The Events & Entertainment - Stadium Production role is a key position within the FIFA World Cup 26™ Events & Entertainment Team (EET), combining the responsibilities of the Events & Entertainment Lead and the Production Planning Lead into one master evergreen role.
This position plays a pivotal part in the planning, scheduling, delivery, and operational execution of all stadium-based entertainment and ceremonies, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Awards Ceremonies, Pre-Match Ceremonies (PMC), halftime entertainment, special events, and stadium-wide talent integrations.
The role supports both the pre-tournament planning phase and the full stadium operational phase during tournament time. It ensures seamless coordination between EET sub-teams, Event Management Companies (EMCs), FIFA Functional Areas (FAs), venue operations, suppliers, and all entities delivering entertainment content within the stadium environment.
The role is also responsible for production schedule leadership, real-time scheduling oversight, control-room logging, risk escalation, and proactive problem-solving to ensure that all EET deliverables are executed to FIFA standards and within the highly dynamic environment of matchday operations.
Planning Phase Responsibilities
- Support venue operations planning in collaboration with the EET Group Lead and various FIFA Functional Areas.
Develop and distribute key venue-specific operational documents, including:
- Site operating plans
- Production schedules
- Pre-Match Ceremony rundowns
- Stadium entertainment workflows
- Onboard EET support positions for assigned venues and ensure they are fully briefed.
- Coordinate planning with EMCs, venue management, and stadium operations teams to align timelines, resources, and operational requirements.
On-Stadium & Tournament-Time Responsibilities
- Oversee all EET activities and deliverables on-venue throughout the tournament.
Represent the EET team in-venue, attending essential operational meetings such as:
- Venue Daily Meeting
- Match Coordination Meetings (when applicable)
- Maintain and update venue-specific production schedules; merge them with venue run sheets for smooth operations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all EET stakeholders on-site, dispatching operational messages and managing real-time updates.
- Support off-site rehearsals, PMC practice sessions, and talent integration efforts in collaboration with the EMC.
- Liaise with EET suppliers and ensure all operational needs—volunteers, catering, waste management, accreditation, logistics, etc.—are fully supported.
- Work collaboratively with on-site teams to resolve operational challenges, adjusting plans proactively.
- In venues hosting additional ceremonies (Opening, Closing, Opening Country Match, Bronze Final, Halftime Final, Trophy & Awards), operate collaboratively with Production Leads to execute expanded show requirements.
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all scheduling inquiries, conflicts, and real-time changes.
- Develop, maintain, and optimize production schedules across all EET sub-departments and ceremonies deliverables.
- Coordinate with:
- FIFA Functional Areas
- EMC teams
- Production companies
- Suppliers
- Venue management
- Collect all scheduling requirements and integrate them into a master plan.
- Monitor project milestones and deadlines, adjusting to avoid conflicts or delays.
- Manage day-to-day and minute-by-minute schedule changes during tournament operations.Issue daily and weekly schedule reports for leadership, venue teams, and core operations staff.
- Maintain precise historical records of timelines, changes, and impacts for post-event reviews.
Control Room Logging Responsibilities
- Operate as Control Room Logger when assigned.
- Monitor all event operations from the control room and maintain an accurate, timestamped log of:
- Decisions
- Communications
- Incidents
- Resource deployments
- Show cues
- Operational updates
- Track communications from radio, phone, and digital channels to ensure complete documentation.
- Escalate operational or safety issues to senior leaders, the Command venue team, and relevant control rooms.
Cross-Functional Integration & Communication
- Act as a key liaison between EET and all FIFA Functional Areas at the venue.
- Facilitate collaboration with Venue Operations, Stadium Management, Broadcast, Media, Security, IT, Accreditation, Logistics, Ceremonies, Talent Management, and more.
- Ensure all EET operational requirements are captured, communicated, and delivered efficiently.
- Provide clear updates and escalate issues promptly to the EET Group Lead and core EET leadership.
Problem Solving & Operational Support
- Identify operational risks and provide proactive solutions in real time.
- Ensure operational readiness across all EET areas by resolving on-the-ground challenges.
- Troubleshoot changes due to weather, technical issues, or matchday timing adjustments.
- Maintain high situational awareness and operational discipline within the venue.