Empowering Community Through Sports: A Look at Zach Buck’s Vision for Ann Arbor
Sports tourism is evolving, and a new generation of leaders is stepping up to enhance the game. Armed with fresh perspectives, a passion for sports, and a drive to innovate, these new industry professionals are breaking barriers and shaping the future. Zach Buck, a rising force at the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, is one such trailblazer. Just a few months into his role, Zach is already making his mark – bringing new ideas and creative strategies to strengthen community ties and continue to make Ann Arbor shine as a truly special sports destination.
Behind the Scenes to Center Stage: Zach’s Background in Sports
Zach’s passion for sports started early, and in college, he decided to turn that enthusiasm into a rewarding career. While studying Sports Management at Eastern Michigan University, he discovered his interest in the business side of sports. After graduating in 2016, Zach quickly hit the ground running, diving into a variety of internships to gain hands-on experience. From sales roles to working with major organizations like the Detroit Lions and the Grand Rapids Griffins, Zach has built a diverse background, even branching into concert management along the way.
With nearly a decade of experience in events in minor and major leagues, Zach is excited to bring his knowledge to Ann Arbor. “I’ve always had a tie to this community,” he says, reflecting on his local roots in nearby Taylor, Michigan. “Coming back here is really impactful.” Now, as part of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team, Zach is eager to contribute to the city’s growing reputation as a top-tier sports destination.
Reflections on the Power of Sports
For Zach, the realization of the impact of sports came long before his career began. Growing up near Detroit, he vividly recalls the excitement surrounding Super Bowl XL when it was hosted in the area. “I was only in elementary school at the time, but our school was close to a highway that visitors would travel as they arrived for the Super Bowl,” he says. The students made welcome signs for visitors, a small gesture that left a lasting impression on Zach. “Looking back, I realize how impactful that moment was. Visitors would see these signs and think, ‘Wow, this is a community that’s coming together.’”
“It wasn’t just about the game; people were coming for an experience. They had to stay in the city, enjoy the area, and that sense of connection was something you don’t get in other industries,” he reflects. That early experience continues to influence Zach in his current role in sports tourism. “I’d love to create an opportunity where a kid has that same feeling I had,” he says. “It’s cool to see how something as simple as making a sign back then can come full circle to where I am now–bringing people into Ann Arbor for events that have a lasting impact on the community.”
The Journey From Game Day Logistics to Sports Tourism Leadership
Zach’s experience with the Detroit Lions and the Grand Rapids Griffins has equipped him with a unique perspective on bringing events to life–whether for a large NFL audience or a smaller-scale minor league hockey game. “It’s about balancing the front-facing role on game day with behind-the-scenes efforts to ensure everything flows smoothly,” Zach explains. His time with both teams gave him a deep understanding of the intricate logistics that make events successful. “Of course, the athletes need to go out there to play the sport, but there’s so much happening behind the scenes to keep people entertained and engaged. With the Lions, seeing those large-scale events gave me a real sense of what’s possible. If you have the right facilities and the right team, I believe anything is achievable.”
Zach’s background in sports management also opened his eyes to the broader impact of sports tourism. “At first, I didn’t realize how much community engagement and economic impact were tied into sports tourism,” he shares. “But now, it’s my whole world.” His journey from understanding the basics of event management to recognizing the deep, far-reaching effects of sports tourism has driven him to take on this role with a fresh and innovative mindset.
Entering the Sports Tourism Industry
For Zach, one of the most exciting aspects of entering the sports tourism industry is the opportunity to engage with the community on a larger scale. “When you work on the team side, you’re focused on creating a community with the fans and customers,” Zach explains. “But in sports tourism, it’s about casting a wider net.” Now, he’s eager to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders–from National Governing Bodies (NGBs) to local community leaders–to showcase all that Ann Arbor has to offer.
Zach is particularly enthusiastic about the potential for deeper community involvement. “I want to create a positive impact by connecting with different stakeholders,” he says. “It’s a vital part of keeping Ann Arbor on the map, beyond just its university ties.” The opportunity to be out in the community, working alongside others to bring major events to life, is what drives Zach in this new role. “For me, I’m excited for two reasons: to learn and to be more involved in the community. It’s a totally different experience from just trying to get people to come watch a game.”
Goals for Ann Arbor: Hosting Large-Scale Events With a Strong Community
In his new role at the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, Zach’s immediate focus is on building meaningful connections across the sports tourism community. Having attended Eastern Michigan University, he’s excited to leverage that familiarity while diving into this new landscape. His short-term goal is to create strong relationships with local partners–whether restaurants, hotels, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), or other destinations and sports commissions. These connections, he believes, are key to understanding what works for others and how Ann Arbor can continue to thrive as a sports destination.
