Nichols College Students Gear Up for Super Bowl Experience

As the spring semester begins, a group of students from Nichols College is preparing for a unique opportunity at one of sports’ most significant events: the Super Bowl. Seventeen students majoring in sports management are set to spend the week leading up to the highly anticipated game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This experience is part of a three-credit course designed to provide hands-on learning in a real-world setting.

The students will collaborate with the NFL’s host committee, engaging in activities related to fan events, stadium operations, and game-day logistics. Xander Polofsky, a 20-year-old junior, expressed his enthusiasm, noting, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m just excited to learn about game operations and experience the atmosphere of the Super Bowl.”

Blending Classroom Learning with Real-World Experience

The course, taught by Christopher Streeter, an assistant professor of sports management, emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of marketing, branding, and event management in a practical context. Launched in 2022, the course combines classroom instruction with the immersive experience of working closely with the NFL.

Students began their preparations in January 2024 with six classroom sessions focused on the economics surrounding the Super Bowl. To ensure they are well-equipped for their roles, the class received guidance from Regan Communications, a Boston-based media company, which provided training for interviews and public-facing responsibilities.

“The idea is to give them something to put on their resume, but more importantly, to inspire them,” Streeter said. Participants are selected based on academic performance, making enrollment competitive. “They’re top students,” he added. “They’ve worked very hard to earn the right to travel.”

Behind-the-Scenes Insights and Career Development

For many students, the prospect of observing NFL operations is a primary motivation for participating in the course. Senior Jeremy Cross, 22, highlighted the importance of understanding the intricate details that contribute to a successful event. “You have to focus on the little things to ensure everything runs smoothly,” he remarked. “If one little thing isn’t right, it could set off the event. You don’t want that at the Super Bowl.”

Students are expected to work nearly 50 hours during the Super Bowl week. After their return to campus, they will participate in four additional sessions to finalize projects reflecting on their experiences. These projects may take the form of podcasts, websites, or research papers analyzing the Super Bowl from a sports management perspective.

Streeter emphasized that the course aims to foster networking opportunities and build resumes, ultimately inspiring students to pursue careers in the sports industry. “I’m really hopeful that it just inspires our students to be that much more excited about working in the sports industry,” he stated.

The excitement is palpable among the students, especially with the Patriots competing in this year’s Super Bowl. Polofsky shared his hopes for the game, indicating that being able to witness his team in such a high-stakes environment adds an extra layer of enthusiasm. “I’m a Patriots fan,” he said. “I’m hoping they win. I hope they perform well.”

As the students prepare for this extraordinary experience, they are poised to gain invaluable insights into the sports management field while immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Super Bowl.