7 Football-Season Side Jobs That Pay Up to $25 an Hour
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Ah, fall.
Warm days, crisp nights, pumpkin-flavored baked goods, apple cider and, of course, football.
As much as you love watching your favorite team, did you know you could make some extra cash while you’re at it?
Stadiums across the country are on a hiring spree, picking up temporary workers for everything from parking to concessions to security for football season.
It’s the perfect low-commitment side gig. College teams play roughly six home games on Saturdays in the fall, while NFL teams play an average of 10 home games on Sundays.
The jobs, which pay between $9 and $25 per hour, are typically offered by private companies that contract with stadiums, though in some cases, you’ll be working directly for the stadium or the university.
Whether you live near an NFL stadium or a university, here are some of the dozens of jobs available. Why not start saving before you have to start buying all those darn Christmas gifts?
1. Parking Attendant
Games mean fans. And fans mean tons of cars that have to park somewhere during the game.
Many stadiums are looking for parking attendants, traffic directors, parking cashiers and valet staffers to work this fall.
“The parking staff sets the first impression for guests and leaves the last impression,” according to a recent job posting by Premier Parking Services in Kansas City, Missouri.
“This job is perfect for college students and individuals look for extra income as well as the opportunity to work in a fun and exciting atmosphere.”
The company, which provides parking services for Arrowhead Stadium, where the Chiefs play, will pay you between $9 and $15 per hour, depending on the position. Plus, valets get tips!
2. Security
These days, event venues are as concerned as ever about keeping patrons safe.
That’s why they hire droves of temporary security staffers to screen fans, check bags and keep crowds moving during football games, which can attract 25,000 to 100,000 fans, depending on the team.
Stadium security job duties also include helping police enforce event rules, addressing bad behavior and preventing disturbances during the game.
If you’re polite yet assertive, game day security may be a good fit for you, according to this job posting at Syracuse University.
“He or she is willing and able to actively engage guests in difficult, high-pressure situations while remaining calm and professional,” according to the posting, which says pay starts at $11.66 an hour.
3. Concession Worker
What would a football game be without a hot dog and a beer?
Sure, you might come home smelling like nacho cheese, but stadium concession jobs like this one at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis pay between $13 and $14 an hour.
Aramark, which runs food operations for the University of Minnesota’s games, also pays bonuses and provides uniforms so you don’t have to worry about what to wear.
Concession workers handle cash and credit cards, take food and drink orders, and check IDs for alcoholic beverages.
4. Retail Shop Associate
If selling team gear and clothing is more your style, consider a temporary retail position.
Teams like to put their logos on everything — from hats to T-shirts to jerseys to koozies.
The Seattle Seahawks are looking for a pro shop stadium sales associate to sell souvenirs this season at CenturyLink Field for $13 an hour. This job also includes working some Seattle Sounders soccer games, which are also held at the stadium.
“Shifts typically start four hours before Seahawks kickoff and 2.5 hours before Sounders matches and range from six to nine hours,” according to the job posting.
5. Usher
If you’re a people person, and you don’t mind giving fans directions, helping them find their seats or assisting them in the event of an evacuation, become an usher.
In short, ushers are there to provide customer service and to help fans have a good game-day experience.
The University of Washington is trying to fill a number of positions on its customer service team, including ushers, elevator operators and ticket-takers.
Candidates must “exemplify the Washington way by consistently putting fans first,” according to the job posting, which says pay is between $13 and $15 an hour.
Ushers help with crowd management, resolving guest complaints, collecting lost and found items, help lost children find their parents and identifying prohibited items.
6. Brand Ambassador
What exactly does a brand ambassador do, you may wonder?
A brand ambassador represents a brand or a company in a positive way. In a way, it’s like human advertising.
Companies like WP Beverages, which sells Pepsi products, are hiring brand ambassadors to work at University of Wisconsin home football games. This job pays $18.20 an hour!
“Your goal will be to generate excitement, build brand awareness and increase product sales through event sample and promotion,” according to the job posting.
Brand ambassadors are expected to post photos and videos to Facebook, hand out samples of Pepsi products and chat with potential customers. An outgoing, engaging personality is a must, along with a “polished appearance.”
7. Tailgate Setup Staff
It’s no secret that football fans love to tailgate. This company helps them by renting trailers and other tailgating supplies across the southeastern United States.
“We are an event services company that specializes in bringing the pre-game tailgate party to you,” according to the Tailgate Group’s website.
“We transport the tailgate trailer and all additional equipment to your preferred tailgating location, set everything up and then after the game or event, we take everything down.”
The Tailgate Group is hiring tailgate operators at $25 an hour to work Auburn, Georgia, Florida State, Alabama and Atlanta Falcons football games.
Your Turn: Would you work while cheering on your favorite team? Have you ever worked one of these jobs?
Sarah Kuta is an education reporter in Boulder, Colorado, with a penchant for weekend thrifting, furniture refurbishment and good deals. Find her on Twitter: @sarahkuta.
