Everything went to hell': stadium workers on the US sports shutdown

[Russ ;x]

Tell us about your job ...
Mike Dougherty (St Paul, Minnesota): "I have been a food and beverage vendor since 1989 when I started at the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Coincidentally the first day I vended was the same day as my first day of classes at law school. What started out as a job to do as a fun distraction, and a little extra money, from the rigors of law school ended up being a lifelong career in and of itself. "

Randi Trent (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): "I'm a server at the Wells Fargo Center, home of the Philadelphia 76ers. I've worked at the stadium for the past 19 years. I love my job. I feed the press box, the cameramen, and work the VIP lounge. "

Duane Thwaites (Miami, Florida): "I’m a father of four. Three boys, one girl. My girl is 11 soon to be 12. My youngest son is 19, he’s away in college. My other children are older and they living in Atlanta. I am ... I guess the reality is I am homeless. I sleep on the floor in a warehouse, downtown Miami, in the Little Haiti area. I've worked at Marlins Park at a concession stand for eight years, this will be the beginning of the ninth season. "

How much of your livelihood depends on this job?
Mike Dougherty: "There have been years where vending has earned me more than lawyering. Now about a third of my annual income is from vending. Vending has its up and down years depending on attendance and fan enthusiasm for the teams. This year, we were especially looking forward to the baseball season as the Minnesota Twins won their division last year and prospects were high for another good year. From what I have heard through the grapevine, advanced ticket sales are way up. "