Jackson native, other UTM students make working trip to Super Bowl LIX

JACKSON, Tenn. — A Jackson native, who is a student at UT Martin, is getting the experience of a lifetime at the Super Bowl this year.

12 UT Martin students are working in several areas during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, including assisting with ‘Super Bowl Opening Night,’ the media party, and the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast.

A former Madison Academic Magnet High School student tells us about being a part of the action leading up to game day.

“As a college student it really opens your eyes to see all the different aspects of the sports industry. It’s really a great opportunity to even be here first off, and just seeing how the different organizations work to actually put on such a big production,” said Paris Hodge, UTM student.

This event provides an opportunity for students to network with sports industry professionals and other students who work Super Bowl events.

“Just being able to talk to different people especially from a different state you get a different perspective of what life is like out side of Tennessee and I think that’s really nice to see, hear and feel,” said Hodge.

We asked Hodge how Dr. Davis has been instrumental in the process of getting their class to this point.

“He’s been a very big role — we wouldn’t be here without him, let’s start there. And he really guides us to see what it’s going to be like into our future careers,” said Hodge.

For the last 11 years, the University of Tennessee at Martin has been represented at the Super Bowl, the championship game of the National Football League, and this year will mark number 12, as students continue the tradition on game day, February 9 in New Orleans.

Hodge tells us what they’re planning to do while visiting.

“We’re going on the trolley, and then we’re going to tour the city some more. We did a little bit yesterday. We went to Mother’s the soul food restaurant. It was great you should definitely try it when you get down here,” said Hodge.

Hodge says she doesn’t have a favorite team but she hopes the Eagles win to see a switch up from the Chiefs.

Out of more than 50 participating programs, 10 students will be awarded ‘Super Bowl Student MVP.’ This is made possible through the support of Moonshot, the NFL’s customer service training partner.

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