Ellen Saul

Vice President of Premium Services at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

“Thank you, Ellen Saul, for offering such an honest and insightful look into your career and experiences in sports. Your journey—from a history and telecommunications major to Vice President at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—is a powerful reminder that there’s no linear path into sports. Your story also shows how student involvement and seizing early opportunities can spark a lifelong career.

Your thoughts on balancing confidence, communication, and mentorship—especially through informal relationships—really resonate. And your callout about childcare barriers is such an important piece of the equity conversation.

Thank you for leading by example and showing the next generation of women in sports how to work hard, stay authentic, and never stop learning.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

My team oversees and manages IMS and INDYCAR credentials, and food and beverage, and service of premium spaces at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the world’s largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

When I was in college, degrees in tourism, hospitality, and event management weren’t a “thing.” I was a double major in History and Telecommunications. My interest in sports management evolved through a student group at Indiana University called Student Athletic Board. I worked my way up in the hierarchy and was one of 13 directors my senior year.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

My first event role was at what is now Lucas Oil Stadium. I started as an intern for sports and public information/special projects. After my internship, I took a full-time role as special services/public information manager. I stayed at the convention center and stadium for five years and then took a job with an event planning company. I met the owner through my work at the stadium – I was her first employee. I ended up staying for nearly 20 years serving as president for the last ten. The company grew to five full time staff members. Through the event consulting work we did, I knew the CEO of Penske Entertainment and President of IMS. They recruited me to come to IMS where I’ve been for the last 11 years.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

It isn’t always easy to be the “only” woman in the room and stand ground on issues. I would cite confidence and trusting my gut as challenges; however, time and experience have made a huge difference in both of these areas.

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Most women in events/sports don’t have 9-5 Monday through Friday jobs. Work is often necessary during evenings and weekends…so sometimes it is necessary to handle personal things during the traditional workday. It’s hard but you can’t feel guilty about this! Also, for most of us, there is at least a little down season – be sure to take advantage of that time and spend more of it with family and friends.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Mentorship is extremely important! I have definitely had mentors – most of them were (are) not formal pairings but relationships established with smart, talented women who had been around longer than me. If there is a Women In Sports & Events (WISE) chapter in your area, I highly recommend joining as mentoring young women is what the organization is all about.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

I think the gap is becoming less and less as more women enter the pipeline; however, many women leave the workforce before they reach executive status after starting a family. This can, in part, be attributed to a lack of available, affordable childcare. I believe addressing this need would result in more women continuing in the workforce.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

Much like women in sports work with team sports, we are also part of the team that strategizes and executes. I love being a part of and mentoring the teams I work with. Most challenging…there aren’t ever enough hours in the day. And ensuring messages are communicated up, down, and across an organization is also a challenge.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Don’t expect to start anywhere but at the beginning – often with an internship. Do whatever is asked of you and then some. Be engaged and interested, ask questions, and offer your help. Bring your authentic self to work.