Stadium vendors get to attend every game for free and often have a great view of the action. But working as a stadium vendor is still work. The job requires lugging heavy tubs of beverages and trays of food up and down stadium steps and dealing with customers' many moods. But if you're in good physical shape, like working with people and enjoy sports, a job as a stadium vendor might be perfect for you. You can work part time or full time as a stadium vendor.
Ask the vendors at the stadium where you want to work who employs them. Some stadiums hire vendors directly, while others use a contractor who is in charge of all the vendors.
Contact the concessions manager or director of operations at the stadium. Find their number on the stadium's website, or call the main stadium line and ask for the number. Tell the person you're interested in a job as a stadium vender.
Complete the application to become a vendor. You might be able to do this online, or the manager might ask you to come to the stadium to apply in person. Because you'll be handling money, some positions require a background check, which can add a few days to the application process.
Highlight any previous sales experience you might have had, though this is not a requirement for being a vendor, nor is any experience with sports. Steve Lazarus, a vendor at Yankee Stadium, started in 1977 with no previous experience.
Show up on time at the interview and ready to demonstrate that you're capable of the physical exertion required to be a vendor. You might be asked to sell relatively light cotton candy one day and heavy cans of beer or soda the next, so you need the stamina to do it all.
Tips
As a vendor, you get a percentage of every item you sell, plus tips. The best vendors joke with customers and develop an entertaining sales patter. Study the best vendors at your stadium to pick up pointers that can improve your income.
You must be at least 21 to sell beer, though younger vendors can work selling other concessions.
References
- Slate; So, You Want to Be a Beer Vendor...;Daniel Engber; October 2005
- The New York Times; He's Got Your Beer Right Here, and Some Laughs; Joe Brescia; May 2009
- Rio Tinto Stadium: Become a Vendor
- Wembley Stadium. "Wembley Stadium in Numbers." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- Wembley Stadium. "Stats and Facts." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- The Dallas Morning News. "Building His Own House: Jerry Jones' AT&T Stadium, Star in Frisco the Foundation of His Cowboys Legacy." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- MLB.com. "Yankees Magazine: Where Legends Live: How Monument Park Became the Heart and Soul of Yankee Stadium." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "Mercedes-Benz Stadium Shines During Super Bowl LIII." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "A Time-Lapse of the Roof Closing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "100 Yard Club." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "Mercedes-Benz Achieves Success in First Year of Stadium-Wide Cashless Initiative." Accessed Jun 13, 2020.
- MetLife Stadium. "About Us." Accessed June 13, 2020.
- NJ.com. "New Meadowlands Stadium Features Revolutionary Fan-Friendly Technology." Accessed June 13, 2020.
Tips
- As a vendor, you get a percentage of every item you sell, plus tips. The best vendors joke with customers and develop an entertaining sales patter. Study the best vendors at your stadium to pick up pointers that can improve your income.
- You must be at least 21 to sell beer, though younger vendors can work selling other concessions.
Writer Bio
Cynthia Myers is the author of numerous novels and her nonfiction work has appeared in publications ranging from "Historic Traveler" to "Texas Highways" to "Medical Practice Management." She has a degree in economics from Sam Houston State University.