Inside Intuit Dome: Sports MBA Students Get a Game Day Experience Like No Other
The visit was led by alumna Tatum Lockett (SMBA ’19), Director of Fan and Team Member Experiences for the Clippers, who organized a special pre-game tour featuring several members of the LA Clippers staff. Students heard from leaders of multiple departments, from fan experience, operations, logistics, and security, gaining valuable insight into the collaboration and operations of an NBA game.
What made this visit especially unique was the timing — taking place on an active game day. As staff prepared for that evening’s Clippers vs. Nuggets game, students were able to shadow staff in their various roles, witnessing firsthand how each department contributes to a shared goal of creating an unforgettable fan experience. The tour and job shadowing offered students an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge, perspective and access to the innovation of Intuit Dome as they work on an industry project for Intuit.
Hear from SMBA ’26 students and their experiences shadowing on game day below:
“I had a phenomenal time shadowing Jack Wetzel (Director of Operations) in the hour leading up to the game! We walked with him as he went through his normal pregame prep and got to learn about how the unique fan experience at Intuit Dome impacts the operations process. After walking around the venue and helping with tasks, we spent some time courtside during warmups to recap the day. I never could have imagined spending a day doing hands-on work at the world's most innovative venue, but it was such an incredible opportunity, and I definitely have a new appreciation for the work that goes into venue operations.” – Kate Gladheim
“I had the opportunity to shadow Alex Richards (Manager of Fan Experience). It provided great insight into how stadium design and intentional service come together to create a memorable experience for fans. He provided career advice such as being genuine in all your interactions and knowing how your role and actions impact all stakeholders, big and small.” -Matteo Schiro
“I had a great time shadowing Erin Davis-Cook (Security Manager). I got to see how the gates work and hear about the many moving parts that keep everything running smoothly. In preparing for events, the department collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders (NBA reps, emergency services, city officials, etc.) to assess potential threats and identify areas of concern. I was especially surprised by the extent of the online and social media monitoring they conduct for every single event. My favorite fun fact is that they have multiple K9 dogs that patrol everything in and outside the arena, from parking structures to changing rooms and player bags.” -Melissa Schuller
“Shadowing Tatum Lockett (SMBA '19), Director of Fan and Team Member Experiences, was incredibly insightful! From preparing 80+ staff members for opening, to ensuring people entered Intuit Dome seamlessly with Zoom Thru lines, to ensuring satisfaction courtside, in the lounges, and all the way up to the terrace level, Tatum is incredible at her job, and it was an honor being able to experience it.” -Rebecca Stanley
The day concluded with SMBA ’26 watching the Clippers game together, (witnessing Nikola Jokic's 55-point performance + double-double) reflecting on everything they’d learned throughout the day while enjoying the fan experience and tech-advanced arena themselves. Soon-to-be alumni Mayanie Kakish (SMBA ’25) and Adrienn Lopez (SMBA ’25) helped host the group, adding to the special experience and hospitality.
Our biggest thanks to Tatum Lockett, Mayanie Kakish, and the LA Clippers and Intuit teams who made one of the most memorable days of the program possible!
