Season 3

Season 3 kicks off with Jason Lodato joining Don for a conversation on the strategy and creativity behind unforgettable fan experiences. From his early days in the industry to leading game presentation for top teams and iconic venues, Jason shares how his journey shaped his event presentation philosophy and approach to gamedays. The episode takes […]

In this special episode of The Rundown, the table is turned as host Don Costante takes the hot seat to share the story behind his new book, Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation. Hear how three decades of experience turned into Sports Business Journal Publishing’s first book, and why it’s a […]

When a team reaches the championship stage, everything changes. Event presentation shifts from team-driven to league-driven, bringing new challenges and added pressure. In this episode, Joe Legaz, Director of Game Operations and Live Experience for the Seattle Sounders FC, shares five key lessons from producing league championships. These behind-the-scenes insights won’t appear on a highlight […]

Transitions are part of every sports career — joining a new organization, stepping into a different role, or adapting to a new culture. In this episode, Darius Smith, Senior Director of Game Presentation and Entertainment for the Washington Commanders, shares five strategies for approaching new opportunities with confidence, clarity, and creativity. Drawing from his experience […]

In this episode, Don sits down with Paris Buchanan, Senior Associate AD for Fan Experience and Creative Strategy at Auburn University, to take listeners behind the Tigers gameday experience. Paris shares his career journey, the philosophy guiding Auburn’s approach to event presentation, and how he structures and leads teams to deliver seamless, high-impact fan experiences. […]

Behind every great event are decisions most people never see. Don is joined by Frank Supovitz, one of the most respected leaders in live sports and event production, to explore how those unseen decisions define successful events. Drawing from more than 35 years of experience with the NFL and NHL, including work on the Super […]

In this episode, Don sits down with John Bochiaro, Group Vice President of Game Presentation and Entertainment for the National Hockey League, to examine how league events are designed and elevated at the highest level. John shares his career journey and the design philosophy guiding marquee NHL events such as the Winter Classic, Stadium Series, […]

A great host shapes how an audience feels, reacts, and remembers a live event. In this episode, Lauren Thompson shares her playbook from more than 20 years in television and live event hosting with NBC Sports and Golf Channel. We cover her career journey, hosting philosophy, the three most important skills to be effective, how […]