I am immensely grateful to the University of South Carolina for nurturing and expanding my passion for sports management. The journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the exceptional professors who have guided me along the way and the enriching courses in event management, sponsorship sales, and sports marketing that have provided invaluable knowledge. USC's commitment to fostering a strong network for its students has been pivotal in connecting us with invaluable experiences in the world of sports management. The support system here is unmatched, always encouraging us to reach for the stars and work our hardest. Moreover, I have had the privilege of forging lasting friendships with fellow sports management students who have been an endless source of support and advice. USC has truly been a cornerstone in shaping my path towards a rewarding career in sports management, and for that, I will forever be thankful.

Forever to Thee.

Low A Affiliate of Kansas City Royals

During my internship with the Columbia Fireflies, the Low A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, spanning from May to September 2022, I had the privilege of serving as a Ticket Sales and Community Relations Intern. In this capacity, I played a pivotal role in generating $14,466 in revenue by effectively promoting and selling various ticket products, including season tickets, group tickets, and suites, while utilizing the Streamline ticketing software. My responsibilities encompassed conducting cold calls to secure season and individual ticket sales, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the box office, which included handling inbound calls, walk-ups, and will-call services.

One notable highlight of my experience was transitioning into the community relations role mid-season when the Director of Community Relations departed from the organization. I was mentored to take over her responsibilities for the Community Organization of the Game. In this capacity, I coordinated and enhanced the Organization of the Game experience for our nonprofit clients. Moreover, I actively contributed to the Columbia Fireflies' community outreach efforts by assisting over 70 nonprofit organizations in their fundraising endeavors. Through in-game promotions and the strategic utilization of fundraiser links, I played a significant role in generating $35,841.50 for these worthy causes. My dedication extended beyond the ballpark, as I represented the Columbia Fireflies at various community events, further solidifying the team's presence and commitment to the local community. This internship not only honed my sales and customer service skills but also instilled in me a profound understanding of the significance of community engagement within the sports industry.

My time at the Gamecock Club was an enriching and rewarding experience that allowed me to immerse myself in the world of collegiate sports. Working in the office, I had the privilege of being part of a close-knit team and a remarkable support system. This role provided me with a diverse range of projects, enabling me to collaborate with different colleagues and gain invaluable insights into various aspects of sports management. Some of the memorable highlights included contributing to the success of events like the charity golf tournament, Men's Basketball Alumni Weekend (Legends Weekend), Signing Day Event for Football, and the grand Beamer Ball, an amazing auction event held right within the football stadium. Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have an exceptional supervisor who provided guidance and mentorship, making this experience all the more enriching. My time with the Gamecock Club not only deepened my passion for sports management but also instilled a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and growth it afforded me.

My role as a Global Partnerships Intern with Oak View Group was a pivotal experience that solidified my passion for pursuing a career in partnerships within the sports and entertainment industry. On a weekly basis, using defined prospect criteria, I identified potential partners who could align with Oak View Group's vision. I further showcased my prospecting skills and activation ideas by crafting a compelling presentation, featuring no less than 25 distinctive brands that met the criteria for Oak View Group's Arena Alliance. In collaboration with offices in New York City and Los Angeles, I engaged in prospecting projects and presentations, highlighting our ability to work seamlessly across geographical boundaries. Additionally, I conducted extensive research on new target categories and companies, tailored to the unique needs of specific projects. Furthermore, I actively contributed to partnership activation and brand marketing strategies during venue events, ensuring successful initiatives like Pepsi product sampling, Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale Horse Photo Opportunities, CFG Bank Photobooth, Sagamore Spirits Specialty Cocktail promotions, CHEQ mobile ordering QR codes, and more. This internship was a transformative experience that reaffirmed my enthusiasm for forging strategic partnerships in the dynamic world of sports and entertainment.

Throughout my time with the Philadelphia Flyers, I have gained insights into the intricacies of partnership logistics. ​In my role as a Strategy & Operations Coordinator within the CP department, I am responsible for scheduling every ​digital/TV-visible asset, meticulously tracking them, and providing detailed reports to support the account ​management team.

Success in this role means an understanding of the platforms we use for scheduling and reporting, as well as a knowledge ​our partners and their needs/goals, their assets, and the requirements of the account management team. As the liaison ​between third-party vendors and the account management team, I play a crucial role in ensuring seamless communication ​and coordination.

It is exciting to know that my work enhances the value of our partnerships and assists the account management ​team by providing the data and proof of performance they need to upsell renewals and attract new partners. Every ​day is a learning opportunity, and I am grateful to be part of an organization that supports my growth and ​development.

annabellelombardo0217@gmail.com