The Rundown: The Ultimate Podcast for Sports Event Presentation
Don Costante
Since 1994, Don Costante has produced more than 3,000 live events for premier sports organizations, including MLB, NBA, WNBA, AHL, NAIA, EPL, and NCAA. With over 30 years of industry leadership, he is a nationally recognized expert and the author of Beyond the Scoreboard: The Ultimate Guide to Sports Event Presentation (SBJ Publishing). Renowned for his meticulous execution and strategic insight, Don consistently delivers best-in-class experiences that elevate every facet of the live event environment.
The Rundown Podcast is your go-to source for sports event presentation, featuring behind-the-scenes insights from top professionals across the sports and entertainment industry. Each episode explores the strategies and creative tactics that drive unforgettable live experiences.
The Rundown Podcast is your go-to source for sports event presentation, featuring behind-the-scenes insights from top professionals across the sports and entertainment industry. Each episode explores the strategies and creative tactics that drive unforgettable live experiences.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 14, 2021 • 1h 11min
Interview with Andrew Johnson
In this episode, Don interviews Andrew Johnson who shares his path to becoming the mascot performer for the Houston Texans. Listen as Andrew breaks down the three areas every great mascot should focus on. Also, he provides advice to those who manage mascots, identifies the ideal skillset for performers, points out some of the biggest mistakes made by mascots today and much more! If you're a mascot, someone who oversees a mascot program, or you enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the sports industry… you're going to love this discussion!
May 11, 2021 • 46min
Interview with Ahmaad Crump
In this episode, Don has a conversation with 16-year NBA in-arena host veteran, Ahmaad Crump. Listen as Ahmaad shares his experience and talks openly about his path to becoming an emcee for the Cleveland Cavaliers. During their conversation, they touch on several topics including communication between Game Director and Emcee, handling situations with multiple hosts, advice on becoming a successful emcee, common mistakes, and much more!
Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 8min
Tim Tubito, National Football League
In this episode, Don has a conversation with Tim Tubito who shares his event presentation philosophy and takes listeners "behind-the-shield" revealing the NFL's methodology in facilitating two of their large-scale events… the NFL Draft and the Super Bowl. During their discussion, Tim uncovers logistical details that illustrate exactly why the NFL is considered a leader in the sports and entertainment industry. Listen as Tim provides insight into his role as Club Liaison, the pandemic's impact on the NFL Draft and Super Bowl, how technology was utilized to deliver enhanced experiences, and much more!
6 snips
Mar 9, 2021 • 44min
Interview with Michelle McComas
Michelle McComas, Senior Director of Entertainment and Events for the Chicago Bulls and Emmy Award winner, shares her journey from WNBA dancer to NBA All-Star producer. She discusses audience-first presentation, building and branding performer teams like Benny and the Lovables, recruitment and training pipelines, tech-driven production, halftime spectacles, and using social and AR to boost fan engagement and sponsorships.
Feb 1, 2021 • 41min
Interview with Sean Belgrade
There's one sporting event that goes beyond traditional fan engagement and totally immerses its spectators into the fabric of their brand like none other… The Daytona 500. In this episode, Don interviews Sean Belgrade, Managing Director of Consumer Experience for NASCAR, who shares his event presentation philosophy and takes listeners behind-the-scenes of the Daytona 500, uncovering logistical details that have elevated the fan experience to mirror the prestige of the race itself. During their conversation they cover preparation, immersive experiences, sponsor activation, driver introductions, and much more!
Jan 11, 2021 • 1h 39min
Interview with Brian Clapp
In this episode, Don and Brian talk candidly about the job search process. Listen as they discuss several job seeking tactics that may get you thinking differently about the way you approach the sports industry's job market. During their conversation they touch on important topics including the first step you should take before starting a job search, construction of a resume, impact of a cover letter, effective strategy for building a professional network, differentiating yourself in an interview, if an advanced degree gives you an advantage, helpful resources, and much more!
Dec 14, 2020 • 1h 3min
Robert Alberino, Award-Winning Director
Rob Alberino, award-winning director and sports content creator with 25+ years at NFL Films and NFL teams. He talks storytelling origins, how to find and shape story ideas, building characters, earning trust for real access, the editor’s role in turning footage into emotion, and the rhythm and workflow that keep great content flowing.
Nov 16, 2020 • 58min
Interview with Maurice "Mo" Brazelton
In this interview with Don, Maurice shares his event presentation philosophy and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the NBA Bubble and the steps taken by the NBA to ensure proper execution of game operations. During their discussion, Maurice details the days leading up to the bubble, the NBA's communication process, the comprehensive health and safety protocols, the on-site preparation and execution of gamedays, the technology that was utilized, life for staff inside the bubble, activism and much more!
8 snips
Oct 14, 2020 • 1h 31min
Jonny Greco, Seattle Kraken
Jonny Greco, Senior VP of Live Entertainment and Game Operations who built presentation for the Vegas Golden Knights and now leads Seattle’s gameday vision. He talks building a new-franchise show, hiring the right creatives, honoring local culture, running energetic ideation sessions, blending story with tech, and rehearsing for flawless execution.
Sep 10, 2020 • 21min
Self-Development Tip with Lumenbrite
In this episode, Don has a candid conversation with Anthony Bueno who is an Adobe Certified Trainer and Lead Consultant with Lumenbrite. Listen as Don talks about the benefits of learning creative software and the impact it has on him professionally. During their discussion, they talk about free versus paid resources, improving communication with production staff, understanding workflows and identifying key assets, recognizing realistic timeframes for projects, capabilities of software that spark creative and innovative thinking, and much more!
