PRSSA at USF

How many people can say that they had the chance to work the Superbowl?

Two months ago, I received the chance to apply for a position to work Superbowl XLIII through USF. A month went by, and I still had not heard back from anyone, so I assumed that I did not get the position. When mid-January approached, I received word that I would be working the Superbowl! I jumped at the chance to become involved with such an awesome event. I worked on behalf of our organization, donating my time and pay to PRSSA.

My day began at 9:30 a.m. February 1, 2009. It was 53 degrees outside. I arrived at Tampa International Airport and stood in line for about an hour, but it was worth every freezing second. I was given a full Superbowl uniform, including a long sleeve polo, hat and windbreaker. You guys would be proud because I looked official. I was then assigned my position in section 139! Can you imagine? First level in Raymond James Stadium! S.A.F.E. Management, the firm that staffed the Superbowl, bused all the employees to the stadium where we were given our position tasks, trained and ready to work through the event. My main task was to check tickets for the club section of 239. Ironically, this was the section where all of the Steelers player’s families sat.

Before the game, I saw Steve Young, Trent Dilfer and Ron “Jaws” Jawroski giving a game analysis. I stood about 20 feet from Conan O’Brien, and about five feet from Jerome Betis. Although I did not see any mega celebrities, it was awesome to even be in the presence of these fine gentlemen!

The job was harder than I expected because I guarded my section for ten hours. The stadium opened at 2 p.m., and the crowds slowly started pouring in. No one was allowed past my checkpoint unless they had ticket for my section. I never want to see another ticket again in my life! Other than that, the atmosphere was incredible. I was among die hard fans and the feeling was unbelievable. At halftime the stadium was pitch dark for Bruce Springsteen and fireworks went off all around me. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, I was sent to the bottom of the steps to help guard the rail. Picture me, standing in front of the guard rail, trying to prevent Steeler’s fans from rushing the field. Although I realize that I do not even resemble a security guard, I feel that I held my own weight. Instead of guarding the rail, two other team members and I found ourselves handing the Steeler’s players’ children to them, including Santonio Holme’s kids. The families cheered and cried together. It was such a moving moment. I touched a few players’ hands and stood fifty feet away from the winning touchdown by Holmes. We stayed until about 11:30 p.m. to clear all the fans and family out of the stadium.

The experience was so indescribable. Not only can I now say that I watched the Superbowl, but that I was a part of the process. It has opened my eyes to the amount of preparation that goes into an event this size. As an employee, I was able to see a glimpse of the planning that took place. The employees’ day was planned out to each minute. I viewed the crisis management plan for the entire Superbowl event and the behind the scenes processes of security, supervision and traffic control. The list was endless. The different events that took place throughout the day displayed a strong presence of public relations.From media to guest relations, many skills that we are taught in our PR courses could be seen throughout this event. I am proud to say that I worked for guest services of Superbowl XLIII, which without PRSSA, none of it would have been possible.