1st and 10 with Sage Adams

The latest addition to the team here at The Score is no stranger to me or to most of those familiar with The Score.  Sage Adams started her tenure as a high school student working part time, and is now working full-time, finishing a degree, and getting married.  To say her plate is full is an understatement.  However, like her father (oh… that’s me), she has 2 passions that drive her daily life, music and sports.

I figured a great intro to Sage is to hear from her.  I’m happy to say she’s like me, but the 2.0 version.  She is an enigma wrapped in a riddle and knows how to keep me on my toes.  You’ll see what I mean.

1. Sage, for those meeting you through our blog for the first time, tell us a little about yourself and what led you to join The Score full time.

I am Sage Adams! I love cats, reading, organizing, and creating. I love music and I love sports and that is what drew me to joining The Score team. I have always loved what my dad does and was always drawn to sports. In fact, I was an athlete myself! I love all sports, however I was a D1 diver, so diving has my heart. I also have always been drawn to music. I am never not listening to music, truly. So, melding the two things I love most and making it a job sounded like the perfect thing for me to pursue.

1. You’ve now been with The Score (full time) for a little over a year. What have you enjoyed most about the work and growing in your role as Marketing Manager?

I enjoy helping teams with their vision! I love when we get to work on a project and seeing it come to life not only for us, but for the teams AND the fans. I have also loved getting to put faces to names recently! I send out so many emails each week as I compile music survey results, but never get to place a face to the name I see on the "Send To" line.

1. Tell me about your fandom.  What artists do you love to listen to and what teams do you follow?

I swear I am apart of too many fandoms to count! Artists that I listen to range so dramatically...I love Greta Van Fleet to Sabrina Carpenter to Kendrick Lamar to Bad Bunny! My everyday playlist is such a Pandora's Box. The teams I follow are obviously the Dodgers!  The Dodgers run in my blood through generations. However, I am getting married to a die-hard Braves fan and have moved recently to the ATL where I have already been to 5 Braves games! So, I am now a huge Braves lover. Rooting for the Braves is very new but also has been such a blast! I love looking at all the stats (keeping score at the game) and learning about each of the players. And I hate to say it...but right now I know more about the Braves lineup than I do the Dodgers (Sorry Dad)!

1. Give me a song you have sent to teams that teams should revisit.

I personally loved the Hamilton project that we did! Not enough teams got creative with it! The situational uses there are endless and I think there are a lot more Hamilton fans that are also sports fans than people think! (I could seriously nerd on about that for so long...so if teams are wanting ideas hit me up.) I also love the song “Lux Aeterna” from Metallica! I never hear this song in sports settings and I feel like it needs to be used! Maybe it’s too "melt your face", but dude, I love it.

1. What role does music play in your day-to-day life, and does it help fuel your focus, creativity, or energy at work?

Not a day goes by where I don't listen to music. I can truly never get enough. It fuels every single thing I do. If I listen to Metallica first thing when I get into the office, I'm gonna kick ass! If I listen to Justin Bieber first thing, It will put me in a creative mood because it reminds me of my young self. When I listen to groovy instrumentals, I am going to be focused. If I listen to Oliver Tree I'll groove all day and maybe not be the most productive! It completely depends on my mood, and also can completely shift my mood at the same time! I don't know how to explain it in better words. 

1. Are there songs you look forward to hearing at sporting events?

I mentioned Oliver Tree in the last response...I flipping love how weird he is. I don't think he gets enough credit for how creative he is. I also am not scared to admit how much I love the new Kanye album. I am specifically obsessed with "BULLY" and hey, it isn't explicit! So, I could see it possibly happening... maybe.

1. Last year, you attended the IDEA conference for the first time.  What are your take aways from the conference?

My takeaway is that I am not as extroverted as I thought! However, I loved it! I feel like I was finally getting in the groove at the end. I am super excited to go this year and go all out, especially now that I know some people!

1. Give me an artist or song you secretly love that you wouldn’t talk about at parties. (Music you are embarrassed you like 😊)

This is such a hard question. When I need to relax, I feel like I need Mac n Cheese for the ears. Like when I am sick or just need an easy go-to meal Mac N Cheese is the answer. Musically, my "Mac N Cheese" will always be Yacht Rock. I LOVE Yacht Rock. In fact, I went and saw The Doobie Brothers 4 years ago and when Michael McDonald came on stage I actually cried. No lie.

