Game Day On

A message from Steve...

This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to attend an Atlanta United soccer match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with my 12-year-old daughter, Bailey. We were fortunate to attend as guests of the team’s owner, and while the match itself was awesome to watch, it was what happened before the game started, and what my daughter said afterward, that left the biggest impression on me. 

Before the match, Bailey and I were invited to peek behind the curtain, getting an up-close look at what it takes to bring a world-class game day experience to life. And let me tell you, there is a whole lot of intentionality happening behind the scenes, on every level, hours before the first kick. 

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an architectural marvel, designed with an extraordinary retractable roof inspired by the opening of a camera lens, a massive 360-degree halo video board, and seating and site lines specifically set up to bring fans closer to the action. But what impressed me most wasn’t just the architecture, technology, or sheer size of the place. It was the people, the preparation, and the remarkable attention to detail. 

From the security check-in to the sound checks, from the lighting and sightlines to the pyrotechnics and pregame staff huddles, everything and everyone seemed to have a purpose. Every team member had a role, every role mattered, and every detail contributed to something much bigger than a soccer match. 

The team at AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) seemed to understand something we talk about often at Game On Nation. Memorable moments rarely happen by accident. They are often the result of people being intentional about creating an experience that makes others feel valued, welcomed, and connected. 

And here’s where it got really special for me. Throughout the day, Bailey and I were greeted by staff members who smiled, offered directions, anticipated our needs, and genuinely seemed happy to be there. They didn’t just welcome me, they welcomed Bailey. They asked her name, remembered it, and used it throughout our visit. And while we were certainly grateful for the special access, I noticed this same kindness and warmth being extended to fans everywhere we went. 

It was as if the staff and the entire game day team had embraced the responsibility of being guardians of memorable moments. And this reminded me that we may not always control the outcome of an event, a game, a presentation, or even a conversation, but we can absolutely influence how people experience and remember it. 

The grandness of the stadium, the lights, the sounds, the elite athletes, and the energy of thousands of fans made for an unforgettable show. But it was the small gestures, the thoughtful interactions, the warm welcomes, and the genuine care that made the experience personal. 

As leaders, teachers, coaches, and presenters, we have the same opportunity every day. We may not have a retractable roof, a giant video board, or indoor fireworks at our disposal, but we do have the ability to prepare with purpose, pay attention to the details, and make people feel like they matter. 

And sometimes, the smallest moments leave the biggest impressions. With that in mind, below are a few of my takeaways I hope we can all incorporate to help better get our...Game Day On. 

1. Be intentional before the moment. Great experiences begin long before people arrive. Preparation, communication, and clarity of purpose allow us to show up ready to serve others. 

2. Make the big moments special and the small moments personal. The big production may capture someone’s attention, but remembering a name, offering authentic encouragement, or extending a little kindness can capture their heart. 

3. Be a guardian of memorable moments. Whether you’re leading a team, teaching a class, coaching athletes, or presenting to an audience, recognize the privilege and responsibility of helping create experiences people will carry with them. 

As Bailey and I made our way back to the hotel, way past her bedtime, still soaking in everything we had experienced, she looked at me and said, “Dad, that was the best day of my life.” 

Granted, she’s only 12, but I’ll take that as a big WIN. 

And to think, while thousands of people were working behind the scenes to create an extraordinary experience, one little girl walked away with a memory she’ll carry for years. And this dad got to be part of it. 

Game Day On. 

Game On.