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Sports Management

Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management Degree

Rowland School of Business

Achieve Your Sports Career Goals

Point Park University's Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management (SAEM) degree program is distinctive because of its walking distance to so many iconic sports franchises including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Strong NCAA organizations are located nearby as well. 

Point Park alumni work for the many sports organizations surrounding our campus, and our faculty, such as Robert Derda, M.S., bring extensive sports industry experience to the classroom. These advantages translate into networking and shadowing opportunities, industry experts in the classroom, internships and jobs

Our sports focus within the SAEM program will provide you with a thorough knowledge of the business side of the sports industry, as well as meaningful connections that will enable you to build your network of sports professionals. 

Sports-Focused Faculty, Coursework and Internships

Faculty teaching sports management-focused courses in the SAEM department include Robert Derda, M.S., former general manager of Learfield Sports; Chuck Berry, sports talent agent and Karen Hall, Ed.D., executive leadership coach. Sports talent agent Steve Tanzilli, J.D., dean of the Rowland School of Business, is a co-founder of the SAEM program. 

Sports management courses in the SAEM major include:

  • Amateur Athletics
  • Sports Sales
  • Sports Agents
  • Sports Management/Leadership
  • Ticketing
  • Esports

A full-semester internship, working with industry professionals, is required to complete the SAEM degree. Multiple internships throughout the program are encouraged.

Additionally, students gain hands-on experience through Point Park's various sales teams that work directly with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Cavaliers. The University also has a Pittsburgh Penguins events team.  

Point Park Pittsburgh Penguins Sales Team

Learn about Kate Painter's recent success on the Point Park University Pittsburgh Penguins Sales Team:

 

Point Park's team enjoyed a ride on the Fanboni at a Pittsburgh Penguins game this season in recognition of their sales efforts:

 

Point Park's team was previously recognized during a game by alumna Celina Pompeani Mathison

Video courtesy of the Pittsburgh Penguins

Point Park Cavs Sales Team

The Point Park University CAVS Student Sales Team was honored on court before a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game.

Video courtesy of the Cleveland Cavaliers

SAEM Alumni Working in Sports

Our SAEM alumni working in the sports management field include:

  • Kaelyn Adams, inside sales representative, Brooklyn Nets
  • Hayley Adams, social media coordinator, RCX Sports - NFL Flag Football
  • Kyle Anderson, account executive, Erie Seawolves
  • Robelin Bautista, minor league pitching coach, Toronto Blue Jays
  • Trey Bubin, international department specialist, Villarreal CF
  • Chance Callahan, membership services representative, Washington Commanders 
  • Dana Drewniak, senior group events specialist, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Greg Fedor, director of member services, Western Pennsylvania Golf Association
  • Miranda Ferguson, corporate hospitality manager, Pittsburgh Riverhounds
  • Mariah Gigler, external events manager, PNC Park
  • Julia Hester, manager, premium activation and events, Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Justin Joyce, director of fan services, Pitt Athletics
  • Nicole Lakovic, membership services representative, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • Brendan McKnight, fan service coordinator, Learfield – Pitt Athletics
  • Michael Mitchell, manager, group sales and arena events, Monumental Sports
  • Rebekah Mohrmann, social media specialist, McLaren Racing
  • Carlos Polanco, baseball operations analyst, Cincinnati Reds
  • Julio Sepúlveda, coordinator of coaching & player development, Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Jake Sommers, partnership development specialist, P3R
  • Olivia Stawovy, group sales representative, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • Erik Stouter, account executive, Washington Wild Things
  • Jared Topping, group sales specialist, Lehigh Valley Phantoms
  • Matt Uzar, senior coordinator, event production and hospitality, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • Cassandra Wangler, membership services representative, Pittsburgh Penguins
  • Madison Winger, team member experience coordinator, MetLife Stadium

Sports Business Camp at Point Park University

Point Park's Sports Business Camp, offered to high school students in the summer, provides three days of learning about exciting careers working for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, Riverhounds and more. Sports Business Camp is sponsored by Brentwood Bank. Learn more about Pre-College and Summer Programs at Point Park.