Ensuring Game-Day Success: The Playbook for Stadium Staffing

As we enter Autumn, sports fans across the country are gearing up for what will undoubtedly be an action-packed lineup of events:

• MLB postseason: 32 - 53 games
• NFL season: 272 games
• NBA season: 1,230 games
• NHL season: 1,312 games
• Average NFL game attendance: nearly 70,000

The success of any sporting event hinges not just on the athletes, but on the complex network of employees - the unsung heroes - who tend to fans’ every need. This frontline workforce is vital in delivering a smooth and enjoyable guest experience, whether it’s providing security, helping people to their seats, or serving food and drinks. For stadiums, this surge of high-profile events - and excited fans - represents a huge opportunity, but with it, a tremendous challenge. 

In this blog, we'll dive into the complexities of arena staffing, share practical tips for managers to gear up for the season, and show you how Jitjatjo can be your trusted partner in making every event a seamless success.

The Challenges of Stadium Staffing for Venue Managers

Stadium staffing is no easy feat, especially with the unpredictable nature of sports schedules and fluctuating crowds. Moreover, the demand for live sporting events has surged beyond predictions, leading to higher operating and labor costs.

Here are the key issues faced by venue managers:

• Unpredictable Demand: Playoff or championship games are more likely to attract larger crowds compared to regular season games. This means that arenas need to be able to scale their workforces according to demand, often on short notice.
• Workforce Flexibility: Assembling a large, flexible team on short notice is easier said than done. It requires a deep pool of qualified workers who are available, well-trained and capable of performing in high-pressure situations. 
• Diverse Skill Requirements: Each position - whether concessions, ticketing, security, janitorial services, housekeeping, or otherwise - requires specific skills and training. The challenge is not just in finding enough workers, but in finding those who are properly suited to their role. 
• Maintaining Service Quality: High-profile games attract a wide audience, including VIPs, families, and passionate fans. Each group has different expectations, and every interaction matters. Stadium managers must work to fill positions swiftly, without compromising on quality to maintain the venue's stellar reputation.
• Labor Shortage: The hospitality industry is facing a lingering labor shortage initially triggered by the pandemic. Many workers have permanently exited the industry, making it even more challenging to meet staffing needs for large events.
• External Factors: These include rising supply chain costs, which can affect budgets and resource allocation. Unpredictable weather is another concern, especially as most sports venues are outdoors. Additionally, prolonged labor strikes can disrupt staffing plans and require quick adaptations. 

The Secret Ingredient to Reliable Staffing Strategies

Reliable staffing is not just about filling positions; workers must deliver the highest level of service to meet guests’ expectations. Fans could stay home and watch their favorite teams competing on television, but they choose to attend games for the experience. Per a recent study by Deloitte, guest satisfaction centers around four key concepts:

• They expect the venue to be safe, comfortable, and clean. 
• They want the view from their seats to match their expectations. 
• They desire a high-quality game. 
• They expect an exciting atmosphere within the arena. 

A robust staffing strategy can also lead to operational efficiency. When a stadium is fully staffed with well-trained workers, there are fewer bottlenecks at entry points, service at concessions is faster, and security measures are more effectively implemented. This makes it more likely that the event will run on time and according to plan. Conversely, understaffed or poorly trained teams can lead to delays, safety concerns, and a host of other issues.

The strength of your staffing strategy also directly impacts your bottom line. At sporting events, every minute counts - both for players and for guests. A well-staffed arena can handle large volumes of fans efficiently, leading to higher sales and increased customer satisfaction. On the other hand, long lines, slow service, or negative interactions can result in lost sales and frustrated fans who are less likely to return for future games. 

Preparing for the Surge: Steps for Stadium Managers

As the busy season approaches, early planning is vital for stadium managers and they should take the following steps to prepare: 

• Forecast Staffing Needs Accurately: This involves not just estimating the number of staff required, but also identifying the specific roles and skills needed for each event. Base your forecasts on current ticket sales and past attendance trends to ensure you have adequate coverage for all potential scenarios.
• Collaborate with Professional Staffing Partners: Many stadiums have traditionally relied on volunteer labor to supplement their workforces, but this can introduce additional risks. For example, at Petco Park in San Diego, fraudulent "charities" staffed concession stands with underpaid, untrained workers, leading to serious legal and ethical violations. Event managers must only consider professional, well-managed providers that emphasize both quality and compliance.
• Leverage Technology for Hiring and Onboarding: By integrating the right technology into your staffing strategy, you can streamline the hiring and onboarding process. On-demand staffing platforms, like Jitjatjo, can also provide real-time insights into worker performance. This safeguards your venue against last-minute staffing issues by ensuring your team is agile enough to adapt to any changes or challenges.
• Place Temp Bookings  Far In Advance: Being proactive about your upcoming surge days and being anticipatory of what demand will be could save you time and money. The sooner you place bookings for temp workers, the more likely the shift will fill with your preferred or top talent.
• Adopt Ethical and Compliant Staffing Practices: Adopting ethical and compliant staffing practices is crucial for arena managers to avoid legal issues and reputational damage. Partnering with professional staffing agencies, such as Jitjatjo, can simplify compliance management and mitigate risks by handling state-specific regulations and documentation requirements.

How Jitjatjo Meets Stadium Staffing Needs

Large sporting venues often face complex staffing challenges that can significantly impact the fan experience. For instance, a major baseball stadium recently struggled with staff retention throughout the season, leading to labor gaps that affected overall operations. By partnering with Jitjatjo, the stadium management team was able to focus on delivering a seamless experience for their 44,000 fans, particularly during large and special events.

When considering a staffing partner for arena needs, look for the following key features:

• Fast time-to-fill with 98% fulfillment rate: AI matches insured W-2 workers to jobs based on their skills, credentials, experience, and availability. 
• Repeat workers:  Managers have the option to rebook their favorite pre-vetted workers for upcoming shifts. 
• On-the-go mobile app: Your workforce is on the move, your scheduling and check-in tool should be too.
• Dedicated account management: Our customer success team offers round-the-clock support via phone, email, text, or in-app chat
• Straightforward hourly rates: One simple pricing model with no hidden fees, for easy budgeting. 

At Jitjatjo, we know arena staffing is complex, but it doesn’t have to be daunting; our solutions make it easier, more efficient, and more reliable than ever before. With a pointed focus on quality control - including a rigorous vetting process, thorough training and onboarding, and real-time performance feedback - we ensure that our clients receive only the highest-quality talent. Whether it's a last-minute need for additional servers or ramping up security teams for the season, you can rest assured that your venue will be ready to handle crowds of any size. 
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Ready to make this season a touchdown? Let’s start planning together, today!  Email sales@jitjatjo.com or call 212-235-1234 to activate your account.  

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