As Barclays Center--for the first time since debut--advertises significant job openings, a $25K prize for vaccinated workers

Yesterday the Barclays Center announced a $25,000 prize for non-management vaccinated employees, with an entry for each shift they're available to work, which was saluted--see this post--by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

A message from Adina Erwin, General Manager of Barclays Center. pic.twitter.com/hbDcfpYR8w

— Barclays Center (@barclayscenter) August 23, 2021

And while it seems an enlightened gesture, it also signals that the arena--for the first time--needs workers. 

Rather than having large pools of part-time workers to choose from, sometimes generating frustration and protests, the arena now has a significant number of job openings.

That seems likely related to general wariness about working in a crowded indoor environment, given the lowered but still existing risks among fully vaccinated visitors, as well as the options for other jobs that may be paying higher salaries than before.

As I wrote earlier this month, a significant percentage of Barclays Center employees have been younger Black people, and the New York Times reported 8/12/21 that "only 28 percent of Black New Yorkers ages 18 to 44 years are fully vaccinated."

Job openings: ASM Global

Jobs at venue management company ASM Global do not come with pay levels attached, nor do jobs at BSE Global. But pay rates are stated for Levy Restaurants, which operates food service at the arena.

ASM part-time jobs include Customer Support Technician, Facility Crew Member, Guest Service Representative, Security Officer, TV Systems Technician, Uniform Room Specialist, Usher/Ticket Taker, VIP Guest Services Representative. 

The one ASM full-time job is Director, Box Office.

Job openings: Levy

Levy jobs include Attendant, Catering ($31.80); Attendant, Warehouse ($17.80); Administrative Assistant ($21.50); Bartender ($14.55); Club Supervisor ($21.50); Club Server ($??); Catering Supervisor ($21.50); Suites Runner ($16.30); Suite Pantry Coordinator ($19.80); Cook ($19.80); Concessions Lead Stand ($17.80); Supervisor, Concessions ($21.50); Bar Back ($16.30); Cashier ($16.30); Concession Attendant ($16.30); Cook Supervisor ($24); Suites Supervisor ($21.50).

 

Job openings: BSE Global

BSE Global jobs include, for the Long Island Nets, Head Athletic Trainer and, for the New York Liberty, Motion Graphic Designer.

Brooklyn Nets (and arena overall) jobs include Junior Financial Analyst; Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis; Director, Premium Development; VP, Premium Development; Group Sales Account Executive; Recruiter; Technology Coordinator; Digital Content Producer; Graphic Designer; Manager, Consumer Marketing; Project Manager; Account Executive, Membership Sales; Account Manager, Membership Services; Manager, Premium Sales; Senior Account Executive, Membership Sales; Director, Special Events & Entertainment; Manager, Sports Ticket Operations; Director, Group Sales.

The appearance code

For jobs with ASM as Guest Service Representative, Uniform Room Specialist, and Usher/Ticket Taker (but not Security Officer), the company states:

Must maintain a neat, well-groomed appearance that always conveys professionalism. No visible tattoos, facial piercings, unnatural hair colors (i.e. blue, pink, etc.)

Such a policy is legal, but the irony, of course, is that the biggest stars on the court are showing tattoos at the workplace.

The press release

The announcement yesterday, BARCLAYS CENTER LAUNCHES EMPLOYEE SWEEPSTAKES WITH $25,000 GRAND PRIZE TO ENCOURAGE COVID-19 VACCINATIONS BROOKLYN:

To further help encourage vaccinations against COVID-19, Barclays Center has announced a special employee sweepstakes for all non-management staff including ushers, food service workers, security, and others. Beginning Sept. 13 through Dec. 31, 2021, vaccinated employees will receive one entry into a drawing for every event shift they make themselves available to work, with a grand prize of $25,000 awarded on New Year’s Eve. In addition, vaccinated workers will be entered into weekly drawings for JetBlue airfare vouchers, smart watches and other smart devices, theme park passes, and other prizes.

The sweepstakes is open to both current employees as well as those hired and vaccinated between now and the end of the year. BSE Global is currently hiring for a variety of roles and vaccinated individuals are encouraged to apply here. 

BSE Global—the company behind Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty— announced earlier this month that in accordance with New York City’s new mandate, all employees and guests at Barclays Center will be required to show proof of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose beginning September 13. 

“We applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio for leading the way in helping New York City recover from the impact of COVID-19,” said Adina Erwin, General Manager of Barclays Center. “In launching this special promotion, our goal is to get employees vaccinated more quickly so we can create an even safer environment at Barclays Center and provide exponential health benefits to our community.” 

“Getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Thank you to Barclays Center for everything they are doing to get their employees vaccinated. This will allow fans and staff alike a safer experience.” 

To find a vaccination site near you, please visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov.