In less than 60 years, the annual championship game hosted by the National Football League (NFL) has become nothing less than a cultural phenomenon. The Super Bowl transcends the sport of football as the most-watched television show each year with extensive commercial and economic impacts.

Alan Ledford, associate professor of sport management and director of Wittenberg's Master of Sport Administration program, coordinated a volunteer work experience that allowed six students to spend Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas for the big event. Max Patrick '24, Kaitlyn Miller '25, Brady Ramsey '25, Mckenna Bruce '24, Brennen Grubbs '24, and Jordan Brough '25, made the most of the educational opportunity, serving as members of the customer service staff to assist the thousands of guests attending the many events and activities associated with the Super Bowl.

"It went very well," Ledford said. "The group worked hard, networked, and met many folks from the sporting world. Our students experienced Super Bowl Week and Game Day from behind the scenes to learn the ins and outs of the business of hosting a mega-event. They gained a hands-on understanding of what it takes to plan, organize, and execute a true sporting event behemoth.

"Having a sport management experience at the Super Bowl is an impressive resume bullet point and conversation starter when interviewing and starting a career in the field."

In their own words: Max Patrick '24 from Eastlake, Ohio

"Las Vegas was a great experience! We did a lot in a short amount of time, but when we arrived we instantly help set up for an event and connected with a couple other students from other schools in Maine, Missouri, and Ohio. We worked the Super Bowl Breakfast for the Bart Starr award, which was given to Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Pittsburgh Steelers this year. We also got to work with celebrities and football legends, get autographs, and meet fans. During the Super Bowl we mostly worked on the outside of the stadium directing people where to go and controlling traffic, but seeing the inner workings of all aspects of the big game was a great experience. I enjoyed every second and would recommend that if you want to work in sports you do this trip while you're in college. Thank you, Dr. Ledford, for the great experience."

In their own words: Jordan Brough '24 from North Palm Beach, Florida

"I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. We were able to work for the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee in Exterior Fan Services. It was an incredible opportunity to work at such a high-level sporting event to get a better understanding of all aspects that go into running an event. I was able to learn a lot about sport management while making connections with my classmates, volunteers from across the country, and all the amazing professionals that make these events possible. Not only did I learn a lot, but it has increased my desire of working in the sporting industry immensely."

In their won words: Mckenna Bruce '24 from Athens, Ohio

"The Super Bowl was a fast-paced experience that allowed me to see this caliber event in action. It was a great way to gain valuable experience we discussed in class and challenge myself at the same time. It showed me how important and critical experiential learning and hands-on learning is in the sports field. I loved my time in Vegas and this trip allowed me valuable networking opportunities. I appreciate the opportunity for this trip and look forward to other students having this experience."

In their own words: Kaitlyn Miller '25 from Greenwood, Indiana

"Having the opportunity to work in Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Superbowl LVIII Host Committee was an amazing experience that has enhanced my time at Wittenberg tremendously. Being able to get out of the classroom and see behind-the-scenes of such a mega event, allowed me to enhance my education with first-hand experience and to better understand event management and logistics in the sport industry. In addition to our work during gameday, we also spent time at networking events, which further contributed to my professional development, as well as volunteering at the annual Super Bowl Breakfast sponsored by Athletes in Action. I am so grateful for this opportunity to work with an organization that is interested in using their platform to make a positive impact in the sports industry. I am so grateful to have been a part of these events and learned a lot about teamwork, problem solving, and communication, which are beneficial in any field. Experiences like these are invaluable and I love that Wittenberg encourages us to take these opportunities to expand our education beyond what can be taught in the classroom."

In their own words: Brennen Grubbs '24 from Newark, Ohio

"Overall, a great experience to learn and explore what some of the sports industry has to offer. Ledford did a great job of balancing this trip by giving us some free time instead of jam-packing the weekend. All the events we worked/attended were well organized and great to network at. Game day was our longest day, but there was something always happening to keep you occupied. Me personally, I would recommend this experience to anyone and everyone, but stay away from the In-N-Out fries."