This study examined the exact nature and scope of the sport arena management profession in terms of field growth and employment opportunities, salary potentials, and education requirements. Specific job performance competencies and related educational course work required for professionally trained sport arena managers were identified. Findings from a survey of upper level sport arena managers indicated that in terms of job performance competencies for entry level positions, supervision, budgeting, scheduling, arena operations, and communication skills were the more important courses to take in college. The development of professional preparation programs specifically designed to train sport arena management personnel was considered as an important future need by survey respondents. (JD)