Loyola Seniors and Alumni Tour Chicago’s United Center

5/17/2018

On Tuesday, April 24, four alumni mentors accompanied fifteen Loyola Academy seniors on a tour of Chicago's renowned United Center. Each year, Loyola's Leadership Development and Mentor Program arranges a field trip downtown as part of its Career Shadow Day. At this year's event, students were given the opportunity to learn more about the many careers paths related to the operation of a major sports and entertainment arena.

Along with students from the mentor program, seniors players on Loyola's Gold Hockey Team, fresh off their state championship title earlier this spring, were also invited to attend. Additionally, members of LA Tank, Loyola's entrepreneurial competition for students and alumni advisers, joined in on the fun as a way to further their interest in and enthusiasm for their future careers.

The tour began with a brief introduction from Joe Myhra, vice president of business affairs at the United Center, about the day-to-day operations and what the UC requires to create streams of revenue.

The students heard from members of the events team who gave some insight about the upcoming Bon Jovi concert and what it was like to manage Justin Timberlake’s recent The Man of the Woods Tour.

A walk-around of the facilities included both the Bulls and Blackhawks locker rooms and newly renovated court side clubhouses. Students and alumni also had the unique opportunity to view the entire arena from centercourt of the United Center floor.

The day ended with lunch at Mad West, the newest restaurant to open within the United Center atrium space.

A special thanks to Danny Wirtz '95, vice chairman at Breakthru Beverage, for hosting students and alumni.

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