Another priority for Zach is fostering a sense of community among local stakeholders. “We work with a lot of groups, from hoteliers and sports facility operators to university volunteer groups,” he explains. “We want to bring them all together with networking events to help create that strong bond, so it’s not just us tying these pieces together but helping them make their own connections and grow.” Ultimately, Zach’s goal is to become a liaison for the community and to ensure everyone involved feels supported.
Making Waves in Rowing and Beyond: Ann Arbor’s Expanding Sports Horizon
Ann Arbor is gearing up to host RowFest 2025, a national rowing championship set to take place in July. This event will mark the city’s inaugural major competition on its newly established rowing course, generating excitement as one of the nation’s largest community rowing events. With local rowing clubs, collegiate teams, and private organizations involved, RowFest is a prime opportunity to showcase the course and elevate a sport that has yet to take root in many Midwestern cities.
Beyond RowFest, Ann Arbor is also eyeing the possibility of hosting its own collegiate regatta, aiming to make rowing a central feature of the city’s sports calendar moving forward. The vision doesn’t stop there; the Ann Arbor Sports Commission is exploring new avenues to tap into other niche sports, focusing on events that encourage overnight stays and foster community engagement.
As Zach notes, “It’s exciting to see what we can really do here in Ann Arbor. Being newer to the sports tourism industry, it’s about figuring out what fits our community, and it’s been fascinating to learn about all the possibilities.”
Empowering the Next Generation: Ann Arbor’s Girls and Women in Sports Celebration
In addition to bringing in new sports, Ann Arbor is also focusing on empowering women in sports. The Ann Arbor Sports Commission is preparing to host its second annual Washtenaw County Girls and Women in Sports Celebration, building on the success of last year’s event. The inaugural panel was a big hit, engaging the community and sparking conversations about the importance of women’s sports. This year, the Sports Commission, led by Mike Price, Meaghan Hughes, and Zach Buck, aims to take the celebration to new heights by expanding its scope and impact.
“We’re really focused on making it bigger and better while still involving the community,” Zach explains. The vision for the 2025 event is to transform it into a weeklong celebration, uniting all ages through a variety of sporting events and educational panels that showcase the talent, skill, and strength that girls and women in sports contribute to the community. By working closely with university partners and local organizations, the event hopes to highlight not just the athleticism, but the important role women’s sports play in community engagement.
Why Choose Ann Arbor?
When it comes to Ann Arbor as a sports destination, its location and community make it an easy choice. The city’s proximity to a major international airport is a major advantage, allowing visitors to land and reach Ann Arbor within just 20 to 25 minutes. Additionally, its drivability within the Midwest makes it an ideal spot, with easy access to major cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis. With a rich array of dining, entertainment, and activities, Ann Arbor fosters a memorable event experience, while the presence of the University of Michigan enhances the city’s potential for hosting top-tier events.
What truly sets Ann Arbor apart, however, is the Sports Commission’s exceptional service and deep-rooted community connection. Zach emphasizes the importance of strong local partnerships in enhancing Washtenaw County’s visibility: “Our team’s ability to provide service and foster connections across the county truly sets us apart.” Alongside Meaghan Hughes and Mike Price, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team delivers top-notch service, inspiring groups to return year after year. With strong community ties, quality facilities, and small-town charm near major cities, Ann Arbor offers an experience that keeps visitors coming back.
Building Connections and Embracing Opportunities: Zach Buck’s Advice for Breaking Into Sports
For anyone looking to break into the sports industry, Zach’s advice is simple: get involved as early as possible. His career path is built on a variety of internships, ranging from game operations to sales, facility management, and now sports tourism. “Don’t be afraid of the word ‘sales,’” Zach shares. He notes that sales, at its core, is about building connections and getting involved in the community. He recommends exploring opportunities across all sectors of the sports industry. “Be curious and research what day-to-day roles look like across different areas of the sports industry, whether it’s sports tourism, working for a university, or a team,” he advises.
Zach also highlights the importance of preparation and communication, which are crucial no matter what level or sector of the sports industry you’re in. “There is a heavy amount of planning involved in order to make an event successful and fun, regardless of the event level,” he explains. To do that effectively, clear communication is key, and being well-prepared is essential to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Leaving an Impact on the Ann Arbor Community
“Being able to leave a legacy in any capacity would be incredible, and I’m really excited about this opportunity. My hope is to make a lasting impact on the Washtenaw County area by bringing in larger, high-profile events while maintaining a strong sense of community involvement. It’s important to me that we continue to showcase Ann Arbor’s unique personality. Successfully hosting events while embracing who we are as a community is key, and I want to ensure that we never shy away from what makes Ann Arbor special.” – Zach Buck, Sports Event Manager, Ann Arbor Sports Commission
To learn more about Ann Arbor and to connect with the Ann Arbor Sports Commission team, head to their Playeasy profile here, or their website here!
