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“One of our last moves is to set up the baskets and shot clocks ,” he says. “Every bolt gets tightened and checked. We test the baskets by shooting at them and knocking them around. The last thing we want is for someone to throw down a dunk and break some part of the basket or have the clock fall. In fact, if something like that happens, we have only thirty minutes to repair it or the game could be forfeited to the visiting team. Finally, we clean the glass [backboard], and we put on new nets.” No arena manager wants to have any sort of negative effect on the outcome of a game, so careful attention is paid to every aspect of player and equipment safety. The fans are part of Dixon’s role, too, of course. High on the list of every fan’s needs for a game is good food. The concession stands must be set up, cleaned, and staffed with people who will prepare and serve the food. Dixon has to make sure that all those people are on duty and ready to go. After the court is ready, Dixon’s team prepares the hospitality room that will play host to season ticket holders or special guests. Food for them is laid out, and the room is made spotless. The crews thenmove outside the arena to clean the areas where fans will arrive. The locker rooms are inspected, too. Then the public restrooms are checked. Is there enough soap and toilet

12 C areers O ff the F ield • Sports Arena & Event Management