5 Quick Questions with Don Sperling of the NY Giants
Zack Rosenberg | March 19th, 2012
1) What is the Superbowl experience like from the inside?
Going to the Superbowl is an experience in itself. The whole week is filled with events, from media day to parties.
This is the Superbowl, so everyone is interested aspects other than just the game. There is really nothing like it in all of sports.
From a work perspective, we move everything down to Indianapolis, build a studio with cameras, production equipment so that we can do everything right there. The most important thing is that the players have a game to play, so we respect their time and their schedule.
2) What is the best part of the new stadium?
I can’t speak about MetLife from a fan’s standpoint, since I am typically at my perch producing the game. In terms of technology and game presentation, MetLife is top notch. There are four screens in each corner, 120×30 feet. We have a state of the art control room, five distribution channels- it’s incredible.
3) How does social media help the Giants connect with fans?
As a team, we got a later start than others in the space. But in the last two years, I don’t think there is a team that has done more creative and innovative work than the Giants have; especially this year . With the NFL Lockout, we had to remind fans to stay engaged with us while the season was in flux. To do that we created an exclusive to Facebook ticket contest, where ten lucky fans could be featured on the game ticket. The Giants utilized twitter to provide a live feed of pre-season games to interact with our fans. During the Superbowl we had the “Tolle [Dave Tollefson] Cam” featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the players. Our fans had to “unlock” the camera footage by reaching 10,000 likes a day- and they did! We’ve gained many new fans and followers this year [Giants just reached 2 million fans on Facebook] through this type of communication and are excited to continue the momentum.
4) What is the one thing about a player that you wish everyone knew?
Eli Manning get a lot of press for his role as QB, but he is also just one of the funniest guys. He pulls tons of pranks on his teamates.
5) What is your advice for someone starting in the industry?
Many think this industry is really glamorous, that they will be talking to all of the players, etc. But that takes time. Have an incredible work ethic with attention to detail. Be patient and when you get an opportunity seize it. Never miss an opportunity to make an impression. Never let your guard down; dress the part, be the part, and live the part. Never say the words ‘I don’t know’; always give positive feedback.
When starting out, be persistent to get your foot in the door. I had to do the same thing. I had to throw myself into getting the role, snuck up elevators and back stairs to get my face in front of someone who would listen (although I think that was before electricity). Get in this industry because you are passionate about it because with passion and intelligence you can be great.
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