Ayrton Oneill
Being an usher at UNC basketball games is a privilege, and ushers are expected to be polite and welcoming to everyone. There is a waiting list to become an usher, and some have worked their way up to become a floor usher, which is considered the cream of the crop. The UNC basketball community is a tight-knit group, and ushers feel like family to each other, going through their ups and downs together.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work environment | Friendly and supportive community, treated as a family |
| Work culture | Privilege to be an usher, need to be polite and welcoming to patrons |
| Dress code | Pin with John Schleich's name and picture |
| Work timings | Start 1.5 hours prior to game time to just after tip-off |
| Work location | Smith Center, Dean Smith Center, UNC Memorial |
| Transportation | Tar Heel Express shuttle service, Charter Bus, Limo Parking, Rams Head Shuttle |
| Payment | $25 for employees, $20 for Accessibility Parking |
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What You'll Learn
The role of an usher
Ushers are the gatekeepers at UNC basketball games. They are responsible for greeting fans and guiding them to their seats, ensuring they have a positive experience. A good usher is someone who is polite and welcoming to all patrons, recognising that for many, it may be their first time at the venue, and an emotional experience.
Ushers are expected to be dedicated to their role, with one former usher, John Schleich, known for rarely missing a game. Schleich's wife, Alissa, recalled: "In sickness, in health, he was always there". Schleich's dedication was recognised by the UNC community, who honoured him after his passing.
Ushers are also responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of patrons. This includes monitoring the crowd for any issues and assisting with directions and queries. They are expected to be knowledgeable about the venue and the event, and to conduct themselves appropriately, as it is a privilege to be an usher. Janis Matson, a floor usher supervisor, commented: "Being an usher is a privilege and you don't want to do anything to ruin that privilege".
Ushers are often placed in specific sections of the venue, with some spots considered more prestigious than others. For example, Schleich was moved to section 109, a prime ushering spot behind the UNC bench, where the players' families sit.
Overall, the role of an usher at UNC basketball games is to ensure that patrons have a positive and memorable experience, while also maintaining order and safety. It is a role that requires dedication, a friendly demeanour, and a sense of responsibility.
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How to apply
The UNC basketball community is a tight-knit group of passionate fans who are dedicated to the team and to each other. Becoming an usher for UNC basketball games means joining this community and becoming a "gatekeeper" for the team and its fans.
There is a waiting list to become an usher, so it is important to get your name on the list as soon as possible. It is not clear from publicly available sources how to get on the waiting list, but contacting the UNC basketball community or the Dean Smith Center directly may be a good place to start.
Once you are on the waiting list, it is important to be patient and persistent. It is not clear how long the wait is, but it is worth the effort to become a part of this special community. In the meantime, you can gain experience by ushering at UNC football games, which may be an easier role to obtain and will provide valuable experience and connections within the UNC community.
When a position becomes available, you will need to be prepared to interview and showcase your passion for UNC and your commitment to providing an excellent experience for fans. A good usher is someone who understands "the Carolina way," which means being polite, welcoming, and ensuring that all fans, whether they are longtime supporters or first-time visitors, feel valued and appreciated.
It is also important to be reliable and committed to showing up for every game, as ushers are expected to be present for all home games throughout the basketball season. Being an usher is a privilege, and it is important to uphold the standards of the role, including being friendly, helpful, and a positive representative of UNC.
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Working your way up
To become a floor usher, you may need to start by ushering at football games, as there is a waiting list for basketball ushering positions. Once you've gained experience as a football usher, you can try to move into basketball ushering. It's important to be dedicated and reliable, as well as friendly and welcoming to patrons.
Over time, you may be able to move up to more desirable ushering spots, such as the coveted section 109, right behind the UNC bench where the players' families sit. To get to these prime spots, it's important to be a team player and build good relationships with your colleagues and supervisors. Janis Matson, the floor usher supervisor, values ushers who understand that "being an usher is a privilege, and you don't want to do anything to ruin that privilege."
While there may not be official statistics kept for ushers like there are for players, their dedication and attendance are noticed. John Schleich, a longtime usher who sadly passed away, was remembered for his dedication to the role, only missing five or six games during his tenure. By being committed and reliable, you can work your way up the ushering ranks and become a valued member of the UNC basketball community.
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Benefits of the role
Being an usher at UNC basketball games comes with a host of benefits. Firstly, it grants you insider access to the games and the Dean Smith Center, allowing you to be part of the basketball community and experience the excitement of the sport up close. You get to meet and interact with fellow fans, players' families, and even the players themselves, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This role also offers the opportunity to develop valuable skills, such as customer service and people management, which can be transferable to other areas of your life.
The sense of community among ushers is strong, with many ushers considering each other family. They support each other through ups and downs and share a passion for UNC and its basketball team. This role allows you to be part of a dedicated and passionate group of individuals who take pride in their work and the privilege of being an usher. It is a chance to contribute to the game-day experience for fans and make a difference in their enjoyment of the sport.
As an usher, you will also have the opportunity to work your way up to more prestigious positions, such as floor usher, which is considered the "cream of the crop." This provides a sense of progression and achievement within the role and can lead to even more exclusive access and interactions. The role also comes with a level of flexibility, as ushers are expected to maintain good attendance but also understand the importance of their presence at the games, allowing for a balance between commitment and personal time.
Lastly, the role of an usher at UNC basketball games can be a source of personal fulfillment and joy. For many, it is an honor to represent UNC and contribute to the success of the basketball program. The role allows you to be part of the tradition and history of UNC basketball, leaving a lasting impression on both visitors and fellow staff. This sense of pride and fulfillment is a significant benefit of the role and can foster a deep connection to the university and its community.
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The usher community
Ushers are the gatekeepers between the fans and the players, and a good usher is someone who understands the "Carolina way," as Kelly Davis, an usher at the Smith Center since 1986, puts it. This means being polite and welcoming to everyone, especially those who are visiting the building for the first time, which can be an emotional experience for some.
The ushers take their roles seriously, and it is considered a privilege to be an usher. They are expected to conduct themselves appropriately and not do anything to ruin that privilege. For example, the late John Schleich, a longtime usher at UNC, was remembered by his colleagues as a kind and dedicated individual who "took care of everybody around him." He only missed about five or six games during his tenure, showcasing his commitment to his role.
The community is also supportive, as seen in the way they rallied around John and his wife, Alissa, following his passing. The support extended beyond just the usher community, with the wider basketball family, including the players' families, expressing their appreciation for John's presence and protection over the years. This sense of community and shared purpose is a significant aspect of the usher team at UNC basketball games.
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Frequently asked questions
To become an usher for UNC basketball, you need to be on the waiting list and work your way up.
A good usher is someone who is polite, welcoming, and understands what is called 'the Carolina way'.
Being an usher allows you to watch the game and be part of the UNC basketball community.
