Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing Gives Students First-Hand Experience at Bradenton Regatta in Florida Monday, February 26, 2024

February is not such a bad time to step away from Downtown Pittsburgh to head south for a few days. Add to that a unique professional networking and career experience, and you've got a winning formula for four Point Park Students. Last week, members of the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing were invited to work behind the scenes at the Bradenton Area River Regatta in Bradenton, Fla. 

The Center, founded by two alumni, brings sports and entertainment industry professionals to campus for workshops and seminars, especially geared to our Sports Communication and Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business majors. But participation in the Bradenton Regatta took that networking and knowledge to a new level, as students gained hands-on experience in running a major sporting event.

Check out the TikTok below with students Joey Bova and Jordan Kullen to get a glimpse into their experience.

@pointparku Follow along with some of our sports communication students as they gain hands-on experience managing and working behind the scenes at the Bradenton Area River Regatta in Bradenton, FL 🚤💨🌴 #PointParkU #PointParkUniversity #BradentonRegatta #BradentonRiverRegatta #BradentonFL #BradentonFlorida ♬ original sound - Point Park Univ.

In the Q&A below, hear from students Jake Loveisky and Matthew Palange, who had different responsibilities than Joey and Jordan. Their responsibilities included setting up on Friday, such as fencing off areas and shutting down parts of Bradenton. On Saturday, they ran the kids' zone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. After the events closed, they helped with clean up, and had a final meeting regarding what could be improved on for next year. 

Jake Loveisky '26

Major: Sports Communication

What are your key takeaways from the experience?

The key takeaway was seeing what goes into a big event such as the Bradenton Area Regatta. We saw firsthand what needs to be done from an event planning perspective during a stressful time. We learned about the marketing that goes into the event, the setup, how to manage the media, and how to enhance the vendor and visitor experience. I learned that organization and good communication are key to event planning. 

What were the highlights of your participation in the Regatta?

The highlight of the trip was being able to work with the kids. Their smiles made our job that much more rewarding as everyone was having a fun time in the nice weather. Making the kid's day with a simple game brought so much joy to me and I wanted to spread the good vibes all around. 

How has your participation with the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing complemented your academic classes?

My participation with the Center has helped with my classes by helping me understand media ethics, as well as providing knowledge about the profession. The clubs help you get hands-on experience that might not be taught in the classroom, and this is preparing me to work in the sports industry. 

Why would you recommend Point Park to a student interested in Sports Communication?

I would recommend Point Park because it's located in Downtown Pittsburgh close to three major sports teams. Point Park has so many connections with these teams that can help you gain an internship or future job.

It's so easy to get involved at Point Park. Right when I started, the school newspaper The Globe, the student television program U-View, and the sports communication club welcomed me with open arms, and at the end of the day, everyone is here to help one another succeed. 

Matthew Palange '26

Major: Sports Communication 

What are your key takeaways from the experience?

I got to experience the work that goes into big events such as the Regatta, including the marketing, the setup, and the hard work. For my career, I can use this to learn what to do and what not to do for big events or big marketing scenarios. 

What were the highlights of your participation in the Regatta?

So many kids were super happy! I got to see so many smiles and that made me smile! That was such a highlight. 

How has your participation in the Pittsburgh Center for Sports Media and Marketing complemented your academic classes?

I've learned a lot in classes, such as the sports podcasting and the media classes.There is a sports broadcasting and a sports marketing class I will be taking soon to learn more! I also learn so much from the organizations and clubs I've joined.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a student interested in Sports Communication?

Point Park has lots of behind-the-scenes and in-front-of-camera work. There are so many clubs and organizations and even some connections that will help you build up that great resume! Employers love experience, and you get that at Point Park.

More About: Rowland School of Business, Center for Sports Media and Marketing, sports, arts and entertainment management, School of Communication, sports communication