AU sports management and MBA students working NFL Experience event in Arizona

Published on Feb. 01, 2023

College of Business and Economics

ASHLAND, Ohio – A sizable contingent representing Ashland University’s sports management and MBA programs is in Arizona gaining valuable experiences this week, highlighted by the unique opportunity to work the NFL Experience event as part of Super Bowl LVII.

Leading the undergraduate and graduate students on the eight-day trip is Lance Kaltenbaugh, interim associate dean of the Dauch College of Business Economics and associate professor of sports management at AU.

“The sport management and MBA programs at AU pride themselves in providing real world, experiential learning opportunities for their students,” said Kaltenbaugh. “When the opportunity presented itself to get first-hand experience at the Super Bowl in 2023, we knew it was a chance that we couldn’t pass up.”

The AU group is scheduled to volunteer both days (Feb. 4-5) of the NFL Experience, which takes place at the Phoenix Convention Center. The NFL Experience is essentially a theme park of football activities to get fans excited for the Super Bowl, including autograph sessions, exhibits, interactive games and photo opportunities.

In addition to working the NFL Experience, AU students will benefit from visiting multiple sport and hospitality sites throughout Arizona. Plans include touring Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks), Footprint Arena (Phoenix Suns), the Phoenix Raceway (NASCAR), Goodyear Ballpark (Cleveland Guardians spring training), State Farm Stadium (Arizona Cardinals, Super Bowl LVII), Arizona State University and more. Sandwiched in between will be outdoor experiences, such as hikes in Sedona and surrounding locations.

For more information about this initiative, or any other past or future opportunities available through the sport management program and the College of Business and Economics, contact Lance Kaltenbaugh at lkaltenb@ashland.edu or 419-289-5477.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.