1. You have been to a LOT of live games and concerts.  Give me a memorable game and concert you have attended.

I will never forget seeing Elton John in one of his last concerts at Dodger Stadium. That will forever be a magical memory. 

1. Looking ahead, what excites you most about your future at The Score?

I am so excited to keep learning from the best and hopefully work with more teams on the East Coast as I will be living there for the next little while!

You too can explore the inner workings of Sage’s mind by checking her playlist below.  This thing is all over the place, and I love it.  She is here to talk music and sports.  Drop her a line at sage.adams@thescore.us.  Let her know what you think of her playlist, and make your plans to hang with her at IDEA in Cincinnati this July!

Anatomy of a Stadium Anthem

Many songs climb Billboard charts and become part of the soundtrack of a generation, but it takes a special track to become a stadium anthem. A true sports anthem isn’t just loud or familiar, it works in a specific environment: short breaks, big crowds, instant reaction. The best songs don’t need a DJ to set them up or a full verse to make their point. They grab you from the first beat.

Instant recognition is key. Stadium music has seconds to connect. That’s why “Seven Nation Army” works so well. One riff from Jack White and the crowd is chanting, clapping, and stomping along. “We Will Rock You” does the same thing. You hear the first 2 seconds “stomp, stomp, clap.” and you’re already part of it.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” might be one of the greatest recordings ever made, but in a stadium it’s a slow burn. It asks for your attention instead of your reaction.

Just as sports are physical, good anthems give the crowd something to move to or invites them to participate, not just listen to. The beat has to hit hard and repeat cleanly. “Turn Down for What” and “Kernkraft 400” work because they leave zero doubt. One drop and the section is moving.

Some of the best anthems hand the mic to the audience. “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Sweet Caroline” are performed by the fans!  Fans don’t just know them, they own them. Once that happens, it’s ritual.

Game ops rarely play a whole song. You’ve got maybe ten seconds between innings or possessions. If a track takes a full minute to get going, it’s gone. That’s why “Thunderstruck” or “Enter Sandman” have lasted forever. The cue hits instantly. Everyone knows what’s coming.

Even the perfect anthem fails if it’s used in the wrong moment. “Lose Yourself” works for pregame buildup; all tension and focus. “Seven Nation Army” is better during play when the crowd wants to yell. Two great songs, two very different jobs.

The sports anthems that last year after year, team to team share a few things:

• You recognize them instantly

• The rhythm tells you what to do

• The crowd can join in

• They hold up in short edits

• They fit the moment

We’d love to hear from you: What are your favorite stadium anthems? Are there other rules we missed? Let us know.

The Greatest Baseball Songs Ever Recorded

For more than a century, baseball and popular music have grown up side by side. Baseball is emotional, generational and seasonal. So is music. The two intersect at a point that becomes more than entertainment, it becomes tradition.

With that history in mind, here are the greatest baseball songs ever recorded, ranked not just by nostalgia but by impact.

These tracks were evaluated using four standards:

·         Popularity: Did the song achieve widespread recognition?

·         Baseball Relevance: Is baseball central to the lyrics or theme?

·         Billboard Chart Success: How high did it climb on national charts?

Some songs never topped charts but became cultural moments in ballparks; others were radio hits but lacked lasting relevance to the game. The Top 10 list masters both. They are songs about baseball people still recognize and listen to long after they were released.

Here are the definitive ten every baseball fan should know, and why they matter (according to me).

1. “Centerfield” – John Fogerty (1985)

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #44
The quintessential modern baseball anthem. Few songs capture a summer on the field better than Fogerty’s call to “put me in, coach.” It’s played in stadiums at every level, from Little League to the Major Leagues.

2. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” (1908)

Pre-Billboard Era
Arguably, this should be #1 as it’s played by every team during the 7th inning stretch, but I couldn’t put it ahead of Fogerty. It was written before either composer had ever seen a game, it’s now the most-performed song in sports (other than the National Anthem).

