What is this blog?

The RutgersZone is a revolutionary new space located in the Livingston Student Center on the Livingston Campus of Rutgers University. The space includes games like Skee-Ball and Pool, an array of HD Satellite televisions and a full-service ice cream/soda shop.

In addition to creating a unique experience on campus for Rutgers students, the RutgersZone also aims to develop life and leadership skills of the staff members working in the space.

This blog, the RutgersZone Experiment, is a chronicle of this ground-breaking experience being shared by seven undergraduate student managers and one professional staff general manager. These students are being tasked with working as a team to create an unmatched on-campus experience for our guests, learning to become effective managers and constantly "pushing the envelope" for what is expected on a college campus. As a part of their employment experience, each student manager is asked to blog at least once per week about the processes associated with opening this space or developing as a manger.

Welcome to the RutgersZone Experiment!





Thursday, August 19, 2010

Training Day Two: 8/19 (Madison Square Garden)

New York City is one of the most diverse, historic, unique, and exciting cities in the world so it was the perfect place to take us in order to feel inspired. Radio City Music Hall really showed us how important experience is at any venue. Tradition has really made Radio City such a special and unique space that is still a landmark today.


After our tour of Radio City, the seven of us trekked over to Madison Square Garden. Madison Square Garden is another gem of New York City filled with such rich history. Many people visualize Madison Square Garden as primarily a sports venue home to the Rangers, Knicks, and Liberty, but that’s not the case at all. The space is a landmark to New York City that focuses on concerts, entertainment, sports, and theatrical performances. Although this is true, the venue prides itself on its fans and past history. From the minute you walk into the venue, you’re up close and personal to the history because it’s documented on the walls. From the captivating photographs and timelines posted on the wall to the warm welcomes received by staff members, Madison Square Garden is a venue that prides itself on history. It was really interesting to see this because we are starting a tradition right here at the Zone.






We also learned from this experience how valuable patrons are to any successful venue. Patrons aren’t just customers, potential buyers, or guests. Although they can make any business successful or profitable, they will come back for the joy and experience. It’s not just about the money – it’s the experience. That’s really what I believe we are trying to do here at the Zone. We’re trying to create a legacy, a place where people look forward to coming to. Although I’m a graduating senior this year, I feel that I’m part of something big, something that people will keep coming back to. I must admit, I’m a little envious that a place like this didn’t exist when I was younger.



Stick with us and keep checking back in!


-Lisa

No comments:

Post a Comment