New Orleans played host to one of the most prestigious nights in football as the NFL Honors took place Feb. 6 ahead of Super Bowl 59. A group of 38 Rice University students studying sport management had the unique opportunity to work behind the scenes as talent escorts.
Rice students played a key role in the NFL Honors event operations ensuring people associated with the show were in the appropriate location between commercials. The students were tasked with guiding high-profile nominees and presenters through the red carpet, ensuring a smooth transition from media appearances to their designated locations.
Nominees were escorted to their seats in the audience, where they awaited the announcement of awards, while presenters were led to a holding room before taking the stage. If a nominee won, the students would meet them backstage and return them to their seats. For presenters, escorts assisted in guiding them either back to their seats or out of the venue if they were not staying for the entire show.
“The opportunity provided these students with firsthand exposure to a major live event, offering valuable experience in event operations and professional networking,” said Tom Stallings, professor in the practice of sport management who helped organize the trip. “Their participation in the NFL Honors showcased the behind-the-scenes efforts that make high-profile events seamless and successful.”
Beyond the red carpet experience, the Rice students enjoyed immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of New Orleans, dining in the French Quarter and sightseeing the night before the event.
More information on the Rice Department of Sport Management is online at https://sport.rice.edu.