options open.

Advertise

Have the marketing department create a logo and branding for the event, build a website, establish your presence on social media, and buy ads in print, broadcast and online platforms.

From community fundraisers and school sports to the major leagues and international competitions, sports event managers work at every level to ensure that every event goes off without any complications and that fans stay engaged. The quality of the experience is what matters the most. You must deliver the results that the attendees expect. Sports events are about memories and moments!

Planning a sports event varies depending on the type of sport it is. What sports event have you managed? What other steps have you completed to master a sports event? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!