Mia Murray 1 of 10 UT students to gain behind-the-scenes experience at Super Bowl LIX

Ten students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will travel to New Orleans to gain firsthand knowledge of the behind-the-scenes collaboration required to orchestrate the Super Bowl — one of the world’s largest athletic events, watched by millions each year.

The students are part of UT’s Big Orange Combine, a program that provides students opportunities to network with business, sports and marketing professionals, learning how those industries unite to put together fan experiences and events leading up to game day.

Debbie Mackey, Distinguished Lecturer in Management and Entrepreneurship and coordinator of undergraduate human resources management in UT’s Haslam College of Business, has served as faculty adviser for the Big Orange Combine since 2012 and will accompany the students to the event. Super Bowl LIX will see the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles play at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9.

“Working the largest and most exciting sporting event is a dream come true for these students,” said Mackey. “They will network with professionals, meet with media and work game day. This is an amazing learning experience, and we are so fortunate to be able to participate.”

The following students will depart for Louisiana on Feb. 5 and return Feb. 10:

• Morgan Gellner of Lake Mary, Florida, a senior studying human resources management
• Olivia Helms of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, a senior studying business analystics and supply chain management
• Marisa Jackson of Fairview, Tennessee, a senior studying human resources management
• Jennifer Lein of Prior Lake, Minnesota, a senior studying management and sales
• Amanda Moon of Hoschton, Georgia, a junior studying human resources management
• Donte Mullins of Sacramento, California, a senior studying communication studies
• Mia Murray of Sparta, Tennessee, a senior studying marketing
• Julia Thompson of Nashville, Tennessee, a senior studying human resources management
• Jada Walker of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a senior studying sport management
• Lindsey Zych of Wheaton, Illinois, a senior studying business and marketing