CHAMPAIGN – Good Illini basketball means more job opportunities at State Farm Center, and hiring will soon be available.
Brad Swanson, SFC’s assistant marketing director, said the men’s basketball team’s success last season drew large crowds and required more staff.
The increasing popularity of women’s basketball had a similar effect.
“It’s also fair to say that the more competitive and entertaining the games are, the more enjoyable it is to be involved in the games and potentially see parts of them and a behind-the-scenes look,” Swanson said.
These increased numbers are needed across the board.
Open interview sessions will be held at the Centre on Sunday 25 August from 5pm to 8pm and on Monday 26 August and Tuesday 27 August from 3pm to 6pm.
“Event staff,” the most general job title, which includes ushers and others who assist guests, represents the largest group, but SFC also hires security personnel, emergency services personnel and parking staff.
Only paramedics need to have a license, because even in security jobs people have to keep an eye on things and report problems to their superiors or the police.
“They walk around the entire building during events, whether it’s basketball games or entertainment events, making sure the building is safe,” Swanson said.
They also man metal detectors and carry out bag searches.
While park staff do not have the benefit of participating in entertainment programs at the State Farm Center, Swanson said it is the highest-paying position available during the upcoming open interviews.
“They work outside where the weather is changeable, and a big part of our season is basketball season, where from October to March the elements can be very changeable,” Swanson said.
Because event staff handle so many different tasks, Swanson said planning staff try to schedule people so that everyone has the opportunity to work in the stadium itself and watch games or performances.
The staff includes a wide range of people, from those who work full-time and want to earn extra money to retirees looking for something to do in their spare time. However, the State Farm Center makes it a priority to hire as many UI students as possible.
Swanson estimated that more than half of the seasonal workers in recent years have been students.
“We definitely try to give University of Illinois students the opportunity to work on-site and gain valuable experience that may later enable them to pursue a career in the live entertainment industry,” he said.
