Dr. Gil Fried’s Professional Sport Management class took a trip to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, to meet with University of New Haven graduate, Chris Brown.

No, not the singer, but Brown is now the Vice President of Guest Experience and Venue Services for the New York Mets. The seven students took to the ballpark to learn more about the sports industry and the inner workings of what professionals’ daily work is like. This trip is one of many which help the students learn more about their future aspirations and what they can expect when they enter the workforce after graduation.

While getting a ticket to an early season Mets game might seem like a great time, the ability to talk with someone who has over 15 years experience with a major league baseball team was much more important. The information that they could receive about the industry as a whole, the New York Mets, venue service roles, and even adding to the ever-important network that could help students obtain internships and jobs in the future. After taking a quick tour through the offices behind the scenes, the students sat down to talk with Brown despite his busy schedule.

Brown discussed how despite games seeming quite similar, every day is a unique experience. Different fans come into the ballpark everyday coupled with variables like weather and game outcomes changing daily. Because of this, he always stays on his toes and needs to be sure that every fan can come to the game and have an amazing experience. In order to do this, he continuously works with all other sections of the team, from stadium operations to the players. This detailed conversation left students with a new found understanding for the sports industry and what each student would need to do to stand apart from the crowd and have the ability to create a name for themselves as they start their careers.

Unfortunately, the students weren’t able to enjoy a Mets win, as they fell to the Miami Marlins 8-1 in the early season matchup.

Fried’s Professional Sports Management class has also visited the New England Blackwolves, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Westchester Knicks this semester. Visiting these teams and talking with industry executives gives students opportunities that simply can’t be offered within the classroom.