Celtics CMO SHAWN SULLIVAN has been a part of the organization for 22 seasons now, missing only about three home games in that entire stretch. The '09 SBJ/SBD "Forty Under 40" honoree spent the early part of this week doing normal prep for Wednesday's Lakers-Celtics tilt on ESPN (which included hooking up new Red Sox manager ALEX CORA with tickets). But this weekend, Sullivan will pass on Friday's game against the Hornets for a special family affair: seeing his oldest son quarterback his high school football team in the Massachusetts state playoffs.
LAKERS, HORNETS PREP: Wednesday's Lakers game was our first home national broadcast of the year, so the week was really spent gearing up for that. The VIP ticket demand was heavy from sponsors and clients. Celtics-Lakers games are always a big deal. Game nights, I’ll throw on the Apple Watch and get most of my walking in. I’ve got the nervous energy. I just really don’t want to stand in the same spot. I’ll be anywhere from the event level to the club seats, suites and then back down. Checking in with all of our department heads to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Then Thursday night, my wife and I hosted our oldest son’s high school football team at our house for a team dinner. Friday, I’ll come into the Garden in the early morning and go through the checklist for game day in terms of tickets, customer service, game operations and making sure our VIPs and owners are set for the night. Then I’ll leave for my son's game about 3:30pm ET. I'll watch his game live while still being dialed into Hornets-Celtics to help troubleshoot any issues that may take place.
NICE TO BE A SPECTATOR: Watching my sons compete is the most nervous I get for any sporting event, even Celtics playoff games. But at the same time, it’s a tremendous amount of fun. My oldest's team has made it farther than they ever have in their history already, so at this point each game that comes along is just another great experience, as far as I'm concerned. I also like the games because I’m just there as a fan, no event responsibilities. I just find my spot, enjoy it and hope for the best.
STAYING ON-THE-GO: Then Saturday morning I'll get back to the office and make sure we're squared away for Sunday's tilt against the Raptors. That night we'll go to our youngest son's 8th grade football team dinner before their own big game on Sunday. I’ll be back home Sunday afternoon to catch his game's kickoff and then I’ll drive back into Boston for the Raptors game at 3:30pm. After the game I’ve got a few things to do with clients (make sure they get on the court for a shot or picture) and then I’ll drive back home to help coach our high school varsity basketball team’s fall league game later that night. Then should be home Sunday night around 9:30 when it's all said and done.
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