3. “Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio” – Les Brown & His Band of Renown (1941)

Billboard Peak: #1
This was a wartime No. 1 hit celebrating Joe DiMaggio’s legendary 56-game hitting streak. I was having trouble placing this on the list as it’s about one layer and outside of New York, it would not be played in a ballpark (and it’s old/dated).  That said, this is the rare #1 hit on the list, and was a banger in its day.

4. “Talkin’ Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke)” – Terry Cashman (1981)

Billboard Peak: #8
Personally, I don’t like the track. I find it dated, and vocally it’s awful as Terry Cashman sounds like he’s having trouble staying on pitch in his own song! However, you can’t deny its quaint feel and lyrical tribute to legends of the game.

5. “It’s a Beautiful Day for a Ball Game” – The Harry Simeone Chorale (1960)

Billboard Peak: #18
One of the rare songs written specifically about baseball that also performed well on national charts. Upbeat and celebratory, it captures the simple joy of going to a game. The original recording is not available on Spotify, but you can find it on YouTube.

6. “Swing” – Trace Adkins (2006)

Billboard Hot Country Peak: #20
Country’s modern baseball anthem. Direct in its references and super catchy. The video was filmed in Lancaster, CA home of the now defunct Lancaster JetHawks.

7. “Cheap Seats” – Alabama (1994)

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #13
A tribute to minor league ballparks and small-town games. Where some songs celebrate stars, this one celebrates community.

8. “Glory Days” – Bruce Springsteen (1984)

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #5
I kinda broke another rule with this one.  Only the opening verse centers on a former high school baseball player. While the rest is a bunch of old memories. Still, this is a great track and in spite of being limited in its baseball theme, it belongs here.

9. “The Greatest” – Kenny Rogers (1999)

Billboard Hot Country Peak: #26
A Little League tale about striking out and resilience. Quiet, reflective and profoundly tied to the experience of playing the game.  Not a banger, but a great song.

10. “’98 Braves” – Morgan Wallen (2023)

Billboard Hot 100 Peak: #12

This one almost didn’t make the list because it’s so team specific, but it’s a well written song that interweaves relationship struggles with the 98 Braves. This is the most recent baseball chart hit and introduced baseball imagery to a new generation of listeners.

There are several worthy tracks that fall just outside the Top 10 for reasons that come down to relevance and impact:

• Era-specific sound: Some songs reflect styles tied to their time and have not endured in modern playlists.

• Player specific: There are some great baseball songs that are about a specific player that I just couldn’t place in the top 10. Common players that are mentioned in popular songs include Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Doc Gooden and Ichiro.

• Baseball as metaphor: Songs where baseball is symbolic rather than central to the lyrics.

• Limited chart impact: Quality music that lacked broad national reach or sustained presence.

A prime example is “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley. I looked for a way for this one to crack the top 10, but ultimately, it fell just outside it.  The song reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 but resonates more for seasonal nostalgia than specifically baseball.

Another track that almost made it to #10 is Mabel Scott’s “Baseball Boogie”.  This is a swing-era banger that is all about baseball!  It’s upbeat, fun, and Mabel’s vocals are incredible. However, it tends to sounds a bit dated and never achieved major chart success or lasting ballpark presence.

Could you list these songs differently? Of course you can! There are countless ways to list these tracks and others.  We could have listed purely on historical importance, by chart position, or by how often they’re played in stadiums.

For this list, the ranking leans toward a balance of cultural impact and baseball relevance, while giving weight to songs that not only charted, but also became part of the game’s soundtrack.

That’s why “Centerfield” lands at No. 1. It’s not just a nostalgic 40-year-old hit, but because it bridges chart success, lyrical focus on the sport, and real-world adoption across ballparks.

Baseball doesn’t just produce statistics, championships, and Hall of Famers. It produces stories and those stories get set to music. The greatest baseball songs don’t just reference the game they become part of its rhythm. They’re sung during the seventh inning. Fans clap along in pavlovian response. They’re part of the fabric of the game.

Here’s the complete playlist HERE (and also added below).

I know you have opinions too. What am I missing here? There must be some glaring omission you see that I don’t. Let me know! I’d be happy to add it to the playlist!

