A sports facility manager is in charge of managing the sports venues such as stadiums, gyms, training centers, or recreational sports complexes on a day to day basis. Their responsibilities include maintenance, event scheduling, staffing, safety compliance, budgeting and coordination with vendors and teams.
Facility managers are frequently behind the scenes in sports — but they play a critical role in ensuring that any sports event or operation succeeds. Whether it's double-checking that a football stadium is event-ready or coordinating logistics for a community sports center, their work makes sure everything runs like clockwork.
Education, experience, and skills needed to become a sports facility manager Here’s a breakdown, step by step:
Most employers prefer candidates who have at least a bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields:
Sports Management
Business Administration
Facility Management
Physical Education
If you have graduated or are pursuing an education related to the hospitality or event management. Some universities even have specific degrees for sports facility or venue management that may give you competitive advantage.
Hands-on experience comes in the form of internships or entry-level sports teams or recreation departments or gym operations. Look for roles such as:
Assistant facility manager
Event coordinator
Operations staff
Receptionist or member services in gyms
Through this experience you will learn how sports venues operate and what it takes to operate them effectively.
Facility admins have many roles to manage. Essential skills include:
Skills in leadership and team management
Communication and negotiation
Time and resource management
Use budgeting and financial planning
Knowledge of health and safety legislation
Familiarity with technology is also a plus, as many facilities have adopted digital scheduling and maintenance systems.
Certificates can enhance your credibility and employment potential. Popular ones include:
Certified Facility Manager (CFM) – IFMA
Certified Sports Manager (CSM) – NASSM
CPFM (Certified Public Facility Manager)
These showcase your professional competency and your desire to excel.
After you’ve attained the education and experience in applicable areas, you can begin applying for sports facility manager positions. You can work at:
Athletics departments in colleges/universities
Stadiums or arenas
Fitness chains
Professional / Semi-Professional
City parks and community centers
This is a gate to high-level positions such as, Director of Facility Operations or even may pursue as General manager of a sports complex.
Depending on experience, location, and facility size, sports facility managers earned between $60,000 and $100,000 per year in the United States as of 2025.
Here’s a general breakdown:
Entry Level: Annual: $45,000 – $60,000
Mid–career (5–10 years experience): $70,000 – $85,000
Senior-level or large venue managers: $90,000 – $120,000+
Location: You can earn more in places such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Facility Size: Bigger stadiums or multi-sport complexes pay more.
Employer Type: The private sector is usually more lucrative than the public sector.
Certifications and experience: Credentialed or advanced-degree professionals can negotiate better packages.
With this salary, on top of this wage, this career has other benefits that make it a great choice for sport enthusiasts:
Many people find working in the world of sports very rewarding, even behind the scenes. Sports events do not get created, they get lived, and we are allowed to be a part of the process, that is what's rewarding.
The freedom to sit, (virtual) coffee breaks with friends, and many employers offer free or discounted gym memberships, wellness programs, and the potential to get some exercise in. Some even grant access to premium sports facilities for personal use.
It is not a 9-to-5 job. Game days, tournaments, and community events bring excitement to work and help it stay dynamic and enjoyable.
There are wonderful networking opportunities within your work with athletes, coaches, vendors, and local authorities, which can advance your career even more.
Full-time facility managers typically find satisfaction in:
Medical Dental and Vision Health Insurance
401(k) plans with matching retirement plans
Paid time off and holidays
Performance bonuses
Which means that the job market for sports management professionals will continue to grow steadily through 2025 and beyond. Key drivers include:
Sports infrastructure for enhanced investment
Expansion of youth and amateur sports
Increased focus on health, fitness, and recreation
Innovation in venue design also leads to new entry into the workforce in cutting edge sustainable venue spaces and smart facility management tech.
Given the global sports industry is projected to surpass $600 billion by 2025, facility management will only be more vital. Particularly in demand will be those who embrace trends such as digital ticketing, real-time crowd monitoring and energy-efficient systems.
If you are a passionate follower of sports and have excellent organizational and leadership skills, then becoming sports facility manager in 2025 can be a prudent career choice for you. Providing anything from overseeing high-level stadiums to small-town local gyms, this career can provide a wide variety of jobs, good pay, and a better purpose.
No matter if you are a beginner or want to switch careers, you can follow the above steps to get started successfully in this ever-evolving field.
Start with a sports management degree program, finding internships at the local sporting facilities and honing your communication and leadership skills. With focus and a game plan, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful sports facility manager in 2025.
