Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Alison Wright, Golden State Warriors Senior Director of Guest Experience and CMU sport management alum recently received the Pete Winemiller Guest Experience Innovation Award. This honor pays tribute to the late Pete Winemiller—former Senior Vice President of Guest Relations for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Additionally, this award recognizes an individual from one NBA team annually who demonstrates innovation and enhances the live game experience for fans and guests throughout the year. 

Alison now has sixteen years of experience in the sports industry which includes managing events, leading teams, business development, ticket sales, production, and volunteer opportunities. Guest experience, however, is where her passion lies. Attending a sporting event is more than just the game that’s happening, and for Alison, a guest’s experience is personal. Some highlights include helping a fan propose during a game and even hosting 100 guests from around the world (10 countries and 5 states) for a complimentary tour of the Chase Center after having to postpone a game due to an unforeseen circumstance.

The NBA promotes discussions and collaboration with other Guest Experience leaders to share ideas and practices within the industry. Alison reported that because of  this support from the NBA, “I know my peers are doing inspiring, game-changing work as well, so I feel very grateful to be recognized among these groups of equally deserving individuals.”

Alison grew up attending a variety of sporting events at every level—high school, college, and even professional games. One notable moment was captured in a photo where Alison was taken on the Pistons court while held by her grandfather with Dennis at just over a week old. Given her love for the game since infancy, working in the sports and entertainment business—more specifically, the NBA— was a natural fit.