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Stadium Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CLEAR

Assistant Operations Manager (ORD)

Chicago, IL

$26.20/hr

The Assistant Operations Manager will be a part of our airport leadership team, reporting to the ... Whether its at the airport, stadium, or right on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that ...

CLEAR

Assistant Operations Manager (ORD)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.20/hr

The Assistant Operations Manager will be a part of our airport leadership team, reporting to the ... Whether it's at the airport, stadium, or right on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that ...

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Stadium Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$61.5K

$114.8K

How much do stadium operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for stadium operations manager in Illinois is $61,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What challenges does a stadium operations manager face during major events, and how can they be addressed?

Stadium Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating large event logistics, ensuring safety and security compliance, and managing sudden changes like weather disruptions or crowd control issues. Effective communication with security, vendors, and event staff is crucial for smooth operations. Proactively planning contingency measures and conducting regular team briefings can help address these challenges and maintain a positive experience for both staff and attendees.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a stadium operations manager?

To thrive as a Stadium Operations Manager, you need expertise in facility management, event coordination, budgeting, and typically a degree in sports management or a related field. Familiarity with facility management software, security systems, and OSHA safety compliance is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage large teams and address unexpected challenges during events. These skills and qualities ensure smooth operations, safety, and a positive experience for guests and staff at large-scale venues.

What does a stadium operations manager do?

A Stadium Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a sports stadium or arena. Their duties include managing staff, coordinating event logistics, ensuring safety and security protocols are followed, and maintaining the facility. They work closely with event organizers, vendors, and security teams to ensure that events run smoothly and that the stadium is safe and welcoming for guests. The role often requires problem-solving, flexibility, and strong leadership skills, especially during large events or emergencies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Stadium Operations jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Stadium Operations jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Stadium Operations Manager jobs in Illinois? For Stadium Operations Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stadium Operations Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Stadium Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Stadium Operations Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Stadium Operations Manager job openings:
Stadium Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stadium Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,491 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Director of Live Production | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

Oak View Group

Evanston, IL • On-site

$115K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Oak View Group rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 36 rated event venues

Job description

Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Position Summary
The Director of Live Production leads the creative vision, planning, and execution of gameday presentation and in-venue entertainment at the New Ryan Field and Welsh Ryan Arena. This role creates a distinctive, innovative, emotionally engaging experience that reflects New Ryan Field and Northwestern University's brand, traditions, and competitive environment while aiming to deliver the best gameday experience in collegiate sports. The Director is responsible for presentations from concept development and scripting through rehearsal, show-calling, and post-event evaluation while also managing event-day staff, production workflows, budgets, systems, vendors, and production oversight for concerts, commencements, rentals, and other third-party events.
This role pays an annual salary of $115,000 - $120,000 and is bonus eligible.
Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until October 30, 2026.
Responsibilities
Creative Vision and Gameday Experience
  • Develop memorable moments that create energy, strengthen fan connection, and enhance home-field advantage.
  • Lead the evolution of team entrances, opening sequences, music, lighting, fan prompts, recognitions, traditions, and situational entertainment.
  • Identify new ideas, technologies, and industry trends that can elevate the overall experience.
  • Keep the presentation fresh, intentional, and engaging throughout the season.

Show Planning and Live Execution
  • Lead the full planning process for Northwestern University football and basketball games, including scripts, rundowns, timing, rehearsals, and contingency plans.
  • Regularly serve as the lead show caller for football games, men's basketball games, and other priority productions.
  • Lead production meetings, event-day briefings, rehearsals, and post-event reviews.
  • Ensure all productions meet university, conference, league, broadcast, safety, and venue requirements.

Content and Entertainment Direction
  • Collaborate with internal creative teams and outside partners on intro videos, hype content, graphics, features, and event-specific assets.
  • Review and approve content for creative quality, brand alignment, accuracy, and technical readiness.
  • Oversee music strategy, entertainment booking, hosts, performers, student groups, recognitions, and specialty acts.

University and Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Build strong relationships across athletics, marketing, communications, creative services, spirit programs, bands, student groups, alumni relations, development, campus leadership, stadium operations, and other university departments.
  • Manage expectations, communicate deadlines and production needs, and align multiple stakeholders around a cohesive vision.
  • Advise leadership on fan experience, creative strategy, presentation opportunities, and industry trends.

Event-Day Staff Leadership
  • Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student workers, freelancers, contractors, and control room personnel.
  • Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
  • Foster a culture of preparation, creativity, accountability, teamwork, and calm execution under pressure.

Stadium Systems and Production Operations
  • Oversee the operational readiness of videoboards, LED displays, replay, graphics, audio, IPTV, cameras, intercom, lighting, and show-control systems.
  • Coordinate with engineering, information technology, stadium operations, and vendors to ensure systems are tested and event-ready.
  • Identify opportunities for workflow improvements, system upgrades, and capital investment.

Partnerships and Sponsored Integration
  • Collaborate with corporate partnerships and marketing teams to integrate sponsored elements into the gameday experience.
  • Ensure partner activations are accurate, entertaining, and aligned with the overall presentation.
  • Help identify new presentation assets and fan-engagement opportunities that may support revenue goals.
  • Balance commercial obligations with show pacing and audience experience.

External and Non-University Events
  • Provide production oversight for concerts, commencements, ceremonies, rentals, and other stadium events.
  • Serve as an operational liaison for promoters, production companies, outside clients, and vendors.
  • Review staffing, technical requirements, schedules, and use of stadium systems.

Budget and Vendor Management
  • Develop and manage budgets for game presentation, staffing, entertainment, production support, content, and equipment.
  • Manage relationships with production vendors, creative partners, entertainment providers, and freelancers.
  • Recommend future investments based on creative impact, operational need, and audience experience.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in live event production, broadcasting, communications, media production, sports management, marketing, entertainment, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • 5-7+ years of progressively responsible experience in game presentation, live sports entertainment, stadium production, broadcast production, or major live events.
  • Proven experience developing creative game-presentation strategies and producing high-profile live events.
  • Strong show-calling experience and knowledge of scripting, timing, control room operations, rehearsals, and contingency planning.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, stakeholders, and event details simultaneously.
  • Experience directing student workers, freelancers, contractors, vendors, or event-day crews.
  • Strong creative judgment, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-management skills.
  • Ability to remain calm, decisive, and solutions-oriented in high-pressure live environments.
  • Experience managing budgets, vendors, and production resources.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours based on the event calendar.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in major collegiate athletics, professional sports, a large stadium or arena, or a nationally recognized live-entertainment organization.
  • Experience participating in production-system upgrades, control room projects, or stadium technology planning.

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference
At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis ("protected class") including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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