Midway University Sport Management student Charles Adams took his passion for sports to the next level this semester by landing a sales internship with Fangate Solutions. Through this opportunity, he gained hands-on experience working at one of the most iconic events in college basketball—the NCAA March Madness tournament at Rupp Arena.
Getting in the Game: Sales at March Madness
Charles was responsible for selling commemorative programs throughout the arena and concourse. This position involved more than just handling sales transactions—it required engaging with fans, providing them with insights on what to expect at the games, and contributing to their overall event experience.
“For the NCAA March Madness event, I had the opportunity to learn how sales worked and interact with customers and fans while selling merchandise,” Charles shared.
The fast-paced environment of March Madness gave him a front-row seat to the behind-the-scenes action of sports sales, exposing him to the strategies and communication skills required to succeed in the field.
Applying Classroom Skills in a Real-World Setting
Charles' success in this role was fueled by the skills he developed in his Sports Communications class with faculty member Yash Padhye. The course gave him practical experience in communication strategies and real-world scenarios, which proved invaluable during his internship.
"Charles has done a great job in class adapting to real-world scenarios which I present to students to work through, and the skills he honed in class helped him through this internship in engaging with fans at Rupp Arena,” said Padhye. "In class, I'm always telling my students to take advantage of opportunities like this, and I'm happy to see Charles step out of his comfort zone to do so!”
By effectively communicating with fans and ensuring they had the best possible experience, Charles demonstrated his ability to apply classroom concepts in a professional environment.
Real-World Lessons in Sports Sales
For Charles, this internship was more than just a chance to build his résumé—it was a meaningful learning experience that broadened his perspective on the sports industry.
“This was a great opportunity that helped with my major because I was thrown into something I've never done before. I got to see a side of sports that was interesting and that I may go into one day.”
By stepping outside his comfort zone, Charles developed valuable sales skills, learned how to engage with fans effectively, and gained a deeper appreciation for the business side of sports.
Preparing for a Future in Sports Management
Charles’ experience at March Madness is a testament to the importance of hands-on learning in sports management education. By working directly with fans, handling event sales, and seeing how large-scale events operate from the inside, he gained insights that will serve him well in his future career.
Midway University’s commitment to providing real-world experiences ensures that students like Charles are gaining classroom knowledge and applying it in professional settings. His internship with Fangate Solutions is a prime example of how experiential learning can open doors and shape future sports industry leaders.
Photo left to right – Dr. Gavin Washington, Midway University Sport Management Faculty Member; Charles Adams; Yash Padhye, Midway University Sport Management Faculty Member