Explore the Thrilling Intersection of Marketing and Sports at Ford Field
On April 11, 2025, the American Marketing Association (AMA) at Eastern Michigan University delivered a captivating experience for students pursuing careers in marketing by organizing an exclusive tour of Detroit’s iconic Ford Field. This journey not only immersed students in a vibrant sports atmosphere but also unveiled the intricate world of sports marketing from behind the scenes.
An Inside Look at Ford Field
A group of 25 eager students embarked on this insightful adventure, exploring various areas of Ford Field, including the field itself, press rooms, luxury suites, and locker rooms. After a warm welcome from Chris Judd, the Assistant Management Director for the Safe Management Department, students were introduced to their knowledgeable tour guide, Erica Roman, an Operations Assistant Supervisor at Ford Field.
Roman embarked on the tour by sharing the rich history that envelops the stadium. "The cobblestone paths on the first floor are actually the original roads of Detroit," she pointed out. Her insights highlighted Detroit’s pioneering role in infrastructure, setting the mood for a journey that honored the past while looking to the future.
“We wanted this stadium to be a major attraction for Detroit,” Roman noted, showcasing the pride behind Ford Field’s construction in 2002, which redefined the area as a vibrant sports hub.
Discovering the Essentials: Suites, Press Areas, and More
The tour continued with an exploration of the stadium’s upper levels, where students gained fascinating insights into the luxury suites, press areas, and recording booths. One lavish suite can accommodate up to 20 guests and comes with a built-in bar for a staggering price range of $20,000 to $40,000 per game, depending on the teams playing.
The AMA tour group visited the post-game interview room.
Unbeknownst to the students, they were visiting during an extraordinary time – just two days before the first Michigan Panthers home game of the season. That unique circumstance transformed the stadium’s atmosphere, with field setups and locker room arrangements tailored specifically for the Panthers. Chris Judd explained, “If a Lions game were approaching, a tour like this wouldn’t be feasible due to the preparations required.”
Learning from the Pros: An Inspiring Encounter
Next, the students descended to the basement to step inside the home team locker room and met Faelan O’Brien, the Marketing and Events Manager for the Detroit Lions. O’Brien shared her inspiring journey from a graduate of Michigan State University to securing a pivotal role within one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
Candidly, O’Brien explained the importance of internships in launching a career in sports marketing. “Most marketing careers in sports begin with internships,” she reaffirmed. Her experience with the Lions focused heavily on fan engagement initiatives, introducing programs like the “Cub Club” and “Pets Club” to foster closer community ties.
Roman and O’Brien discuss working at Ford Field and with the Lions.
During the Q&A session, students were eager to learn about the challenges O’Brien faced as a young woman in sports. “Being a woman and being on the younger side made me nervous coming in," she shared. “Part of being in a sports organization is catering to everyone, regardless of their community.”
Her words served not only as encouragement but also a reminder of the opportunities ripe for the taking in an industry that is constantly evolving.
A Lasting Impression: Memories on the Field
As the day came to a close, the students were invited onto the field itself, where they took in the sheer magnitude of the stadium that seats 65,000 fans. This final glimpse into the world of professional sports left them inspired and empowered to pursue their marketing dreams.
With new contacts and insights gained from their trip, students wandered away from Ford Field not only with memories of a unique experience but also a deeper understanding of the vital role marketing plays in the world of sports.
The group of 25 all managed to fit into the player elevator on their way to the locker room.
This AMA tour was more than a trip; it was an invitation to dream, explore, and redefine what it means to work at the intersection of marketing and sports. For those passionate about sports marketing, opportunities like these provide invaluable experiences that could ignite a successful career path.
For more insights into the world of sports marketing and events, consider exploring resources like the American Marketing Association and the Detroit Lions.
