Super BowlFSU Sport Management Volunteers at Unique

FSU SPORT MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS AT UNIQUE SUPER BOWL

By Amanda Cover

Volunteer efforts by Florida State University’s sport management department continue to shine. Over Super Bowl weekend, a dedicated group of students, led by program faculty advisor Dr. Jason Pappas, traveled to the Tampa area. In Tampa, these distinguished and passionate student volunteers provided event support and guest services throughout the weekend leading up to Super Bowl LV.

Florida State’s sport management program is no stranger to the Super Bowl when it comes to event support. Because of the continued diligence by FSU students in the past, the group was trusted with a greater responsibility. Everyone began the weekend by assisting with guest engagement and managing interactive setups at the Super Bowl Experience at Julian B. Lane Park. On Saturday, the students greeted guests, assisted with check-in, and aided photographers at a private event where fans had the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl MVP Trophy. This hands-on experience offered the group a chance to engage in event setup, as well as learn more about event planning.

Sunday arrived highly anticipated by all. The student volunteers journeyed to Raymond James Stadium wearing neat, collared uniforms with credentials in hand, ready to contribute to one of the largest sporting events of the year. Half of the group spent the afternoon spread out around the stadium guiding fans to their correct gates and pregame events. The other half of the students were located outside the perimeter of the stadium hosting an event for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ friends and sponsors. Maintaining a safe environment for all guests remained a large component throughout the evening, as fan safety was top priority. Throughout the weekend, COVID-19 protocols were made well-known and strictly enforced. At the conclusion of the Buccaneers’ event, the students stepped in to help clear the event space.

Although this was not specifically a networking trip, many students were able to make connections with the staff, as well as among their peers throughout the weekend. While the first half of the game took place, the students enjoyed a physically distanced dinner together. As the game came to a close, the group assisted at two locations around the perimeter of the stadium to direct fans towards their transportation. The crowds outside the stadium grew smaller, and it signaled the end to an unforgettable weekend.

The opportunity to volunteer at Super Bowl LV was a unique experience for these students, particularly in an unprecedented year where many sporting events had the potential to be canceled. The student volunteers present in Tampa learned many instrumental skills critical to careers within the sport industry and beyond. In addition, they each shared incredible experiences with each other and fans from across the country. Now, it is time to look forward to the next event at which these students will represent Florida State University with pride.