BGSU students go to Super Bowl LIX

BOLWING GREEN — For two dozen Bowling Green State University students, Super Bowl LIX was more than just a game, it was a glimpse into potential career pathways. Through a series of fundraising and organizing, the Sport Management Alliance students were offered the opportunity to volunteer at the biggest sporting event in America. With assistance from BGSU's College of Education and Human Development and the School of Applied Human Development, students experienced what goes into planning and implementing an event such as the Super Bowl. Immersing themselves in the fast-paced world of sports management, students worked in engagement roles outside of Caesars Superdome and assisted in the Super Bowl Experience. For BGSU junior, Taryn Fraley, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. "Last year was my first year with Sports Management Alliance and I had applied for the Super Bowl but I think according to my class status and my experience at the time I didn't get chosen. This year I was able to get more experience from other jobs and careers that I did over college and in the summer. I was able to interview for this year and I had a much better outcome, obviously by going to the Super Bowl," said Fraley. "It has been something on my mind for pretty much over a year." Fraley said managing their academic responsibilities as well as organizing and funding the trip, was challenging at times. "I think the biggest challenge of it was of course money, but also just to find out what traveling would be like. If we would have to make two trips on an airplane rather than just a direct flight and with lodging, making sure we find a hotel that was in good condition," said Fraley. "I think another challenge was making sure that before you went on the trip that you made sure to communicate with your professors, especially if you were still in classes that you were missing a certain amount of time of." In New Orleans, SMA students got to see the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into the biggest sports event of the year. Students helped run booths at the Super Bowl Experience and guided thousands of fans outside of Caesars Superdome. "It was a little overwhelming on our first day because it was such a long shift. It was, I believe, nine hours," said Fraley. "I learned that while I may be tired and ready to be done, I wanted to make sure that they had a great time and we're able to take that experience and think about coming to the next Super Bowl and doing the same experience because they loved it so much the first time." During the Super Bowl Experience, an event for fans featuring games, music and fun, Fraley even got to see famous NFL players such as Patrick Surtain from the Denver Broncos and Sam Darnold from the Minnesota Vikings. "I totally forgot that a lot of professional football players would make appearances there. I just kind of happened to look around and see a couple of people asking an athlete they're going up to and asking for pictures. I looked at our app that we used called the NFL pass and I look up and thought 'Oh my gosh, I know so many of these athletes that are just making an appearance.'" Fraley hopes to pursue a career in fan engagement for a professional football or baseball team. She accredits her time volunteering at the Super Bowl to reinforcing her passion for a career in sports. "It definitely opened up my eyes to what the world of sports has to offer. It made me realize how much more I want to keep working and going along my career path," said Fraley. "A professional event like the NFL Super Bowl was definitely an amazing experience that let me interact with fans on a whole different level than just a college game." As for next year? Fraley hopes to volunteer again and utilize her skills once more at the Super Bowl.