Angela Nix

VP Guest Services at MetLife Stadium

“Angela Nix, VP of Guest Services at MetLife Stadium, has built her 29-year career from the ground up—starting as an usher and ticket taker before leading a team of hundreds to ensure an exceptional fan and team member experience. She shared the importance of resilience, self-care, and confidence in balancing family and career, while emphasizing that networking and mentorship are critical for women breaking into the sports industry. For Angela, people are at the heart of her work—making fans happy and supporting her team is what drives her every day.

Thank you, Angela, for inspiring us with your journey, your passion for people, and your message to inspire, encourage, and celebrate.“

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

As the VP of Guest Services, I oversee Cleaning Operations, Fan Experience, Premium Services, and Team Member Experience. Our department has a team of 10 full time team members and approximately 700 part time team members. Together we ensure everyone feels safe, comfortable, and welcome at MetLife Stadium.

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

I studied general studies, but I really started my career journey through front line experience. I took a part time job as an usher, ticket taker and security guard in my early 20’s. I grew through that experience and followed the path (through many twists and turns) leading me to my current role. I have had 29 years of “on-the-job” training, and I still learn every day.

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

After a very short amount of time, I realized how much fun I was having while working sporting events and concerts. I recall a conversation where someone close to me said “work isn’t supposed to be fun”. I felt strongly that he was mistaken. I believe work should absolutely be something that you enjoy.
I had been working my part time role for approximately 2 years when I had an opportunity to take on extra responsibilities in the office – preparing for event days. I credit those extra hours with the turning point when I realized that my “fun part-time job” could actually be a career. I specifically remember deciding that I will do everything in my power to find a way to grow in the field that that I loved. I gave everything to my career from that point forward. I continued working in the event staffing business for another 15 years before I reached my goal of working for an NFL team.

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

When identifying challenges, it is important to look internally as well as externally. It was not easy being a young mother raising a family while establishing herself in business. There is often more needed from you than you feel is available to give.
It’s important to grant time not just for nurturing children (and relationships) or devoting to career, but allow time for self-care, too. Don’t allow yourself to be stretched so thin that you lose your strength – mentally or physically. Take time (even if a few minutes) to care for your mind, body, and soul. With this strength comes confidence. With confidence comes the ability to be a leader, a listener, and a learner who is capable of anything.

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

There is no question – working in live entertainment means non-traditional work hours. We work evenings, weekends, holidays, etc. We work 40+ hours a week in the office plus events after hours. To me, the key is knowing what can’t wait until tomorrow, and what must be done today. Manage time to manage life!

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 important because it helps to connect with someone who “gets it”. Someone who understands the sports business, and who understands challenges unique to women.
I have had great mentors, and I’ve served as a mentor. In either case, it is important that the mentor and mentee establish what each hope to achieve through the collaboration. Understanding goals or challenges, will help both of you find the most value in the time spent together. The hope is to find someone with whom you feel trust and support who can become a long-term resource. However, don’t be afraid to try a few mentors until you find someone who suits you well. Also, understand that often times mentorships happen organically, so always be aware of opportunities to build upon connections.

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 can say with certainty that women have more opportunities for equality today than they did when I started my journey 29 years ago. There’s no doubt that our industry has long been dominated by males, but I feel women are steadily taking a greater role in sports.

Equality will happen when it is expected as a standard – and it is demanded as a rule – by men and women. We need male allies to stand up with and for us. Unified people are stronger than us vs them mentality. Advocate for one another. Lift each other up and allow one another to shine – with equal opportunity.

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

It sounds cliche, but I enjoy people. All people – guests and team members. Fan Experience and Team Member Experience are the heart and soul of what I do and of who I am. Making people happy, keeping people happy, and establishing relationships centered on trust and support is most important to me.

Time is most challenging. There’s simply not enough of it – ever. It’s the only thing in life that cannot be replaced, reimbursed, gifted – it is precious and should not be squandered. Time is my biggest challenge.

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

1) Network, network, network!

2) Get a foot in the door – any door – and prove yourself to be a person that people want to work with. Showcase your intelligence, your work ethic, your confidence and your humility.

3) Find a role where you are as happy going to work as you are leaving work. If you’re unhappy going in, it will be difficult to be a happy person there or after going home.

4) Finally, network, network, network! Did I say that already? It’s so important. Connections are critical.

What are your long term personal goals that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

Professionally, I have a next step that I’m working towards. I keep it private though, partly because I’m focused and partly because I’m a little superstitious. I’ll tell you about it later after I reach the goal.

Personally, I try to travel when I have time off. I look forward to my next trip – likely next year.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you?

I am a wife and a mother of two grown ‘children’ who are each married to wonderful people. I have 3 grandpups, but no grandchildren (yet).

My personal mantra is Inspire, Encourage, and Celebrate!
I value honesty above all, and I love love.

That’s me in a nutshell. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading and I wish you the best in your personal journey!