The Athletic Department of the University of Illinois boasts of 19 Division I teams; 9 men's teams and 10 girl's teams. The athletic department also has 16 top notch athletic facilities for these various teams. The most recognizable of the facilities are the football field; Memorial Stadium, and the basketball stadium; Assembly Hall. Illinois' Athletic Department is part of the Big Ten Conference and is one of the premier sports programs in the nation. It serves a crucial role in leisure as a sports management agency. People love to watch and play sports as form of leisure.
Background
The athletic department's mission statement is: "To have the highest quality athletic program in all sports that allows the University of Illinois teams to compete for championships in the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association." The department has been quite successful in this goal. The "Fighting Illini" have won 25 national championships and numerous Big Ten titles in every sport since 1900. The University joined the Big Ten in 1896 and was one of the original schools in the conference. The athletic department has become one of the University's main sources of revenue as sports have become so popular in recent history. Football and Men's Basketball, the premier programs, earned $76.6 million in 2007-2008 school year.
Employment Opportunities
There are many opportunities for employment in the athletic department. There are the obvious positions as coaches and trainers that deal directly with the athletes themselves. But there are also positions available as an athletic administrator (i.e. Athletic Director), there are positions in the business office (accountants, etc.), ticket sales, marketing, event management and facility management. There are also various internships available to current students to get their foot in the door.
Trends
One disturbing trend in the world of college athletics is the decline in attendance. Many people now have college football and basketball television packages. It is cheaper and more convenient for people to stay and watch games in HD in the comfort of their own living room. Who would want to spend hundreds of dollars to go sit in the freezing cold when there is a better, easier alternative?
This is the problem that athletic departments all over the country have to deal with. Some solutions are increasing marketing efforts and bettering the fans' game day experience. Athletic departments are looking to improve their overall product and get people back in the seats.
Leisure in Sport Management
The definition of leisure in the sports industry is spending free time with friends or family playing or watching sports. Sports in America are more popular than ever and many people just kick back on the couch after a long day at work and turn a game on. Or, some people may spend their free time playing a game of pick up basketball with their friends. Sports have become a great way to socialize, spend time with friends, and enjoy life.
Overview
Overall I think that a job in the athletic department would be a good job. I love sports and hope to get a job in the industry after I graduate. I do think though, that one con to a job in the athletic department would be long work hours. There could also be a great deal of stress involved. Expectations to win here at Illinois are huge. Illinois is in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference, and the pressure is always on to compete. On the other hand it would be great to get free tickets and work directly with the athletes. I would enjoy a job with the Illinois Athletic department.
nailed it
ReplyDeletejjj