Hype Squad (Seasonal)

Reports to: Senior Game Experience Coordinator • FLSA Status: Part time, seasonal hourly • Work Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA

About the role

The New Orleans Pelicans are seeking energetic, outgoing, and engaging individuals to join the Hype Squad, a fan-facing extension of the Game Experience team. Hype Squad members are responsible for bringing energy and excitement to Pelicans game days through direct interaction with fans throughout the Smoothie King Center. This part-time seasonal role requires late nights, weekends, and open availability for all New Orleans Pelicans home games and events, including required game day rehearsals. Game day call time averages approximately five (5) hours prior to tip-off; however, some game days may require an earlier call time.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a high-energy, fan-facing brand ambassador for the New Orleans Pelicans throughout game days and select special events.
• Attend all required game day rehearsals and report at the designated call time, which averages approximately five (5) hours prior to tip-off but may be earlier depending on game day needs.
• Engage and interact with fans throughout the Smoothie King Center before, during, and after games.
• Generate excitement and encourage crowd participation during pre-game, timeouts, quarter breaks, halftime, and other designated moments.
• Participate in and assist with on-court games, contests, promotions, and fan activations.
• Assist with interactive games, challenges, and activities with fans on the concourse and throughout the arena.
• Work with the Game Experience and production teams to create crowd-hype moments and assist with designated camera shots and in-arena features.
• Be comfortable appearing on camera and interacting with hosts, performers, entertainment teams, and other game presentation personnel.
• Help identify enthusiastic fans and memorable moments throughout the arena that can enhance the game experience.
• Create positive and memorable interactions with fans of all ages while representing the Pelicans brand.
• Maintain enthusiasm, professionalism, and a positive attitude throughout the entirety of each event.
• Assist the Game Experience team with additional game-day responsibilities and activations as needed.

Requirements

• Ability to work the majority of scheduled Pelicans’ home games, additional playoff games, select rehearsals, and occasional special events.
• An outgoing, energetic, and engaging personality with a passion for interacting with people.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the confidence to approach and engage fans of all ages.
• Comfort performing and speaking in front of large crowds and appearing on camera.
• Ability to generate excitement and maintain a high level of energy throughout an entire game or event.
• A team-first attitude and willingness to take direction in a fast-paced live entertainment environment.
• Ability to think quickly, adapt, and positively respond to changing situations during live events.
• Strong awareness of surroundings and the ability to recognize opportunities for meaningful fan engagement.
• Knowledge of or enthusiasm for sports, live entertainment, game presentation, and special events.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Game Experience staff, hosts, camera operators, performers, entertainment teams, arena personnel, and other departments.
• Ability to be on your feet and actively moving throughout the duration of your shift.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.

Work Environment

The incumbent will spend all of their time at the Smoothie King Center for New Orleans Pelicans games and on occasion, external Pelicans events. This is an active, highly visible role that requires team members to move throughout the arena, interact continuously with fans, work in loud environments, and maintain enthusiasm for extended periods. Events may take place during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Core Values

• Commitment to community and a people-first mindset
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ability to celebrate individuality and value diverse perspectives
• High integrity and a proactive, solutions-oriented “winning” mindset