By Nadia Stimack
Going to a Denver Nuggets game is exciting for any sports fan, but the opportunity to go behind the scenes from a media perspective is a whole other experience. Our trip down to Denver started early afternoon on Monday, March 21,2011. Upon arrival the class was thoroughly checked by security before taking a step into the media area. We were given a tour of the Nuggets press area, and then allowed to go down onto the court to observe, take pictures and talk to players and coaches before the game, while sitting and talking with the Denver Sports writer Benjamin Hochman. He provided us with great tips and insights on how to become a better writer. He was passionate about what he was talking about, and further educated us on what anyone in the media department should aim for, regardless of concentration; broadcast, journalism, public relations, etc.
The one thing that stuck out in my head the most, was the specific quote from Benjamin, he said, “ get to know your players, athletes, and coaches. You want them to trust you, and be comfortable with you, which in the long run, will end up getting you a better story. Ask them non-sports related questions, and really build up that trust factor. That’s one of the best things you can do.”
The start of the game was soon to follow. A trip to the press box and on serving the game from a media perspective was an amazing experience. You almost felt that you belonged in there with all the other media professionals. Our credentials pass allowed us to go anywhere we wanted to, in the media area. We took full advantage of roaming around, and taking in every aspect of this opportunity. The game was exciting, and being that close to these athlete superstars was exhilarating. I walked by several of the Nuggets players bashfully nodding my head to say hello. What an experience!
After the game, students fled to take pictures, get interviews, and set up for coach George Karl’s interview with the press afterwards. It was different than I expected it to be. I assumed the room would be crowded with reporters yelling out questions and camera lights flashing all around. It was very relaxed, only a handful of reporters, a cameraman, and several Mesa State students.
We all greatly appreciated this amazing opportunity to do something like this. It’s great experience, networking, and a fun way to learn about sports reporting, and the life of a media professional. The class would like to first and foremost thank professor Evers for setting this trip up for us, along with the Denver Nuggets basketball team for allowing us to shadow in the media light. I walk away from this experience more knowledgeable, and more open to variety of possibilities that sports reporting holds, and we all look forward to career “some day” in the world of professional sports.
