piratesinternship2021

[piratesinternship2021]

FIRST GAME!!!

With my orientations complete, it was finally time for my first Pirates Game!

My first game consisted of working security at the Stargell Gate (named after famed Willie Stargell) under supervisor Brad Johnson. I was paired with a seasoned employee, Doug, who was very helpful in explaining the lay of the land. Doug has come back and worked for security with the Pirates for over 6 seasons now (maybe more) and had many crazy stories to tell about what people try to sneak into the stadium each year. Want to know what people try to bring into the stadium the most?!?! Alcohol

Doug also made sure to mention that you must be on the lookout for alcohol that comes in small plastic bottles like Fireball.

A major change, one Doug hasn't even had to deal with at PNC Park before, is the new bag policy at the stadium. All purses and bags cannot be larger than 8x5x1. This size is basically the size of a piece of paper folded in half.

The new bag policy has caused a lot of controversy and many fans are more than *displeased* when they learn they can't bring their bags (not even larger completely clear ones) into the stadium. To make matters worse, we do not have a place for people, especially women to store their bags/possessions, as that is a liability risk to the Pirates/PNC Park. Some fans are understanding while others create a fuss about the inconvenience. However, there are exceptions to the bag policy which include medical bags and diaper bags.

After working security on the gate, it was time to walk the rotunda and make sure guests are happy and provide assistance if needed. During this rotunda trip, I provided my first Wow Moment by offering to take a family photo for fans with an exceptional Pittsburgh view included. I was so happy to make them happy and provided them with a photo to remember their game.

My first game was marked with learning security, providing a memory for fans, and getting to enjoy a pierogi race for the first time in a very long time!!!

Be sure to check out the pictures from my first game!!!

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Online Orientation/Training

A requirement before scheduling as Game Day Staff was the Grand Slam Training courses. Some of the information was repetitive from the In-Person training like the North Star and Compass directives (see Orientation post for refresher). Even though it was repetitive I found it helpful to learn again as the brand and culture the Pirates want to convey to fans is very important and deserves to be told multiple times. Basically fan and community experiences are key and providing the best possible experiences is what the Pirates organization is all about.

One way the Pirates provide the best experiences for fans, especially children and parents, is with the new sensory room. The sensory room provides a safe place for children (and adults) with sensory needs. The room consists of bubble walls, sensory touch panels, a sensory art panel, bean bags, and sensory bags. Items in the room can often provide a calming and safe space.

Another headful tool provided by the Pirates are noise-canceling headphones which can are easily accessible at the Guest Relations booth. Lastly, a designated safe space was created for nursing mothers by creating an individual nursing pod; which even allows for mothers to not miss out on the game while nursing due to its location and design. All of these initiatives prove the Pirates are creating the best experiences for fans by trying to think of every little obstacle or issue a fan might have during a game.

Overall, the online training was in-depth and provided more information about specific sites and concessions around the stadium.

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PNC PARK STADIUM

This was taken near the security/control room during our In Person Orientation!

photo credits to Myself.

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Orientation

And soooo the internship officially hits off with an in-person orientation at the PNC Park Home Plate Club!

Hosted by Danny Garcia (Guest Services), Bob Downey (Security) and Tina Nellis (HR). Danny did most, if not all the talking, and did a great job keeping us entertained and engaged for over two hours.

During the orientation we were quizzed on Pirate fun facts and history, but more importantly on learning the culture of the Pittsburgh Pirates and the brand of the organization.

Shout out to Professor Derda for teaching us what a brand is because I was able to answer "what is a brand" question perfectly. My response was a/your brand is a representation of who you are and the lasting impression you leave on others. Ding Ding! Correct!

So what is the Pittsburgh Pirates brand and how do they achieve it?!

Well they go after the term "North Star" which means "to be a championship-caliber organization and a premier sports and entertainment destination, boldly and relentlessly pursuing excellence on and off the field."

To achieve this goal to become the North Star, follow the Compass! The compass is broken down into 7 steps: P.I.R.A.T.E.S

P=Passion

I=Innovation

R=Respect

A=Accountability

T=Teamwork

E=Empathy

S=Service

Another important Pirate employee lesson is the Guest Promise which is to continuously deliver WOW! Moments which are memories and lasting relationships!

After going through the meaning and importance of the North Star, the Compass, Wow Moments and a few other Pirate employee notes it was time for a stadium tour.

Bob Downey, head of security, took us through the entire stadium while giving fun facts and notes.

The orientation was very thorough and informative. Afterwards I felt I appreciated the Pirates more because of their desire to create the best fan experiences; regardless of whether the Pirates are winning or losing games.

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A Little Bit About Me

Hi,

I'm Mimi!

I am born and raised in Pittsburgh and love this city! Growing up as a fan of all things Black and Yellow, I am honored and excited to work as a Pittsburgh Pirates Game Day and Guest Services Intern!

Growing up I lived and breathed dancing, as I was classically trained in ballet. After dancing pre-professionally with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre which ended after hip surgeries, my life trajectory led me to Point Park University. I will be graduating from Point Park University in May of 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management. I enjoy working with others and providing people memorable experiences. After working in event planning and customer service positions, I am interested in connecting my experiences and skills with corporate sales, whether it's box seating to sponsorships, with event hospitality management.

Another fun and important fact to know about me: I love dogs! I have a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Tiffany. She is fits her breed title and is an absolute princess! You can usually find her on my lap or following me around with a happy, wagging tail! She is the perfect companion for watching Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers games!

Speaking of games, Let's Go Bucs and let's get this internship on it's way!!!