Delaware Tech Communications students visit the 76ers

Students from the Communications program at Delaware Technical Community College were given a tour of the Philadelphia 76ers facilities on Nov. 1 and an inside look at what it is that the team’s Public Relations department does on game night.

“It’s fun, it’s different and it’s an opportunity to see what we’re doing put into practice,” Rob Rector communications department chair, said.

Wyatt Yearout, a media relations associate for the Philadelphia 76ers and the group’s tour guide, started the tour in the media gathering room, where members of the PR department spend most of their time, and sports journalists enjoy meals before games.

The group then saw where Yearout and other members of the PR team ensure credentials, where they check in important people for the team, “like family members, scouts and media,” Yearout said.

“We do a lot of real cool, fun stuff here in the PR department,” Yearout said, “but we have to make sure the small, boring stuff gets done first.”

The “small, boring” stuff Yearout referred to was surprising to many of the trip’s goers.

“A lot of what Wyatt did was making sure media outlets have everything they need to do their job,” Safi Furlow, communications student, said, “I thought he’d be doing more things with the team’s social media or coaching the players on what to say.”

After, the group took to the arena to see where the press watches and reports the game.

“As a long-time 76ers fan it was great to see the ins and outs of the stadium and just feel the overall atmosphere of the arena itself,” John Kyritsis, communications student, said.

The group completed the tour with the press room where, former 76 guard, Allen Iverson gave his infamous 'practice' press conference and group pictures at center court.

“Students can see why they’re here in the first place,” Rector, said when asked about the importance of a trip like this. “They can envision themselves in one of those roles and see a finish line of their efforts here”

Delaware Tech Communications students at the Philadelphia 76ers facilities. Photo by C. Herman.

Delaware Tech Communications students at the Philadelphia 76ers facilities. Photo by C. Herman.

Delaware Tech Communications students at the Philadelphia 76ers facilities. Photo by R. Rector.