Arena Rebellion: Anti-Valentine's Night

February comes around, and stadiums fill up with kiss cams, hearts, and sappy songs. Plenty of fans skip all that whether they're single or just not into it. At The Score, we suggest flipping the script for a fun and unexpected twist on the typical. Swap in breakup songs, make fun of the romance push, and let the crowd sing along to stuff that shouts "I'm good by myself."

For Anti-Valentine's Night, forget the slow songs and couple moments. Let’s check out some anti-love tracks for a “Singles Cam" and turn Valentine’s Day on its head.

We put together a stadium-ready playlist about being single and breaking up. Most are upbeat and all are right in line with the theme:

• You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi – Opens with a punchy "love's no good" line.

• Since U Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson – Freedom song, spot on, high energy.

• I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor – Classic "moving on" tune.

• Tainted Love by Soft Cell – '80s synth track the fans love.

• Self Esteem by The Offspring – Punk bite.

• Bulletproof by La Roux – "Nothing gets to me" feel.

• Bad Reputation by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts – Shrug off the critics, plain fun.

• Forget You by CeeLo Green – Clean version for fan cams.

• Bye Bye Bye by *NSYNC – Say so long to old flames.

• Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey – Builds and a timeless track.

• So What by P!nk – Upbeat sass for fan highlights.

• Love Stinks by The J. Geils Band – Direct hit at romance, funny.

• We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together by Taylor Swift – Taylor's take on "no thanks."

• I Don't Wanna Be In Love by Good Charlotte – Pop-punk pass on love.

• Goodbye to You by Scandal – '80s kiss-off with edge.

• Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division – Brooding one.

• Gives You Hell by The All-American Rejects – Smirky payback.

• Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye and Kimbra – Odd, memorable regret.

• Cry Me a River by Justin Timberlake – Slick jab.

• Torn by Natalie Imbruglia – '90s mess that sticks.

• Irreplaceable by Beyoncé – Bey's "move along" power.

• Love Hurts by Nazareth – Rock edge with a point.

• Sail On by Commodores – In my opinion, the best moving on track there is… smooth but may not be good in stadium. My personal fav had to be here.

Keep it easygoing, tease the standard Valentine's routine, and watch the fans jump in. These will still promote a good time and give a feel a little off-center and perhaps unexpected.

From time to time on the blog, I'll toss out ideas that are twists on the usual stadium nights, but focused on the music, to add some offbeat fun for the fans. Got a go-to, anti-love track for the playlist? We would love to hear your additions.

New Year, New Music- 2026!

Unbelievably, we have hit 2026 head on! January kicks off with that fresh new-year smell and a wave of exciting album drops from some of the biggest names in music. 2026 looks set to deliver a wildly diverse soundtrack, with something to pump up stadiums, arenas, and playlists. We don’t know all of the artists releasing new music this year, but we have a list of those who’ve announced their albums or are rumored to release soon. Here are the top releases that are generating the most hype for sports use in 2026.

Zach Bryan - With Heaven On Top (release date: January 9). The Country music titan is dropping a massive 21-track album that has been teased since last summer. After a huge 2025 that included a $350 million catalog sale, this one is poised to dominate charts and live sets. Expect a couple of sports anthems from this one

A$AP Rocky - Don’t Be Dumb (release date: January 16). After multiple delays, Rocky's fourth studio album finally lands, featuring dark overtones and high-profile collabs with Tyler, the Creator and Danny Elfman. Tim Burton even designed the cover, adding a cinematic edge and a lot of hype. This will be an exciting one for teams to pay attention to. 

Megadeth - Megadeth (release date: January 23). The thrash metal legends are calling it quits with this self-titled final album, produced by Dave Mustaine and featuring new guitarist Teemu. It's their swan song before a farewell tour, loaded with heavy riffs that could energize any mosh pit or sports montage. Fans are buzzing over the tracklist reveal that includes a bonus track most fans didn’t see coming: the Metallica hit “Ride The Lightning” that Dave cowrote in his very early Metallica days. Don't sleep on this one!  “Let There Be Shred” and “Tipping Point” are already released and sound incredible!  Hockey and Football should be checking these out for some hit videos!

