SUU Alumni Shine at NFL Super Bowl Experience in Las Vegas
Published: February 12, 2024 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Southern Utah University (SUU) prides itself on producing talented individuals who excel in various fields. This year, six remarkable alumni of SUU found themselves at the heart of the NFL Super Bowl Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their journey from the picturesque campus of SUU to the grand stage of the NFL Super Bowl Experience showcases not only their personal achievements but also the quality of education and opportunities provided by SUU.
Lane Wood (‘06), Kenten Pope (17’ & ‘19), Emma Ray (‘22), Leah Madden (‘22), Paige Crossley (‘23) and Tessa Devey (‘23) have taken their education from SUU and are each working in different avenues of the event industry. Over the last week, they have used their talents to manage events leading up to and around Super Bowl LVIII.
“We have had the amazing opportunity to work alongside event professionals to operate Super Bowl LVIII Opening night at Allegiant Stadium and the Super Bowl Experience at Mandalay Bay,” said Madden who is in her second year of serving at these events.
The Super Bowl Experience is held at the Mandalay Bay and is the most exciting continuous event surrounding Super Bowl LVIII. Set up as an interactive amusement park, the event offers games, youth clinics, and interactive experiences with NFL athletes, cheer teams and mascots. It also allows you to test your skills against the pros with activities like the 40-yard dash, field goal kick and Combine obstacle course. The centerpiece of the event is a photo opp with the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
In addition to the alumni, a group of 15 T-Bird students are gaining hands-on event experience by working as teammates and learning from event professionals at the NFL Super Bowl Experience. These students have taken courses within SUU’s event management minor which have given them the basic skills needed to excel in their careers after graduation.
“It has been rewarding to see our students put their education to practical use as they operate games for the thousands of football fans who will pass through the gates of the Super Bowl Experience this week,” said Pope who serves as an Executive Events Manager for SUU. “We pride ourselves on the experiential learning opportunities offered through events on campus and it is a terrific opportunity to enhance those skills through an event on a national stage.”
The presence of these talented SUU alumni and students at the NFL Super Bowl Experience in Las Vegas is a testament to the university's commitment to academic excellence and professional development. Their diverse roles and contributions exemplify the breadth of opportunities available to SUU graduates in the world of sports and event management. As SUU empowers future leaders for many years to come, it is evident that its alumni will continue to make their mark on the world stage, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and achievement.
Contact Information:
Nikki Koontz
435-586-5400
nikkikoontz@suu.edu