GAME OPERATIONS & PRESENTATION MANAGER

Athens Rock Lobsters bring fast-paced professional hockey and an unforgettable live entertainment experience to the Classic City. From the moment fans walk through the doors at Akins Ford Arena until the final horn sounds, our goal is to create an atmosphere that is energetic, engaging, and uniquely Athens. We are building more than a hockey team—we are building a game-day experience that brings together great competition, entertainment, community, and a whole lot of personality.

About the role

The Game Presentation & Production position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the Athens Rock Lobsters' in-arena game presentation and live production experience for all home games. This role oversees the development and execution of game scripts, in-game entertainment, promotional elements, theme nights, partnership activations, video board and digital assets, and other production elements that contribute to the overall fan experience. The position combines game operations, creative production, and live event execution, including the development and management of in-game graphics and content within the arena's production and control systems. This role also coordinates game-day production personnel and works closely with internal departments, Akins Ford Arena, and applicable SPHL personnel to ensure all game presentation and operational elements are effectively planned and executed. The position requires significant hands-on involvement during home games and the ability to manage multiple production elements in a fast-paced live environment.

Responsibilities

Creative Development & Game Presentation

• Build, organize, and monitor in-game assets (Jumbotron, ribbon boards, scoreboards).
• Utilize and program live production software, including Daktronics Show Control, Click Effects, and Ross Xpression.
• Write and develop comprehensive game scripts, including public address announcements, video board content, and promotional timing elements.
• Produce the live in-game entertainment, managing the pacing and integration of lights, sound, video, and mascot performances.
• Research and implement best-in-class game presentation trends from across professional sports to keep our fan experience fresh and innovative.

Game Operations & Event Management

• Oversee total in-arena game operations for all home games, ensuring the script is executed flawlessly and adapting on the fly to last-minute adjustments.
• Hire, train, and manage game-day personnel and production crew, including Graphic Designers, DJs, Music Operators, Mascot Performers, and Operational Interns.
• Lead pre-game staff and intern meetings to align game production with entertainment goals.
• Set up and manage pre-game activation spaces, including vomitory tunnel areas and concourse displays.

Sponsorship & Fan Experience Coordination

• Partner with Corporate Sales and Sponsorship teams to craft proposals, activate sponsored events, and ensure all game-day sponsor materials are prepared and flawlessly executed.
• Coordinate Fan Experience Programs alongside the Group Sales staff to maximize fan engagement.
• Maintain, organize, and track an up-to-date inventory of Game Operations equipment and storage areas.

Requirements

• Technical & Creative Dexterity: High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs, with heavy emphasis on Photoshop and Illustrator. Experience with motion design or video editing (After Effects / Premiere Pro) is a massive advantage.
• Live Event & Production Experience: Concrete experience in minor league sports, college athletics, or live event production. Experience managing technical switchers, graphics programs, or live video feeds under stadium lights is ideal.
• System Knowledge: A working knowledge of Daktronics systems, Click Effects, or Ross Xpression is a major plus.
• Cool Under Pressure: Proven ability to handle the literal chaos of live entertainment, live video cues, last-minute script modifications, and mid-game sponsorship activations without missing a beat.
• Schedule Flexibility: This position requires a split schedule—creative planning and collaboration during the week, and a full commitment to the arena for every single puck drop (including nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Local Focus: Ideally, candidates will be based in the Athens area or ready to immerse themselves in the local community immediately.

Schedule

Regular night, weekend, and holiday work is required based on the team's home game and event schedule.