Gorillaz - The Mountain (release date: February 27 or March 20th). Damon Albarn's virtual band returns with their ninth album, a 15-track grief-inspired project on their new label KONG, boasting global guests like Asha Bhosle. It's got an eclectic, boundary-pushing sound that may provide a nice backdrop for arena visuals. This could be one of the year's most talked-about releases. Check the track “The Happy Dictator” that is already available.

Rob Zombie - The Great Satan (release date: February 27). After a four-year hiatus, the horror-rock icon unleashes this high-energy album on Nuclear Blast, blending industrial grooves with his signature shock value. Tracks like "Heathen Days" are a compact 2:17 but blast a LOT of energy.  May make a solid, high-energy, in stadium video. 

BTS - (album title TBD; release date: March 20). The K-pop powerhouse reunites for their fifth full album post-military service, featuring 14 tracks and a world tour announcement. Recorded partly in the US, it's set to blend their group magic with solo-era growth.  I don’t expect many tracks from this one finding their way into stadiums across the US, but it’s a release to keep your eye on.  I’m sure there will be a couple of ENORMOUS hits on this one!  

Harry Styles - HS4 (rumored release: early 2026). Following his pattern of every two to three years, Styles is teasing his fourth solo album with subtle hints like "forever forever." Expect an eclectic pop-rock release that is full of star power. Harry knows how to deliver to his fans. This one's got massive anticipation building.

Drake - Iceman (expected release: 2026). The hip-hop king follows up his 2025 collabs with this ninth studio album, teased via singles like "Dog House" and livestream clues. All clues to this one dropping this year.  I’m sure it will be packed with Toronto flair and features, it's bound to rule charts and playlists.

Evanescence - (album title TBD; release: early 2026). Amy Lee confirms a new album arriving likely in spring, building on 2021's The Bitter Truth with fresh tracks like "Afterlife" and "Fight Like a Girl." Expect epic rock anthems that could soundtrack intense moments in games.  I hear this one may be hitting in March or April.

Beyoncé - Act III (expected release: 2026). Closing her Renaissance trilogy, The Queen's final act is rumored to dive into rock influences, possibly featuring Megan Thee Stallion. After Cowboy Carter's historic run, this could redefine genres again.

We all know this will be another outstanding year in the music world and we will keep our eyes and ears open for all music that will be appropriate for team use.  We highlighted some of the big artists that will be releasing new music, but we also look forward to becoming fans of lesser-known artists coming on the scene over the next few months.  Stay tuned!

'Tis the Season for Holiday Hits

The stores are already full of holiday decorations (and have been for 6 weeks already), and pumpkin spice is already being replaced with Peppermint as the preferred flavor of the season.  It may not be a Winter Wonderland quite yet, but it is time to start planning to bring the Holidays into your game presentation. Let’s highlight a few tracks that are label priorities this season and are easy (and affordable) to license for in-stadium or social media use. 

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24"

This is a stadium staple! TSO created an iconic instrumental track that fuses rock and orchestral elements for an epic, high-energy track that's become a festive favorite. This is a perfect holiday track to use as a show open, hype video or a social media promo. Contact us for quick and easy licensing of this fan favorite. 

Bad Religion - "White Christmas"

A punk-rock take on the timeless classic brings raw energy and attitude, giving it a fresh, edgy spin. It's ideal for adding a rebellious twist to your holiday lineup. This track would make a ruckus hype reel going into the 3rd period or coming out of a time out when energy is needed from fans.  It would also make for a fun “hard-hit” video for hockey or football use in stadium and social media.

DJ Jesse Marco - "It's The Holidays"

An upbeat electronic celebration song with catchy beats designed to keep energy high. This release is perfect for injecting fun into your presentations. Incorporate it into DJ sets during game breaks in-stadium or fun reels on social media.

Debbie Gibson - "Christmas Star"

A feel-good pop tune with sparkling melodies and joyful lyrics, making it a feel-good addition to the season. This is a track that would work great as a dance team routine.  We also see it being used to highlight community holiday events with your team.

Maddox Batson - "Last Christmas"

A youthful, modern cover of the Wham! classic. Maddox is a 15-year-old budding superstar on the Warner Music label.  The track may make a good kiss cam as it’s a more mellow holiday vibe but he is available for halftime shows or other in-stadium performances. 

