Feed me Flyers!

Sunday I worked my second Flyers Wives For Lives Carnival and this year I had a new perspective as a volunteer selling out 4,000 Mystery Bags.  Flyers Charities did a great job organizing and informing hundreds of much needed volunteers showing how a small organization can run a successful event raising over one million dollars in one day.

Day of, volunteer coordinators, and Dunkin’ Donuts (thank God!), were anxiously awaiting our arrival. As we were named our assignments we continued to our individual destinations awaiting the doors to open. The Carnival was chaotic with Flyers fans loving every opportunity to meet and great favorite players and alumni. Volunteers came around every hour with snacks and sandwiches for other volunteers working various booths and games to keep the momentum of the day.

 

“The Flyers Wives Carnival is a long-standing Philadelphia tradition.  I remember attending as a teenager and meeting players like Eric Lindros.  Now that I am on this side of the event, I get to see first-hand everything that goes into making the Carnival happen,” said Theresa Russell Development Manager for Comcast-Spectacor Charities. “We are so grateful to the many people that help us behind the scenes to get the building ready and, of course, the huge team of volunteers who offer their time at the various booths throughout the day.  The Flyers Wives Carnival wouldn't be the event it is without them”.

The organization did a fantastic job with their hundreds of volunteers from the initial information to execution on the busy day.

The Philadelphia Flyers Offer A Golden Opportunity

It is no surprise that many college students, and even experienced professionals, are eager to break into sports PR. It is an honor to be involved with something that is cherished in the Philadelphia community. Interning with the Philadelphia Flyers this semester has given me a unique experience and many opportunities, and has also made me realize no team is safe against the relentless offensive and defensive lines of the Flyers.

The Philadelphia Flyers are one of six teams added to the National Hockey League during the season of 1976. The two-time Stanley Cup winners are considered the Broad Street Bullies to Philadelphia sports fanatics.

Although the Flyers are brutal and merciless on the ice, they show their sweet side by giving back to the Philadelphia community. The professional sports franchise gives back annually at their Flyers Wives Carnival. The carnival raises more than $23 million for charities in the Philadelphia area and considered one of the most successful by a professional sports team. Interning at this event was a rewarding experience. I learned a lot, had a good time and was a part of giving back to the Philadelphia community all at once.

The Wells Fargo Center is the place where it all goes down. The history of the arena dates back to 1967 when it was called the Spectrum. Since then, the arena has hosted thousands of events from Elvis’ last live performance, NHL and NBA championships, to the World Cup of Hockey and more. It is an amazing opportunity to work in a huge venue with such an incredible history of sportsmanship, teamwork and live performances. There are also other perks that come with working for the Flyers.

Interns are required to attend all home games, ensuring a high energy level workday. Another benefit is having the opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry, members of the media, as well as the players. My supervisor and I work closely with the players by conducting, monitoring and transcribing post-game interviews.

However, being a public relations professional for the Flyers is not an easy feat. Since they work so closely with the team, traveling is a must. It is a job that requires an enormous amount of devoted time and energy.

PR professionals in the world of sports monitor and facilitate the flow of information from the teams to the press. As a result, interning with the Flyers has provided me with an invaluable skill, media relations. Since the growth of modern public relations is a result of the development of mass media, it is important to keep your media relation skills in great shape.

Sports PR involves working closely with journalists, providing them with timely stat reports and accurate transcription of post-game interviews. As public relations professional, creating and maintaining these relationships is key. If working in sports PR is something you are passionate about, send your resume and cover letter now! Visit www.teamworkonline.com for new sport and live event internship and job opportunities.

Do you have what it takes to be successful in the energetic and laborious world of sports PR? Share your tips and advice with us!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Samantha Miller.