Point Park University's Pens Sales Team Celebrates Season With Trip Onto the Ice at PPG Paints Arena Monday, February 16, 2026
After a successful ticket sales season, Point Park University students celebrated at Point Park Night at the Pittsburgh Penguins game on Jan. 29, 2026.
"For the students, it’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience in sports sales, build professional skills and connect directly with industry professionals.”
Another successful season of ticket sales culminated in students from Point Park University being honored on the ice at PPG Paints Arena last month.
Fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated "Point Park Night" at the hockey game on Jan. 29, mixing Point Park's green with black-and-gold spirit for an exciting faceoff against the Chicago Blackhawks. Students who helped sell game tickets were honored during the evening and rode the "fanboni" during the pre-game celebration.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, as they provide our students with hands-on, real-life experiences through ticket sales for their organization,” said Robert Derda, M.S., chair of the sports, arts, entertainment, and music business (SAEM) program and associate professor at Point Park. “Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers in sports sales through experiences like the Pens Sales Team.”
The team of 15 students worked together to build support for the Penguins' themed night, where attendees received a Point Park-branded quarter-zip. In addition to driving ticket sales for the game, students gained invaluable experience in sports sales by using the same resources professionals rely on every day.
“Students attended phone jam sessions that allotted them the time to call Point Park alumni and beyond to inform them of the Point Park Night game,” said Kate Painter, SAEM program graduate assistant. “These sessions allow students to step outside their comfort zone by experiencing cold calls and confrontation, like what would happen in a real-life sales position within the industry.”
Students also gained valuable hands-on experience learning from Olivia Stawovy, the group sales account executive for the Penguins and a Point Park alumna. During the coordination of the Penguins’ College Night Series and group ticket sales, students learned a variety of lessons that you gain working in the sports industry.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Point Park students for three seasons now, and each year they continue to exceed my expectations,” Stawovy said. “From the Penguins’ perspective, the Point Park sales team plays a key role in driving revenue for our College Night Series while also helping us increase awareness and engagement among the Point Park student body. For the students, it’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience in sports sales, build professional skills and connect directly with industry professionals.”
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For alumni like Stawovy, these experiences can be a “full-circle moment” when working on the other side of that relationship. After working on the Pens Sales Team herself, Stawovy says it is an incredibly special feeling to guide the next generation of students, helping them overcome barriers and learn what they need to succeed in the job market.
“My biggest piece of advice is to work hard and get involved in as many opportunities as possible,” Stawovy said. “While I'm not naturally outgoing, I don’t believe you need to be extroverted to succeed in sales. What matters most is being dedicated, putting in the effort, and saying yes to opportunities that allow you to learn and grow.”
The Pens Sales Team, along with the Cavs Sales Team and the Bucs Sales Team, are a few of the many opportunities for Point Park students to learn and experience the sports industry outside of the classroom. Students also gain valuable skills by participating in events teams at Acrisure Stadium, Stage AE, PNC Park and PPG Paints Arena. All these experiential opportunities with professional sports organizations and entertainment venues prepare Point Park students for successful careers in sports and entertainment.