Game Operations Manager

The Game Operations Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing all game-day operations and live event production for the Athens Crush. This individual will oversee every aspect of the fan experience, ensuring each home game is safe, entertaining, professionally executed, and memorable for fans, sponsors, players, and guests. Working closely with the arena staff, football operations, marketing, sponsorship, ticket sales, entertainment, and event personnel, the Game Operations Manager will coordinate all operational elements leading up to and during home games and team events. Primary Responsibilities Plan, organize, and execute all home game operations from pre-game setup through post-game breakdown. Develop comprehensive game-day timelines, production schedules, scripts, and operational checklists. Coordinate with Akins Ford Arena management and staff regarding event logistics, facility operations, security, housekeeping, concessions, parking, and guest services. Oversee all game-day staff, volunteers, interns, and contracted personnel. Coordinate pre-game, halftime, and in-game entertainment, including cheerleaders, mascot appearances, national anthem performers, color guard, halftime acts, and special presentations. Work with the production team to manage music, video board content, public address announcements, lighting, and special effects. Ensure all sponsor activations, promotions, signage, hospitality areas, and contractual obligations are executed accurately. Collaborate with football operations to ensure seamless coordination between game presentation and on-field activities. Develop contingency plans for operational challenges and respond quickly to unexpected situations during events. Assist with planning community events, pep rallies, media events, and team appearances throughout the year. Conduct post-event evaluations and identify opportunities to improve future game presentations. Maintain inventories of game-day equipment, promotional items, and operational supplies. Ensure compliance with league policies, arena regulations, and safety procedures. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Event Management, Business, Hospitality, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience in game operations, event management, sports entertainment, or live event production. Experience working in professional sports, collegiate athletics, arenas, or entertainment venues is preferred. Exceptional organizational and project management skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strong leadership and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Desired Characteristics The ideal candidate is: Calm under pressure and capable of making quick decisions. Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Positive attitude and team-first mentality. Creative thinker who enjoys developing memorable fan experiences. Outstanding problem-solving abilities. High level of professionalism and customer service. Passion for sports, live entertainment, and event production. Willingness to roll up your sleeves and contribute wherever needed in a startup environment. Compensation Competitive salary based on experience. Performance-based incentives. Team apparel. Opportunity to grow with a new professional sports franchise Why Join the Athens Crush? This is a rare opportunity to help create the game-day experience for a brand-new professional sports franchise from its inaugural season. You’ll work alongside an ownership group that includes Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, College Football Hall of Famer David Pollack, and former MLB All-Star and NFL standout Brian Jordan, helping deliver exciting, family-friendly entertainment to thousands of fans throughout Northeast Georgia. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy bringing live events to life, and have a passion for creating unforgettable fan experiences, we’d love to have you on our team. #J-18808-Ljbffr