Val Arias

Hi, I’m Val! I grew up in the Chicago suburbs where weekends revolved around playing and watching sports. At Purdue University, I studied Film & Video Studies and Mass Communications, which launched my career in the sports industry.

I began at the University of Dayton Athletic Department, gaining hands-on experience in marketing, video board production, and digital content creation. I later joined Daktronics, where I spent seven years supporting stadium technology and building relationships with professional sports teams and universities across the country.

Alongside my full-time career, I’ve also worked as a freelance brand ambassador representing brands at major sports events and festivals combining my love for events, branding, and fan experiences.

Today, I’m exploring new opportunities while continuing to learn, connect, and work on contract projects.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me running the Dayton bike paths or checking out our local breweries.

My Story

I am available for any freelance or contract projects and am looking for fulltime roles in account management, customer success, partnership activation, or digital marketing in the sports and entertainment industry.

Work Experience

Daktronics — Show Control & LED Display Specialist

Largest Customers

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals

MLB/MiLB: Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Dayton Dragons, Indianapolis Indians

MLS: Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati

Universities: Purdue University, Notre Dame, University of Cincinnati, Ohio State, University of Dayton, University of Kentucky, Indiana University

Venues: Little Caesar's Arena, Lucas Oil Stadium, Keeneland Racetrack

Impact

Led onboarding and technical integration of Daktronics show control and LED display systems for new clients.

Secured over $2M in annual service agreements by building strong client relationships, identifying operational needs, and negotiating long-term support contracts.

Managed high-priority technical projects, including professional team control room relocations and large scale LED product defect resolutions.

Oversaw pre-event planning for events such as the MLB All Star game, NCAA Basketball Tournament, and The College Football Playoff.

Key Responsibilities: Fan Engagement Strategy, Customer Success & Retention, Account Management, Business Development, Project Management, Contract Negotiation, Customer Training

Experiential Marketing - Brand Ambassador and Event Lead

Largest Events

2025 WNBA All Star Game, Disney Zombies/Descendants World Tour, Ohio State Football Big Noon Kickoff, Memorial Golf Tournament, College Football Playoff (CFP), MLS Pregame events, WWE Raw, Cincinnat Bengals Tailgates

Largest Brands

Disney, AT&T, Powerade, BODYARMOR, Adidas, Coca Cola, Discover, Slurpie, Nissan, Minute Maid, All State, Jim Beam, Good Boy Vodka, Kings Hawaiian, Big Noon Kickoff, Yonder, General Mills

Key Responsibilities: Sponsor Activations, Product Sampling, Consumer Education, Lead Generation, Post-event Recaps