University Park, Pa. — Attending popular college and pro sporting events today encompasses much more than cheering for a team, buying hot dogs and singing fight songs. Today’s arenas and stadiums deliver ticket holders equal parts competition and rock concert with the addition of entertainment like energizing recorded music over loudspeakers and videos on jumbo screens. On the Dec. 20 "Game Day" edition of "Expert Opinion with Graham Spanier," the host is joined by three guests who oversee college and pro sporting event experiences that take game-day traditions to the next level.
Penn State President Graham Spanier, host of "Expert Opinion," welcomes guests Guido D’Elia, brand manager for Penn State football; Steve Schanwald, executive vice president business operations for the Chicago Bulls; and Thad Turnipseed, director of athletic facilities for the University of Alabama.
D’Elia is responsible for many 21st-century Beaver Stadium traditions, including the Penn State White Out, started in 2004. His initiatives led to Sports Illustrated on Campus declaring Penn State the “Greatest Show in College Football.” Schanwald is entering his 24th season with the Chicago Bulls. During his tenure the Bulls have consistently ranked among the league leaders in attendance, including a 610-game streak of sold-out crowds from 1987 through November 2000. Turnipseed joined the University of Alabama in 2002 as the director of intercollegiate athletic capital projects. He currently oversees the university’s facilities improvements.
Tune in to hear the experts reveal game-day plans that didn’t succeed and discuss the intricacies of the planning process — from the moment they begin (and when) to the extent of incorporating music and videos on scoreboard screens.
The "Game Day" edition of "Expert Opinion" debuts at noon Eastern time on Monday, Dec. 20, on the Big Ten Network.
Go to http://expertopinion.psu.edu for more information about the show and to watch previously aired episodes