Faces in the Crowd

Three years ago, I started my adventure into the Sports Industry. One that is competitive, momentous and absolutely thriving. This adventure has taught me a lot about myself and about the people that make the adventure all worth it. I am lucky to work in a position of delivering experience to the most loyal fans in basketball; Celtics fans. The Garden holds stories not only of amazing plays & athletic moments, but deep backstories off the court. What may seem like a casual date night or family bonding is often much more than meets the eye. From my time with the C’s I have come to realize the stories that bring us to the arena are often as interesting as those of the team. Our fans are what make the Celtics different. Seeing how much influence the fans have on the team, I thought it would be nice to highlight some of their biggest supporters.

Here are a few of my Faces in the Crowd.

To begin, I start with one of our Rookie 1st year Season Ticket Members, Ellen Nussbaum. Ellen has lived in Boston for over 27 years and recently found that attending games has become something fun for her and her two sons to enjoy together. David and Daniel play basketball and have become “super fans” of the sport. Whether she is watching a game at home or in her seats, Ellen is sporting her STM (Season Ticket Member) gear. “Being Season Ticket Members sucks you into the Celtics,” Ellen mentioned when talking on her newfound fandom. The Nussbaum’s have taken advantage of being an STM by taking a tour at the brand new, state-of-the-art, Auerbach Center to jumping on a call to learn what seats best suit her and her family. I appreciate Ellen’s kindness and willingness to learn throughout her first year with us.

Moving on to Peter Prokopis, a Starter, on his 2nd year as a Season Ticket Member. Peter and his wife, Claudine have four kids (two twins, a daughter & son) who are all huge fans of the game of basketball. With their busy lifestyles, coming to Celtics games has become a “wonderful way for the family to always spend time together.” Before every game for over two decades the Prokopis’ will stop by Halftime Pizza on Causeway Street for a slice. The Prokopis Family has single-handedly made me feel welcome to the City of Boston. Checking in on holidays, during the summer, and being an additional family to me when I didn’t know I needed them. I am so grateful for the relationship I have with them and look forward to the continuous growth.

Next up: John & Maria Reilly, Veterans, 6-year Season Ticket Members. John became a Celtics fan in early childhood remembering how epic The Larry Bird era truly was. Sticking through the good & bad makes John & Maria a part of the loyal atmosphere the City of Boston brings. Maria, a New Yorker, grew up during the Knicks & Celtics rivalry. Jumpstarting her fandom of basketball, Maria later moved to Boston and quickly chose a side (the right one). She remembers watching Tommy Heinsohn in the 70’s as a coach and completely bought into his character. John feels a part of the Celtics Family with our ownership being local: “Wyc & Pagliuca have heart in the team and are big fans themselves,” the Reilly’s mentioned. John & Maria have bestowed fabulous feedback and encourage me to keep in touch with them even in the off-season. They are a joy to connect with, learn from, and see at the arena.

Escalating in tenure with Jaclyn Braga, an All- Star, on her 15th year as a Season Ticket Member. Jaclyn comes from a family of Celtics Fans. I am lucky to work with her, her father, and her cousin in my STM book of business! Jaclyn was one of the faces in the crowd during the 2008 NBA Championship win, a day she cites as one of her favorite moments as an STM. This past year, she witnessed Paul Pierce’s number retirement ceremony; adding to the list of her iconic memories in C’s history. “Seeing them claim a banner in person was amazing,” Jaclyn told me. Her father started her fandom during the winnings of the 80’s and the rest was history. Jaclyn uses her tickets primarily to nurture her & her Law Firm’s relationships with clients, prospects, referral sources, and friends of the Firm. Jaclyn has been such a kind and cheerful STM to work with, I always look forward to chatting with her.

Continuing to Dan Peluso, a Legend, of 22 years as a Season Ticket Member. “Anything is Possible,” Dan told me he heard right from his seats in 2008 straight from the mouth of Kevin Garnett. With the confetti cannon spreading the win out all over TD Garden, Dan’s fondest memory is hard to beat. Dan’s Celtics fan-hood began with the love of the rivalry colored purple & yellow. “The feeling of defeat when Magic hit that skyhook in 1985 was brutal.” This feeling grew over time for Dan, making him the closest to a die-hard Celtic’s fan that I’ve ever seen. Dan brings his daughter, Maria (pictured below), into most games. Dan loves the players that live and embody what Celtics pride stands for, he shows Maria that pride at every game they attend together. Dan & Maria have made my job full of excitement and meaning, they make a point to let me know when they are around to catch up and say hello at the arena.

Ted Tye, one of my MVP’s at 35 years of Season Tickets. Ted has an original print of his favorite all-time player, John Havlicek, hanging in his office as well as the original Boston Garden Scoreboard. He was a part of the Celtics culture as early as the Bill Russell era. Ted witnessed winning the 1986 championship against Houston in the Larry Bird Era; he stated he thought this may have been “the best Celts team of all-time.” He remembers how powerful the energy Kevin Garnett brought to the arena each night of the 2008 Championship era. Ted’s sole reason for becoming and staying a STM for all these years: “I love the Boston Celtics.” Ted and I have worked together a short time but he knows when and how to bring a smile & laugh to my face when we see each other. Ted has a big heart and is a crucial part of the Celtics Legacy, exemplifying true grit inside and outside TD Garden.  

Last but certainly not least: Eve Adler, Hall of Famer, 40-year Season Ticket Member. Eve purchased her Season Tickets the second Larry Bird was drafted. At her first game as an STM, Larry Bird came out of the locker room onto the parquet floor, a live bird was released into the Boston Garden. Eve relishes in the times from Larry Bird to the “second Big Three” as she called it until now, 40 years later. She celebrated the 2008 championship until 4AM by throwing a party at her house after she came home from the game. When she was inducted into the STM Hall of Fame, she met Wyc Grousbeck, Managing Partner, Governor & CEO. He asked her “who is your favorite player?” her response, “I don’t have a favorite player, its Ubuntu we are who we are because of who we are together.” Eve is the definition of a Celtic. No matter how high or low the team goes, Eve stands by her love for the game of basketball in Celtics green. She has taught me to appreciate all aspects of the game and to keep up with positive thinking.

You can’t beat the folks that care. These people above have made my job, my first real step in my career, one that is irreplaceable. Maintaining relationships is one thing, sustaining and flourishing them is another. These STM’s have made me feel welcomed to this city, remind me why I love working with people, and truly changed the way I look at Faces in the Crowd.

McKenzie Pezze

Member Experience Executive, Boston Celtics