These tracks are a starting point to help bring the Holiday spirit into your game presentation.  Of course, we are here to assist with your music licensing needs throughout the entire year and can chase down any track (holiday or otherwise) you may need.  Call or email John Adams at The Score to get started on your holiday licensing.

We want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the teams who've trusted The Score as their go-to music resource, to keep in-stadium tracks fresh and turning to us for music licensing solutions. We truly appreciate our colleagues across the sports world and wish you all a very happy holiday season!

Haunting Halloween Nights

The air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and kids are starting to plan their most lucrative neighborhood candy routes.  It’s the season to start thinking about Halloween, the holiday that's not just for kids in costume. Let’s dive into the pumpkin-spiced glory of it all!

Here's the eerie truth: if you're not carving out space for a Halloween Theme Night, you're straight-up ghosting your fans.  Halloween is a cultural juggernaut that's bigger than ever, especially across the US and Canada. Fans aren't just dressing up at home; they're craving that spooky spirit everywhere, including your stadium.

Music is the heartbeat of any good theme night, and Halloween has some incredible tracks to get the crowd howling. Tracks that focus on Halloween themes used to be few and far between.  Now, just about every artist has a track that will fit. Below you’ll find a playlist containing creepy classics and modern monsters.

I’m sure you all know this pro tip: layer in sound effects like creaking doors and wolf howls.  You can get a LOT of those audio elements through our friends at APM. It's not just about a playlist; it's a sensory takeover that keeps fans engaged.

Ready to summon the spirits of spook-takular success? At The Score, we are here to help turn holidays into hair-raising home runs. From custom otherworldly playlists to morose music, we'll haunt your inbox with thrilling tracks. Hit us up at john.adams@thescore.us. Game on, ghouls!

1st and 10 with Don Costante

I am a firm believer that good people should meet good people.  Today, I’m thrilled to introduce my friend of nearly 20 years, Don Costante, a trailblazer who’s been redefining sports event presentation for over three decades. At The Score Music and Sports Marketing, we’re all about creating unforgettable game-day moments with the perfect soundtrack, and Don’s work perfectly complements that mission.

As President of Costante Group and host of The Rundown Podcast, he’s produced over 3,000 electrifying events, including three NBA Finals, two MLB World Series, 13 NBA All-Star Jam Session Center Courts, and the MLB All-Star Game, setting the benchmark for immersive fan experiences.

Get ready for his game-changing book, Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation, dropping September 9th, packed with pro strategies to elevate any sports production to legendary status.

Join me for an exclusive Q&A with Don, where he shares his career insights and reveals his top stadium tracks that ignite epic memories:

1. What is your favorite sports event you have worked on and why?
I’ve been fortunate to produce and direct some incredible moments, from the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby to the Royals’ World Series and their City Celebration with over 800,000 fans at Union Station, and even Manchester City Football Club’s Opening Day Match in England. However, the NBA Finals in San Antonio in 2003 at the then-SBC Center will always be at the top of the list. To experience that stage in a new facility, directing and producing in front of a global audience, was an unforgettable moment in my career. It showed me the scale of what event presentation can be and reinforced the importance of precision, communication, and atmosphere at the highest level.

 2. What is a common misconception about working in sports event presentation?

The biggest misconception about working in the field of sports event presentation is that it’s limited to game operations on gameday. In reality, presentation teams are involved in nearly every aspect of an organization’s events, from FanFests to community activations, through demanding behind-the-scenes work that requires long hours and constant problem-solving. Every element of an event (e.g., music, contests, lighting, entertainment resources, digital content, promotions, etc.) is intentional, and the true craft lies in weaving them together to elevate the atmosphere without overwhelming it. It’s high-pressure work where one mistake can impact thousands of fans, but with creativity, adaptability, and precision, the reward is enormous: fans leaving with unforgettable memories.

 3. How much does fan expectation play into making game entertainment decisions?
Fan expectation is at the heart of every decision we make. But it’s not about chasing every trend, it’s about knowing your audience, your market, and your brand, then designing an experience that feels authentic to both the fans and the team. If you overproduce, you risk distracting from the game; if you underdeliver, you leave fans unfulfilled. The art is finding the right balance so that every element, from music to promotions, serves to enhance the connection between fans and the team.

