Game Day Staff
Delivering championship-level fan experiences through dedicated volunteer excellence
The Team Behind the Team
The Ottawa Sooners are committed to providing a world-class fan experience that rivals professional CFL game day operations. Our game day volunteer staff are the backbone of every home game, ensuring seamless operations, fan safety, and an unforgettable atmosphere at TD Place Stadium.
Following the operational standards set by CJFL championship teams and CFL franchises, we recruit, train, and deploy dedicated volunteers across multiple departments to deliver excellence on every play.
Game Day Operations Departments
Game Day Coordinator
CFL/CJFL Standard: Oversees all game day operations, coordinates between departments, and serves as the primary liaison with stadium management.
Responsibilities:
- Pre-game operations briefing with all department heads
- Real-time problem solving and decision making
- Communication hub between volunteers, staff, and stadium operations
- Post-game debrief and incident reporting
Fan Services & Guest Relations Team
CFL/CJFL Standard: First point of contact for fans, providing information, assistance, and creating positive first impressions.
Positions Needed (8-12 volunteers):
- Guest Services Ambassadors: Stationed at main entrances, provide directions, answer questions, assist with accessibility needs
- Information Booth Attendants: Central help desk for lost items, ticket issues, and general inquiries
- VIP Host Coordinators: Manage corporate sponsor guests and premium seating areas
- Family Zone Supervisors: Oversee kid-friendly activities and family seating sections
Gate & Ticketing Operations
CFL/CJFL Standard: Efficient entry processing, ticket validation, and crowd flow management at all access points.
Positions Needed (10-15 volunteers):
- Gate Scanners: Ticket validation and entry processing
- Will Call Attendants: Manage pre-purchased ticket pickup
- Crowd Flow Coordinators: Direct traffic and manage queue lines
- Accessibility Entrance Specialists: Dedicated support for guests with mobility needs
Security & Safety Team
CFL/CJFL Standard: Trained volunteers working alongside professional security to ensure fan safety and facility protection.
Positions Needed (6-10 volunteers):
- Section Monitors: Observe seating areas, report incidents, assist with seating disputes
- Emergency Exit Coordinators: Maintain clear egress routes and assist in evacuations
- First Aid Station Assistants: Support medical staff with non-medical tasks
- Lost Child Coordinators: Reunification protocols and family assistance
Game Presentation & Entertainment
CFL/CJFL Standard: Create electric atmosphere through coordinated fan engagement, music, and in-game entertainment.
Positions Needed (8-12 volunteers):
- Hype Squad Leaders: Lead crowd chants, distribute rally towels, energize sections
- Mascot Handlers: Coordinate mascot appearances and photo opportunities
- Promotional Team: Execute sponsor activations and giveaways
- Halftime Show Coordinators: Manage on-field entertainment logistics
- Social Media Correspondents: Capture fan moments and live content
Concessions & Hospitality Support
CFL/CJFL Standard: Assist stadium vendors and manage team-specific hospitality areas.
Positions Needed (6-8 volunteers):
- Merchandise Booth Attendants: Sell team apparel and memorabilia
- 50/50 Draw Sellers: Circulate stands selling raffle tickets
- Hospitality Suite Hosts: Manage VIP lounge and corporate areas
- Tailgate Zone Coordinators: Oversee pre-game fan gathering areas
Media & Communications
CFL/CJFL Standard: Support broadcast operations and capture game day content for promotional use.
Positions Needed (4-6 volunteers):
- Photographer Assistants: Support team photographers with equipment and positioning
- Videographer Crew: Capture highlight footage and fan reactions
- Press Box Runners: Deliver stats sheets and assist media personnel
- Sideline Credential Monitors: Manage field access and media credentials
Field Operations & Equipment
CFL/CJFL Standard: Maintain field conditions and support coaching staff with equipment management.
Positions Needed (6-8 volunteers):
- Chain Crew: Operate down markers and chains for officiating crew
- Ball Crew: Manage game balls and equipment retrieval
- Sideline Equipment Managers: Organize benches, water stations, and medical supplies
- Field Maintenance Assistants: Pre-game setup and post-game breakdown
Statistics & Analytics
CFL/CJFL Standard: Real-time stat tracking and data entry for coaching staff and media.
Positions Needed (3-5 volunteers):
- Official Scorekeepers: Record play-by-play statistics
- Data Entry Specialists: Input stats into league systems
- Video Breakdown Assistants: Tag plays for coaching review
Training & Requirements
All Game Day Volunteers Receive:
- Comprehensive pre-season training session (3 hours)
- Department-specific role training
- Emergency procedures and safety protocols
- Customer service excellence workshop
- Official Sooners volunteer uniform and credentials
- Complimentary game admission and meal voucher
- Exclusive volunteer appreciation events
Minimum Requirements:
- Age 16+ (some positions require 18+)
- Commitment to minimum 4 home games per season
- Availability 3 hours before kickoff through 1 hour post-game
- Reliable transportation to TD Place Stadium
- Professional demeanor and positive attitude
- Ability to stand for extended periods (most positions)
- Background check completion (security and youth-facing roles)
Volunteer Benefits & Recognition
Game Day Perks
- Official Sooners volunteer polo and jacket
- Complimentary game admission
- Meal voucher for concessions
- Behind-the-scenes stadium access
- Interaction with players and coaches
Season Recognition
- Volunteer of the Game awards
- End-of-season appreciation banquet
- Exclusive team merchandise discounts
- Priority access to playoff tickets
- Volunteer Hall of Fame induction (5+ seasons)
Join Our Game Day Team
Be part of the championship experience. Help us deliver world-class game day operations that make TD Place Stadium the best venue in the CJFL.
Questions about game day volunteer opportunities?
Email: volunteers@ottawasooners.ca