What are the responsibilities and job description for the Spring 2027 Operations Intern position at Grand Park Sports & Entertainment?
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our team as a Spring 2027 Operations Intern. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of a large-scale sports and events campus. As an Operations Intern, you will play an important role in supporting event setup and execution, facility coordination, guest services, and the overall success of events at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. This internship is ideal for individuals interested in sports management, event operations, facility management, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating successful events and positive experiences for athletes, participants, clients, and guests.
Grand Park Sports Campus
Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana, is a planned youth and adult recreational sports Campus designed to become a family sports destination like no other. This thoughtfully-designed 400-acre sports campus features a full-range of championship-level outdoor facilities for baseball, softball and field sports including soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse and three-field indoor events center designed for year-round play.
General Definition of Work
The Operations Intern supports the Grand Park Operations team in the planning, preparation, execution, and breakdown of tournaments, leagues, and special events. This internship provides hands on experience in sports facility operations, event logistics, customer service, and venue management while working alongside industry professionals at one of the nation's largest youth sports campuses.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Operations Manager. Work hours are directly tied to the campus event calendar and are subject to change. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required based on scheduled events.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this internship successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions
Event Operations
- Assist with event preparation, execution, and post event breakdown for tournaments, leagues, and special events.
- Support event load in and load out by coordinating vendors, clients, and event organizers.
- Assist with venue inspections before, during, and after events to ensure Grand Park standards are maintained.
- Work alongside Operations staff to ensure event resources, equipment, and facilities are prepared according to event specifications.
- Support Manager on Duty responsibilities during assigned events while providing exceptional customer service to clients and guests.
- Assist with event signage, wayfinding, crowd flow, and venue readiness.
Facility Operations
- Assist with daily campus setup, field and facility preparation, and event conversions.
- Help maintain the appearance, cleanliness, and functionality of indoor and outdoor event spaces.
- Assist with inventory management, equipment organization, and storage areas.
- Support golf cart fleet inspections, charging, fueling, and basic upkeep.
- Assist with coordinating deliveries, vendor requests, and operational logistics.
- Monitor facility conditions throughout events and communicate operational needs to supervisors.
Client & Guest Experience
- Serve as a professional representative of Grand Park while interacting with event organizers, coaches, officials, vendors, and guests.
- Respond to operational questions and assist guests with wayfinding and campus information.
- Help resolve minor operational concerns while escalating larger issues to management.
- Support emergency preparedness procedures and operational communication during events.
Special Projects
- Assist with operational planning for new events and facility improvements.
- Participate in department meetings, event debriefs, and planning sessions.
- Complete special projects related to facility operations, event management, and process improvement.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Facility Operations Manager or Vice President of Operations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to operational excellence.
- Ability to think critically and solve problems in a dynamic event environment.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
- Willingness to learn sports facility operations and event management best practices.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to lift, move, and transport event equipment safely.
- Positive attitude, professionalism, and willingness to assist wherever needed.
Education & Experience
Current undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in Sports Management, Event Management, Hospitality Management, Recreation, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
Previous experience working sporting events, campus events, hospitality, facilities, or customer service is preferred but not required.
Interest in sports venue management, event operations, or facility management is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying equipment up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 75 pounds with assistance. The intern will spend significant time outdoors in varying weather conditions and regularly travel throughout the 400-acre campus. Work also includes office responsibilities involving computer use, written communication, and administrative tasks.
Special Requirements
Valid driver's license.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Reliable transportation to and from Grand Park Sports Campus.
CPR and First Aid Certification preferred or ability to obtain.
Opportunities & Perks
- This is a PAID Internship (weekly stipend).
- Gain extensive hands-on experience in large-scale sports facility and event operations.
- Exposure to various aspects of sports management.
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
- Potential for academic credit, depending on the requirements of your educational institution.
- A supportive and engaging work environment that fosters learning and professional growth.
- Housing is not provided.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and explaining their interest in this internship opportunity. Please submit your application through the TeamWork Online platform.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.