For Missouri State University entertainment management students, the excitement in the air for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas was not just about touchdowns and the halftime show. It was also about experiencing the behind-the-scenes efforts of executing one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
The group of 16 students served as volunteers for pre- Super Bowl events and the big game.
Beyond spectating
“A major goal in our entertainment management program is to prepare students to be stagers of experiences,” said Dr. Philip Rothschild, MSU professor of management.
When students arrived in Vegas on Feb. 7, they underwent about eight hours of training, immersing themselves in the logistics and details required for an event as big as the Super Bowl.
On game day, they had various responsibilities, from assisting ticket holders outside and inside Allegiant Stadium to facilitating access for media personnel and family members of athletes. After the confetti fell to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs’ overtime win, the group had an opportunity to meet with MSU alum Madison Vickers, who is an event coordinator for Allegiant Stadium.
“It was such a unique experience getting to be a part of one of the biggest events in the world!” said junior Chandler Harris. “From interacting with fans, learning from professionals at the top of their industry and meeting like-minded college students and MSU alumni, it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.”
Prior to the game, students worked at the Super Bowl Experience event at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center. Guests of the event enjoyed interactive games, captivating NFL exhibits, exclusive autograph signings and more. Students gained insight into working for all the vendors that serve the needs of the NFL. This exposure gave them first-hand access to what it would be like to work in the dynamic and exciting entertainment and sporting industries.
Before the group left for Vegas, senior Paul Graining developed an “event dashboard” to manage the Entertainment Management Association’s (EMA) experience. Graining’s class project not only helped with the event’s logistics, but it also created a sense of confidence and safety for EMA participants.
“We discuss both theory and practice in our entertainment management curriculum. But having applied learning outside the classroom is where learning is amplified for our students,” Rothschild said.
A great resume builder
Beyond the immediate benefits, helping in the Super Bowl exposes students to the many opportunities in entertainment and sports.
Being involved in different areas opens their eyes to the career paths available to them in the future.
“Seeing how the top professionals in the industry work together to put on an event of this magnitude serves as a big inspiration for me,” Harris said.
This is the 23rd year MSU students have volunteered at the Super Bowl.