4. Do you have any advice for teams with a vocal or very public-facing owner who makes demands on event presentation?
The best approach is proactive communication. Anticipate their priorities, present options backed by rationale, and always tie decisions back to how they benefit the fans and align with organizational goals. Most owners want the same thing we do: a great fan experience. By showing how your plan achieves that, you build trust and ensure alignment, even when their requests are highly specific.

5. Have you ever had game entertainment requests from athletes?
Yes, and it happens often. From walk-up music to intro videos, athletes want to feel represented in a way that reflects their personality. Those small touches can fire up the players and help fans connect with them on a more personal level. It’s a win for everyone when athletes feel invested in the presentation.

6. Your book, Beyond the Scoreboard, seems to be a culmination of your experience in sports. When did you know you wanted to write it all down?
I had been wanting to write a book for many years, but last summer was the right time to finally make it happen. After three decades of experience across MLB, NBA, NCAA, and beyond, I realized there was still no single comprehensive resource dedicated to sports event presentation. My goal was to capture the philosophy, tools, and strategies I’ve relied on throughout my career and present them in a practical way. The aim was to provide a resource that students, professionals, and leaders alike can use to strengthen and shape the future of sports event presentation.

7. You have worked in this industry through major technological changes: standard def, 4K, ribbon board, static to motion boards. How do you see event presentation being influenced by and impacted by AI?
AI will reshape many aspects of event presentation, from content creation to real-time decision-making. It will allow teams to personalize experiences more than ever, curating music, promotions, and content based on fan behavior. But while technology enhances our toolbox, it can never replace human creativity, intuition, and the ability to read a crowd. The magic still comes from people (for now).

8. In your experience, what is the best way to keep the fan energy level up during a game? How do you keep the energy up in the control room?
Keeping fan energy high starts with pacing and awareness. You can’t run at full throttle for every minute of the game; there must be an ebb and flow that matches the natural rhythm of the competition. That means knowing when to crank up the energy with music, contests, or promotions, and when to let the game breathe so the action on the playing surface can speak for itself. The best shows create that balance, so fans feel constantly engaged without ever being overwhelmed.

In the control room, the key is leadership and preparation. The atmosphere among the crew has a direct impact on the show. I focus on setting a calm but energized tone, making sure communication is clear and everyone knows their role. When the team trusts the plan and stays confident under pressure, the energy in the room stays positive, and that translates directly to what fans experience in the venue.

9. Is there a song, played in a stadium, that you never want to hear again? If so, why?
Yes, I could live without ever hearing “Who Let the Dogs Out” again. It’s less about disliking the song and more about overuse. If you hear the same track every game, it loses its punch. Music should always match the moment; it’s one of the most powerful tools we have, but only when it’s used with purpose.

10. To those just starting out in the industry, what is the best advice you can give them?
Start by gaining experience wherever you can, whether it’s with pro teams, colleges, or minor leagues. Volunteer, shadow event directors, and pay close attention to the details: the philosophy behind decisions, the terminology used, how rundowns are built, how communication flows, and how staff assignments are managed. This industry thrives on both reps and relationships, so the more environments you expose yourself to early on, the stronger your foundation will be. Reading Beyond the Scoreboard can also give you an inside look at the strategies, tools, and philosophies that guide this work, helping you connect classroom knowledge with real-world application. Throughout the process, stay curious, coachable, and consistent. Bring energy, humility, and a team-first mindset, and you’ll stand out and ultimately succeed if you always keep the fan experience at the center.

 Bonus: My Top Stadium Tracks
These aren’t necessarily my all-time favorite tracks, but each one sparks memories of events and moments that were meaningful in my career:

• “We Are the Champions” – Queen

• “Thunderstruck” – AC/DC

• “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes

• “Lose Yourself” – Eminem

• “Welcome to the Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses

• “We Will Rock You” – Queen

• “Turn Down for What” – DJ Snake & Lil Jon

• “All I Do Is Win” – DJ Khaled

• “Get Ready” – 2 Unlimited

• “The Miracle and the Sleeper” (Metropolis Part I) – Dream Theater

• “Enter Sandman” – Metallica