13/11/2024
Spotlight On – Michael Bramorski
Driven by a passion for sports and a growing fascination with data, Michael Bramorski joined IMG Arena as a Data Collector, bringing with him diverse experience from event management to coaching. His role allows him to unite his love for live sports with a dedication to accuracy and data quality.
In this interview, Michael reflects on his journey, the excitement and challenges of data collection in the US, the growing influence of soccer, and his aspirations within IMG Arena.
What inspired you to become an official IMG ARENA Data Collector?
My passion for sports and growing interest in data analysis naturally led me to this role. I have been working in sports in various capacities throughout my career, including in event management, marketing and sales, and coaching. As I became increasingly fascinated by data analysis and its wide-ranging applications, the IMG ARENA position caught my attention.
This job appealed to me for several reasons: it offers the opportunity to be an essential part of a project that connects data and sports, allows me to attend matches and network with like-minded professionals, and provide a platform for growth within an important company in the sports, entertainment, and media business
How do you evaluate your role and your work as a Data Collector in the US?
The data we collect forms the backbone of many sports analytics and betting operations, so accuracy and speed are paramount.
For every match, I come thoroughly prepared, aiming to collect perfect data, including familiarizing myself with the teams and players, double-checking equipment, and arriving early. I evaluate my performance based on accuracy, speed, and completeness of data collected, ability to handle the high-pressure moments in games, and feedback and communication with supervisor(s).
I’ve developed strategies to aid in accomplishing these goals. Overall, I see my role as a crucial link in the sports data ecosystem, and I’m continuously working to refine my skills and contribute.
What do you consider the biggest advantage of working as a Data Collector?
The biggest advantage of working as a data collector is the unique opportunity to blend my passion for sports with professional growth in a cutting-edge field. This role places me at the heart of the action, allowing me to witness live sports events while playing a crucial part in the evolving world of sports analytics, and helps me grow my professional network.
How do you view soccer’s popularity in the US compared to sports like basketball, hockey, and American football?
It’s definitely growing in popularity, and some of the professional soccer teams in the US even share stadiums with the NFL teams, benefiting from their location, sophistication, and size. In some markets soccer may even eclipse the traditional US sports. Overall it’s still secondary to American football, baseball, hockey, and basketball, but it’s great to see it growing, and also the quality of play in the domestic leagues and national team improving.
How would you compare soccer matches in Europe, like those in Poland, to MLS matches in the US?
Soccer matches in Europe tend to have a deeper-rooted cultural significance and more intense fan atmosphere compared to MLS matches in the US. European games often feature long-standing club rivalries, passionate ultras groups, and elaborate tifo displays, creating a more electric environment. Tactically, European matches generally showcase a more technical and possession-based style of play. In contrast, MLS matches have a growing but younger fan culture, with a more family-friendly atmosphere. The play in MLS is typically physical and fast-paced, with a focus on athleticism. While European leagues have a promotion/relegation system that adds stakes to every match, MLS operates on a closed league model, which can affect the competitiveness of late-season games for some teams. However, MLS is rapidly evolving, with improving quality of play and increasing fan engagement.
Which stadium has impressed you the most during your work?
Chicago’s Soldier Field is one of my favorites for its mix of classical and modern architectural elements and its idyllic setting on Lake Michigan and adjacent to downtown. Also, Atlanta’s new Mercedes Benz Stadium, with its unique retractable roof is cutting edge and impressive.
How has life in the US been for you, and what differences do you notice compared to other countries you’ve lived in?
One significant difference is the car-centric culture in the US, which contrasts with more pedestrian-friendly and public-transportation oriented cities I’ve experienced in Europe and elsewhere, which shape communities and social interactions differently. The consumer culture too, the US offers unparalleled variety of products and service with strong emphasis on customer service but comes with a more prominent role of advertising and consumerism on daily life. Also work tends to take more of a central role in many people’s lives in the US, with longer hours more common, but this comes with greater opportunities for career growth and entrepreneurship.
What are your future goals or dreams in this field?
I’m committed to excelling in my current role and to deepening my understanding of the sports data industry and how our work impacts various stakeholders. I’m excited about the potential for growth within IMG Arena. Whether it’s taking on more responsibility in data collection, contributing to project management, or exploring opportunities in business development, I’m eager to expand my skill set and take on new challenges. I’m particularly interested in roles that bridge the gap between our technical operations and business needs. To prepare for these opportunities, I’m actively developing my analytical and leadership skills to contribute to IMG Arena’s success in meaningful ways.
Interested in becoming a data collector for IMG ARENA? Click here to read more about our ODCN team, or view our current vacancies.
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