For the first time in its history, Cumberland University will send 11 students and four faculty members to New Orleans, Louisiana, to work Super Bowl LIX. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will provide business and sports management students with unparalleled field experience and exclusive networking opportunities within the world of professional sports.
Under the bright stadium lights pointed at the biggest stage in sports, Dr. Joshua Greer, Cumberland鈥檚 Sports Management Program Director, will guide students through a week of unique hands-on experiences for a special look into the world of professional sporting events.
鈥淭he Super Bowl isn鈥檛 just the biggest event in sports 鈥 it鈥檚 a massive operation that showcases the complexity of event management at the highest level,鈥 explained Dr. Greer. 鈥淥ver the years, my students and I have worked in various capacities, including hospitality, event management, fan engagement, and even alongside celebrities and this year I am thrilled that we can provide the same opportunities for our CU Phoenix.鈥
Though this is the first year Cumberland will send students, Super Bowl LIX will be Dr. Greer鈥檚 seventh time attending. Before joining CU in the Fall 2024 semester, Dr. Greer spent six years at Bethel University, where he chaperoned six consecutive Super Bowl trips with students.
鈥淎ttending students will have the chance to serve and learn in many meaningful ways, from setting up stages and providing top-notch customer service to assisting with wayfinding for thousands of attendees,鈥 Dr. Greer shared. 鈥淭hese roles highlight the scale and magnitude of an event like the Super Bowl, and it鈥檚 truly remarkable to be part of it.鈥
CU student representatives will spend a week in New Orleans, assisting with various hospitality and logistical assignments leading up to the game day operations on Feb. 9. Throughout the seven days, students will have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field, including former and current athletes.
Cumberland will be one of just 30 universities, alongside a private for-profit organization, with the privilege of working the big game and several events leading up to it. The University will be proudly represented as the 11 attending students are slated for 鈥渃aptain roles鈥 in several shifts, which is a testament to their hard work and professionalism.
Sydney Pearce, a sports management graduate student and Athletic Administration Graduate Assistant, shared her excitement for this opportunity and the impact that it could have on her future career.
鈥淚鈥檓 really looking forward to being part of the Super Bowl experience,鈥 Pearce said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity to see how a major event like this is run and get some hands-on experience in the field. This is a great way to learn about the logistics behind big events, and I鈥檓 excited to see how everything comes together. It鈥檚 all about gaining experience and learning what it takes to work in the sports industry.鈥
This incredible experience underscores Cumberland鈥檚 commitment to offering innovative education that prepares students for leadership and service. By immersing students in unique learning environments 鈥 like the culmination of the NFL season 鈥 CU is equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today鈥檚 fast-paced, competitive workplace.
Submitted by Cumberland University.
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