I had no idea what to anticipate from this task at the start of the semester. It seemed significant to connect with a real professional in the sports industry. In the end, I was matched with Anthony Redifer, who coordinates events for Old Dominion University Athletics. That relationship proved to be the catalyst for an interesting opportunity.

I now have a greater awareness of the amount of work that goes into organizing a sporting event, from the backstage operations to the game day spectator experience, thanks to our discussions. I came to the realization that ODU fans are coming, but what if we offered them something more to connect with, something entertaining and interesting that they could use throughout the week?

The Big Blue Podcast was created as a means of capturing the spirit of ODU athletic events, highlighting the backstage stories, and keeping supporters informed even when they aren’t present in the stands.

An episode might include the following types of content:

“Beyond Bleachers”
Learn what it takes to execute a home game by going behind the scenes with event workers, including individuals like Anthony. Consider this: how do you handle more than 20,000 fans? What occurs if a problem arises in the middle of the game? Which last-minute save has ever been the largest?

“Get to Know the Monarchs”
Player characteristics that go beyond numbers include their favorite class on campus, their pregame routines, the music they’re enjoying, and their experiences as an ODU student-athlete.

“Event Rewind & Future Plans”
summaries of the most recent game-day events and an announcement of upcoming events, such as freebies, themes, and special guests.

“Campus Feelings”
partnerships with other ODU community members, including as cheerleaders, marching band members, club sports, or student organizations that contribute to the game day ambiance.

Anthony’s background in event planning gave me a whole new perspective on this project. He made me think about the fan experience—not just on the field, but also from the moment a fan walks into the stadium until they leave with a particular emotion.

Even though ODU has a vibrant community and high enrollment, he continued, there is always room to improve relationships. Fans will remember the live experience for the rest of the week since a podcast may capture the essence of an event precisely.