Nine students from Niagara University’s College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management are headed to Santa Clara, California, to see what goes into organizing the National Football League’s showcase event as they work behind the scenes at Super Bowl LX for a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity.
The students depart on Tuesday, Feb. 3, for Levi’s Stadium, where the New England Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks on Super Bowl Sunday.
On the days leading up to the NFL’s championship game, the students will work with Legends at its merchandise operations in San Francisco. This partnership will allow the students to gain hands-on experience working for a premier services provider. On game day, the students will work inside the stadium in a number of fan services roles throughout the day. Through both experiences, students will learn what skills are needed to host and execute a major hospitality, sport, and tourism event.
This marks the 10th year in a row that NU has sent students to the Super Bowl to participate in this immersion experience.
“Reaching our tenth consecutive year of Super Bowl participation is a testament to the immersive, real-world education we prioritize at Niagara University,” said Brandi Guerinot, acting dean of the college. “This opportunity allows students from our college’s programs to step out of the classroom and into the operations of a global phenomenon. There is no better way to understand the synergy between hospitality, sport, and tourism management than by actively contributing to the fan experience on the world’s biggest stage.”
Participating students include:
- Cameron Barnes, De Ruyter, N.Y.
- Jonathan Clark, Clayton, N.Y.
- Nicholas Dipaola, Niagara Falls, ON
- Dylan Lombardo, Buffalo, N.Y.
- Kara Navarre, Cattaraugus, N.Y.
- Mylie Philbrick, Kenmore, N.Y.
- Makayla Robinson, Rochester, N.Y.
- Aidan Shea, Lockport, N.Y.
- Ethan Yacono, Williamsville, N.Y.
The students submitted resumes, cover letters, and had an in-person interview before being selected for one of the nine coveted spots.
Onsite service-learning experiences are offered regularly by NU’s College of Hospitality, Sport, and Tourism Management. For example, sport management students have volunteered during Major League Baseball’s spring training and the NCAA Final Four. Niagara University offers undergraduate degrees in hotel and restaurant management, sport and recreation management, and tourism and event management. In addition, an M.S. in sport management is also offered to better prepare graduates for careers in the increasingly competitive sport and recreation industry.
