Meaghan DeNino Passanante, a Clemson University graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, currently serves as Assistant Director of Operations for Premium at Levy Restaurants for Bank of America Stadium, home to the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson?
I’ve always had a passion for food and originally thought I’d build a career in nutrition or food science. After spending my first two years as a Food Science major, I realized that I was craving more connection with people, the energy, emotion, and experience that come with hospitality. That’s when I discovered Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management. PRTM gave me a new lens to view the hospitality world through tourism and guest experience. Once I began my tourism management classes, it clicked. I had found the perfect blend of people, purpose, and hospitality that truly energized me.
How did your Clemson experience prepare you for your career in sports and entertainment hospitality?
Clemson gave me the perfect mix of classroom learning and hands-on experience. I started working with Aramark in the catering department at the Madren Center during my junior year, and my mentor there encouraged me to apply for the company’s summer internship program. That internship, between my junior and senior year, placed me at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and completely changed the course of my career. I fell in love with the scale, the teamwork, and the excitement that comes with live events.
When I returned for my senior year, I found myself connecting what I was learning in class directly to real-world applications in operations, guest experience, and event logistics. It made everything come alive, and I knew I had found my path.
Can you describe your current role as Assistant Director of Operations at Bank of America Stadium?
In my current role with Levy Restaurants at Bank of America Stadium, I oversee premium dining operations across suites, clubs, and special event spaces. No two days look the same, which is what I love most about it. I might be collaborating with our culinary and service teams to design menus for a high-profile client, strategizing logistics for a concert, or leading staff through game-day execution. A big part of my job is building systems, mentoring teams, and finding ways to elevate the guest experience for both our fans and premium clients. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding.
Working on large-scale events such as the College Football Playoff, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the SEC Championship has been so exhilarating. These events are months of planning for just a few unforgettable hours of execution. They teach you to think on your feet, trust your team, and remain calm under pressure. The goal always is: to create a seamless, memorable experience for every guest in the building. It’s an incredible feeling to know you’ve helped make that happen on such a grand scale.
What advice would you give current PRTM students who are interested in event operations, hospitality, or venue management?
Get involved in as many aspects of the industry as you can—no opportunity is too small. Every event, volunteer shift, or side project teaches you something new about what you love (and what you don’t). Say yes to experiences that challenge you, and be open to learning from every role. This industry is built on relationships and work ethic, so show up with curiosity, positivity, and a willingness to do the hard work. You never know who’s watching—or what opportunity might come from saying “yes” and showing up with enthusiasm.
