Event Preview: Three Questions with Hussain Naqi ('97)

On Tuesday, September 17^th, the Cornell Sports Business Society will be Skype chatting with Hussain Naqi ’97. Naqi is the Senior Vice President of Fan Engagement for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In his role, Naqi is responsible for the Jaguars’ marketing and branding efforts, overseeing the Jaguars’ game day experience, and managing the Jaguars’ fan development and marketing efforts in the UK.

Prior to joining Jacksonville in 2012, Naqi served as Vice President of Business Planning and General Counsel at MetLife Stadium. Naqi has worked in sports since 1997; his resume includes stints with the National Football League, NCAA, Major League Baseball, and the New York Mets.

In preparation for our event with Hussain, we conducted a 3Q interview that would help preview the content that will be covered on Tuesday.

Q1: As SVP of Fan Engagement, you have one of the more unique titles in sports. What would you consider to be your favorite part about your role, and what poses as the biggest challenge for you?

“The thing I love most about my job is that I’m a huge sports fan. My job gives me the opportunity to provide experiences that I, myself, would want to consume as a fan. I love that I can affect change that reaches fans. Whether that’s having Wi-Fi capability, checking fantasy scores, or even making sure our people are friendly to fans when they enter the building, it is my job to give Jaguars fans a product and experience that brings them to our stadium.

Obviously, it goes both ways. We have 3,000 workers on game day –  ticket takers, ushers, cleaning staff – and making sure that each and every one of them to take pride and ownership in what they do is tough. It’s on us to guide all of those behaviors. But when they’re only working for us 40 hours per year, it can be a challenge to get complete buy-in.”


Q2: While the on-field product has room to grow (perhaps putting it lightly?) your front office has done a commendable job of engaging fans through in-stadium innovation. Besides the widely discussed Fantasy Football Lounge, what are some other initiatives being implemented by the Jaguars to enhance the experience at EverBank Field and drive attendance?

“It’s a struggle out there for all teams, not only us. We’re all competing with Sunday Ticket, Red Zone Channel, affordable flat screen TVs, and the ability to walk up to your fridge and grab a beer without waiting in line to pay $8.

It’s critical for us to address the reasons why people may not go to games.

Obviously we can talk about the fantasy football lounge, but this organization really prides itself in being innovative in all areas of the fan experience. We’re implementing a lean operation for all concessions that--in the three games we’ve used it--has cut our concession line waiting time by 25%. That may not sound like much, but to not stand in long lines, to get fresh food, and to use a clean bathroom is essential to the experience.

We have one of the oldest NFL stadiums, and we need to identify every possible reason that a fan may not come to our stadium. Given our recent on-field performance and Jacksonville’s climate, it is essential that we stay ahead of the curve to address these issues. Whether it’s the fantasy football lounge, shorter lines at concession, or deploying 120 feet of air-conditioned benches for fans to use, the imperative is for our group to be innovative and ahead of the curve everyday.”


Q3: This will be your first (of what we hope is many) speaker event with the Sports Business Society. What new perspective do you hope students will learn after our Skype session?

1. I was in your shoes not that long ago, interested in a career in sports and wondering how to get in. I am happy to share the story of my career path and show you how to get where you want to go.


2. I hope to broaden the focus of what you think it means to be ‘working in sports.’ There’s more to it than simply working for a franchise.


3. I want to show the logic behind what the Jaguars are doing. We have an incredibly bright ownership group, and I hope I can provide context for you to see how successful our team is despite what the record may indicate.

BONUS: What do you miss most about your days at Cornell?

That one’s the easiest question yet: Cornell Hockey. No question.
(follow Hussain on Twitter @CornellHkyFan)

The passion, and the tradition born out of that passion, is the reason I love college sports. There’s nothing like hearing the crowd erupt at Lynah Rink when we scored a goal. I had so many nights at Lynah; I miss it dearly.

Oh, and deep dish pizza from The Nines is dangerously good.


Remember, Hussain will be Skype chatting with the Cornell Sports Business Society Tuesday, September 17^th. Please join us in Ives 105 at 4:30. For more information, check out the event on Facebook.

We hope you can make it!