About the Opportunity
Join the Columbus River Dragons in Columbus, Georgia, and gain hands-on experience behind the scenes of professional hockey game presentation and live event execution. This internship is designed for individuals interested in game operations, live event production, fan experience, and sports entertainment.
As a Game Operations Volunteer, you will work directly with the Game Operations Manager to help execute every aspect of River Dragons home games and select special events. From pre-game setup through post-game tear downs, volunteers will play an integral role in creating a seamless and memorable experience for our fans, partners, players, and staff while developing practical skills used throughout the sports and live entertainment industries.
Game Day Operations Responsibilities
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Assist with pre-game arena setup, event preparation, and post-game breakdown.
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Help execute the official game day timeline and ensure activities remain on schedule.
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Prepare promotional items, contest materials, signage, and game-day assets.
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Assist with partner activations and promotional displays throughout the arena.
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Participate in pre-game staff meetings and game-day briefings.
Support communication between departments to ensure efficient event execution.
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In-Arena Entertainment
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Assist with the setup and execution of on-ice promotions, contests, and intermission activities.
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Coordinate participants for contests and fan experiences.
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Learn the basics of game presentation, including scripts, timing, and event flow.
Fan Experience
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Help create an engaging and entertaining atmosphere for every River Dragons home game.
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Assist with guest services and fan engagement initiatives throughout the arena.
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Provide exceptional customer service while representing the organization in a professional manner.
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Assist with giveaway distributions and promotional activations.
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Professionally address guest questions and assist with resolving game-day issues as they arise.
Event Logistics
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Organize and maintain game-day equipment, promotional materials, and operational assets.
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Assist with arena setup standards and inventory management.
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Learn proper radio communication and game-day staff coordination.
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Work alongside arena personnel, officials, players, and other departments to ensure efficient event operations.
Develop strong time management skills while working in a fast-paced live event environment.
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Qualifications
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High school seniors or currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university program, preferably in Sports Management, Event Management, Business, Communications, Recreation, or a related field.
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Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Ability to remain composed in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
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Comfortable interacting with fans, partners, staff, and community members.
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Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a team.
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Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the River Dragons home schedule.
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Reliable transportation and housing in the Columbus, Georgia area.
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods during events.
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What You'll Gain
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Hands-on experience executing professional sporting events.
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Training in game presentation, live event operations, and fan engagement.
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Experience coordinating promotions, ceremonies, sponsor activations, and entertainment elements.
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Exposure to event logistics, communication, and operational planning.
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Networking opportunities with sports industry professionals, arena staff, and organizational leadership.
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Resume-building experience within a professional hockey organization.
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Opportunity to complete a Game Day Readiness Assessment demonstrating your ability to independently contribute during River Dragons home games.
Schedule & Duration
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Start Date: August 2026
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Flexible scheduling based on academic commitments and availability.
Summer, semester-long, full-season, and extended internship opportunities available.
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Compensation
This is an unpaid internship intended to provide educational and professional development opportunities within the sports industry. College credit may be available where applicable.
Additional Information
Completion of the volunteer program does not guarantee future employment.
Volunteers are expected to maintain professional conduct and positively represent the organization at all times.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Columbus River Dragons are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for opportunities without regard to any protected status under applicable law. 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.
