From April 25 to April 27, Detroit played host to over 700,000 football fans who came to witness the highly anticipated NFL draft. Amidst the crowd and excitement of the event, members of the Tiffin University community stood out as they took on various volunteer roles essential to the smooth operation of the draft. Led by Dr. Bonnie Tiell, Professor of Management, Tiffin University joined forces with Allied Universal® Event Services to leave a mark on the recent NFL Draft where students, staff, faculty and alumni were at the heart of the action.
Throughout several rounds held across multiple days, NFL teams took turns choosing eligible college football players to join their roster. The NFL Draft has evolved into a multi-day extravaganza that incorporates elements of entertainment, fan engagement and community involvement. In addition to the draft itself, this free experience for fans included many exhibits and activities including photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, football skills challenges, autograph sessions with current and former players and more. The NFL Draft also offered a platform for live broadcasts including the Pat McAfee Show, ESPN and NFL Network. These broadcasts added another layer of excitement to the event, providing attendees with behind-the-scenes insights, expert analysis and exclusive interviews with players, coaches and executives.
Allied Universal® Event Services, a leading security and facility services company, assisted in orchestrating the logistical and security aspects of the draft. Their expertise in managing large-scale events ensured the draft ran smoothly and securely, providing a safe environment for players, coaches, fans and volunteers. TU students who volunteered with Allied Universal® gained hands-on experience in event management and security operations. From aiding prospects in the green room to overseeing VIP checkpoints and hospitality centers and ensuring the security of notable figures like Detroit’s own Eminem’s trailer, each student fulfilled a crucial role in the event’s success.
For sports management students of Tiffin University, the opportunity to volunteer at the NFL Draft wasn’t just a chance to be a part of football history – it was also a valuable learning experience. Students encountered numerous obstacles that tested their problem-solving skills and ability to think on their feet. Many of them were able to apply the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired in their classes to real-world scenarios where they gained hands-on experience in sports and event management, communication and teamwork.
By bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world, experiences like this enhance the educational experience and encourage students to become active participants in their fields. “Volunteering at such a high-profile event provides students with invaluable networking opportunities,” explained Dr. Tiell. “Rubbing shoulders with NFL personnel, players, coaches, agents and fellow volunteers open doors to potential internships, job opportunities and mentorship relationships that can shape future careers.”
Dr. Tiell further emphasized the significance of the event for the Tiffin University community, stating, “One of my personal highlights was to see the interaction between undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, faculty and staff. With over 100 individuals connected to Tiffin University, it was gratifying to feel the camaraderie while everyone was exposed to a significant event in professional sports.”
Associate Professor of Sports Management, Rick Goeb, also commented on the event’s impact on Tiffin University students and volunteers, stating, “The NFL Draft was an outstanding opportunity for Tiffin University students and volunteers to interact with a professional organization and work at an exciting, entertaining and well-publicized sporting event. The response was tremendous, with volunteers learning some valuable skills from the busy three-day event.”
Tiffin University’s involvement in events like the NFL Draft not only underscores our commitment to fostering excellence but also reflects our dedication to empowering students to thrive in the dynamic landscape of sports management. These experiences equip students with the skills and confidence to navigate their career paths successfully, emerging as leaders in the industry.
Student Spotlights:
Sports management major Olivia Miller shared her exhilarating experience volunteering at the NFL Draft. “My experience volunteering for the draft was amazing. When I first walked backstage to receive the job I was going to be doing, it was such a cool feeling being able to see all the work that goes into behind the scenes,” she explained. “My dream job is to be able to work in the NFL and being given this opportunity to work the draft, I have made a lot of great connections that could help me in the future. I will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was the coolest thing I have ever done and I haven’t stopped talking about it since. Thank you Tiffin University for this opportunity!”
Molly Crowe, a student pursuing her MBA in sports management, shared her memorable experience. “Volunteering at the NFL Draft was an unforgettable experience, as we played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly,” she remarked. “From assisting with logistics to interacting with enthusiastic fans, volunteers had the opportunity to be part of a high-energy atmosphere and contribute to the success of one of the most anticipated events in the sports world.”
Stephanie Lewis, a student pursuing her MBA in sports management and also serving as an Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach, shared her reflections. “The dedication and professionalism were instrumental in orchestrating a seamless event and the support significantly impacted the team of volunteers,” she emphasized. “Volunteering at the NFL draft has been incredibly beneficial for my sports management career. I had the opportunity to make valuable connections with professionals like event management executives and the NFL commissioner. It has already generated conversations about job opportunities. Behind the scenes of the draft, I gained a deeper understanding of how many levels of personnel are involved in organizing and executing large professional sporting events. The one big takeaway for me was the feeling of being in my element! Interacting with fans as Event Security empowered me to feel comfortable working on my interpersonal communication skills. While still persevering in professionalism, I was able to mingle with, take photos of and photos with NFL Draftees and Legends; like first-pick draftee Caleb Williams, Anthony “Spice” Adams for my diehard favorite team the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders,” she continued. “Learning about the draft process has given me unique insights that are especially useful since I’m interested in event and game day operations, public relations and player management. It was all very exciting and such a memorable experience!”