Auburn Game Face

Written by: Preston Sparks

Meghan Campbell might not be shooting baskets on the court, but when it comes to Auburn basketball she has a lofty aim and a key role that’s crucial to gameday success.

“My main goal is to make sure everyone entering Neville Arena has the best possible gameday experience,” said Campbell, who serves as Auburn’s director of athletics events.

Whether it’s working with ushers, ticket takers or overseeing logistics for visiting teams, officials, parking and more, Campbell is the behind-the-scenes team player who makes the gameday experience come to life.

“Working with all of the different departments, both internal and external, you get to meet a lot of people,” she said. “The most fun part of my job is the event itself. It is so rewarding after each event to know that I played a major role in the success of an event taking place in a sold-out Neville Arena.”

Campbell started working for Auburn Athletics in 2017 and is currently in her sixth season on the Plains. Her first role at Auburn was assistant director of athletics events. She moved to Auburn from Cincinnati, Ohio – having previously worked for The University of Cincinnati Athletics Department. She said she’s always had a strong interest in sports.

“I did gymnastics for 15 years and retired when I was 16 due to injuries,” she said. “I have always wanted to work in sports but on the marketing side. My mentor and former boss introduced me to the event management world during my last year of college at The University of Cincinnati. I started as an intern and never looked back.”

These days, her focus is on ensuring a great fan experience at Auburn men’s and women’s basketball games, football games and gymnastics and track meets.

“We are always working to add anything we can to provide the best experience at each game,” she said. “There are a lot of hours put into each event, and it varies based on the sport. I treat each event as if it is our biggest and most important.”

In her time at Auburn, Campbell says she’s worked more than 75 women’s basketball games, more than 30 gymnastics meets and in nearly 50 football games. She’s new to men’s basketball this year and is excited to get involved in that space as well.

Campbell is also quick to note that her work isn’t without support. She manages a total of 10 student workers.

“Additionally, event management has three graduate assistants who play a huge role in all of our events,” she said. “Since COVID, this is our first year back with three graduate assistants. They really do a lot for us. Anything from setup to assisting us at events to office work to managing their own athletics events. I am so thankful for them and their willingness to do whatever it takes every single day.”

At the end of the day, she says success isn’t just found on the court but also in the stands.

“Our main goal in event management is to make sure that the event runs smoothly and everyone attending has the best possible experience.”