In an extraordinary opportunity for hands-on learning, eleven students from Slippery Rock University (SRU) were selected to work at the NFL Super Bowl Experience leading up to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. This event, often referred to as a "football theme park," offered fans interactive games, autograph sessions with star players, and photo opportunities with iconic trophies. The SRU group played a crucial role during the main game day by providing essential support to over 2,000 media personnel. Their responsibilities included guiding these professionals to various areas such as the media workroom, photographers' staging area, auxiliary press area, and press box.

A Golden Opportunity in the Heart of New Orleans

From February 7th to 9th, amidst the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans, these young sport management majors immersed themselves in one of the most prestigious events in American sports. Among them were third-year students Emma Balaban from North Huntington, Zander Bennett from Mahaffey, Aaron Chaplin from Altoona, and Mikayla Perry from Hamburg, New York. Joining them were seniors Brent Martin from Greencastle, Nick Mote from Gibsonia, Niko O’Toole from Pittsburgh, Morgan Rullo from Cairnbrook, Ethan Sarver from Prospect, and Joseph Young from Winchester, Virginia. Additionally, sophomore Bree Weaver from Blanchard was part of this exceptional team.

Their duties at the NFL Super Bowl Experience presented by Panini were diverse and demanding. They ensured that fans had an unforgettable experience through interactive activities and access to memorabilia. On game day, their focus shifted to assisting the media, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. Faculty members Brian Crow, professor of sport management, Dallas Kline, assistant director of first-year admissions and a former SRU alumnus, and retired athletics director Paul Lueken accompanied the students as chaperones, providing guidance and support throughout the event.

Through this immersive experience, these students not only gained invaluable practical knowledge but also witnessed firsthand how large-scale sporting events are orchestrated. They worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the event ran seamlessly, from fan engagement to media coordination. This rare opportunity allowed them to apply classroom theories in real-world scenarios, preparing them for future careers in the dynamic field of sports management.

As we reflect on their contributions, it becomes clear that these students have taken significant strides toward becoming future leaders in the industry. The lessons learned and connections made during this event will undoubtedly shape their professional journeys. For aspiring sport management professionals, experiences like these serve as stepping stones to success, offering both challenges and rewards that cannot be replicated in any classroom setting.