Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Photos of Canisius University Athletic spaces
Timeline
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Patrick Wolford

Batavia,NY

Summary

Detail-oriented and driven Event and Facility Operations professional with over 4 years of hands-on experience in Division I athletics, arena event coordination, and venue changeover operations. Proven expertise in managing complex event logistics, staff supervision, and high-level communication across internal departments and external stakeholders. Adept at working under pressure to deliver flawless execution for sports, concerts, and special events. Committed to operational excellence, safety, and exceptional guest experiences. Strong background in Microsoft Office, event planning software (25Live), and working directly with ESPN, touring acts, and professional teams. Currently completing a Master’s Degree while serving as Graduate Assistant for Athletic Facilities at Canisius University.

Overview

4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Athletic Facilities Graduate Assistant

Canisius University
Buffalo, NY
08.2024 - Current
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute over 100+ annual athletic events, ensuring all logistics meet NCAA Division I standards.
  • Manage full event scheduling through 25Live, coordinating use of Demske Sports Complex, Koessler Athletic Center, and auxiliary spaces.
  • Identified maintenance needs and operational inefficiencies in athletic facilities, contributing to internal discussions on capital project priorities, such as scoreboard systems, fitness equipment upgrades, and field maintenance tools.
  • Direct event setup, takedown, and operations, including ESPN production logistics, scoreboard management, staffing, and crowd logistics.
  • Hire, train, and supervise 20+ student staff across the equipment room, fitness center, intramural program, and gameday operations.
  • Track and approve student worker timecards and schedules; collaborate with payroll for timely processing.
  • Maintain professional relationships as main point of contact for visiting teams, officials, and internal athletic departments.
  • Oversee daily operations of fitness center, equipment room, and Demske Field, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and equipment readiness.
  • Attend weekly administrative meetings to align facility and event goals with university leadership.
  • Provide technical support and training for Daktronics scoreboards, LED boards, and gameday audiovisual setups.

Changeover Crew Member

KeyBank Center
Buffalo, NY
10.2023 - 06.2025
  • Supported the setup, transition, and takedown of Sabres, Bandits, and major concert events, including national tours and high-profile shows.
  • Coordinated event changeovers to meet touring and team specifications, including locker room prep, arena floor layout, and staging.
  • Worked with internal staff and external media partners (ESPN, concert promoters, stagehands) to ensure seamless execution of live events.
  • Maintained cleanliness and safety standards, operated equipment such as pallet jacks, compactors, and carts, and ensured efficient furniture/staging transport.
  • Events supported include: Drake, Stevie Nicks, Zach Bryan, Jonas Brothers, TSO, Jeff Dunham, Harlem Globetrotters, and more.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by working irregular hours, weekends, and holidays to meet tight turnaround times and complex event demands.

Summer Events & Recreation Intern

The Currituck Club
Corolla, NC
05.2023 - 09.2023
  • Planned, promoted, and executed daily and weekly community events for over 400 vacationing families.
  • Led set-up and staffing for tournaments, poolside events, Fourth of July parades, and fitness activities.
  • Created digital marketing and social media promotions, designed flyers and menus for events and the tiki bar.
  • Collaborated in team of 15 interns; handled guest relations, event feedback, and facilities maintenance.
  • Developed engaging promotional materials to enhance participation in club events.
  • Coordinated daily activities and scheduled staff shifts for smooth operations.

Event Operations Staff (Intern/Practicum)

SUNY Brockport, Perinton Rec, SERC Field House
Brockport, NY
10.2021 - 12.2022
  • Supported event logistics, inventory tracking, referee/coach communication, and venue readiness for youth and college athletic events.
  • Managed event surveys, sponsorships, and logistical flow for tournaments and senior events.
  • Delivered hands-on support for crowd control, field assignments, and schedule enforcement.
  • Assisted with daily operations at SERC Field House events and activities.
  • Communicated effectively with staff and visitors to address inquiries and needs.

Education

Master of Science - Sport Management

SUNY College At Brockport
Brockport, NY
09-2023

Master of Science - Sport Administration

Canisius University
Buffalo, NY

Skills

  • Event Management & Venue Operations (Arenas, Stadiums, Gyms)
  • Facility Scheduling (25Live) & Staffing Coordination
  • Leadership & Staff Supervision (20 Students, Interns, Workers)
  • Customer & Guest Services for Fans, Teams, Coaches, Performers
  • Communication (Internal Teams, External Clients, Media Partners)
  • Technical Operations (Scoreboards, LED Boards, ESPN Setup)
  • Problem Solving & Crisis Management in Live Event Environments
  • Microsoft Office, Timecard/Payroll Systems, Social Media Tools
  • CPR/First Aid Certified Knowledge of Safety & Fire Codes
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs, work outdoors, and thrive in high-pressure settings

Affiliations

  • Head Coach & Team Manager – Canisius Club Basketball
  • Referee for youth basketball and soccer leagues (Pembroke Youth Association)
  • Event Volunteer – Junior League Hockey at Bill Gray’s Ice Complex
  • Member – Spanish Club and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America)
  • Recreational sports participant – basketball, soccer, and pickleball
  • Passionate about live music, sports broadcasting, and event production

Accomplishments

  • Dean’s List with Honors, SUNY Brockport – Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Canisius University - Fall 2024, Spring 2025
  • Team Captain, Pembroke Varsity Basketball & Soccer
  • Vice President, Pembroke Class of 2020
  • Heart & Hustle Award (2019), Coaches Award (2019)
  • Destiny & Pursuit Awards (2018, 2019)
  • Scholar Athlete, Fall & Winter Seasons (2018–2020)
  • Genesee Region Soccer League All-Star Honorable Mention (2019–2020)
  • Selected for Section V Sportsmanship Summit, Geneseo, NY
  • Participated in Exceptional Senior Soccer Event (2019)

Certification

  • CPR / AED / First Aid Certification – Issued 2023
  • Child Abuse Detection & Prevention Training – Completed 2023

Photos of Canisius University Athletic spaces

  • https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ihHpkXETD0oT3-J8rCalT0jd3N4_sRvY?usp=sharing

Timeline

Athletic Facilities Graduate Assistant

Canisius University
08.2024 - Current

Changeover Crew Member

KeyBank Center
10.2023 - 06.2025

Summer Events & Recreation Intern

The Currituck Club
05.2023 - 09.2023

Event Operations Staff (Intern/Practicum)

SUNY Brockport, Perinton Rec, SERC Field House
10.2021 - 12.2022

Master of Science - Sport Management

SUNY College At Brockport

Master of Science - Sport Administration

Canisius University
Patrick Wolford