Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - March 2025

6 | C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H | M A R C H 2 0 2 5 O n January 9, 2025, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens came alive with the electrifying energy of a sold-out crowd as Notre Dame narrowly defeated Penn State 27-24 in an unforgettable 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl College Football Playoff Semifinal. Among the passionate fans were the dedicated Orange Bowl Ambassadors, a group of students from Keiser University’s Sports Management Program who played an integral role in making the event a success. Anthony Hilliard, J.D., a professor of Sports Law & Sport Business at Keiser University, formed a partnership between the Keiser University Sports Management Program and the prestigious Orange Bowl Committee to create invaluable, sports industry specific, experiential learning experiences for students. While working at the 2025 Capital One Orange Bowl game as Orange Bowl Ambassadors, students gained world-class, hands-on, game day operations experience at one of the most prestigious sporting events in North America. On January 8, the Ambassadors met with several Orange Bowl Committee staff members, including Leslie Del Toro, Michael A. Hepburn, and Isabella Leventhal, to receive detailed instructions and a tour of Hard Rock Stadium. The session prepared them for their roles during the big game. One of the ambassadors, Braeden Niemy stated: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as an Orange Bowl Ambassador during the Football Semifinal. This unforgettable experience provided hands-on exposure to game-day operations, invaluable insights into sports management, and a chance to connect with talented professionals across industries.” As part of the team, the students’ responsibilities were diverse and hands-on. They helped coordinate the logistics, around the half-time show production. This involved working with the event management team to distribute tasks like crowd control and guest services, as well as assisting with VIP accommodation. The event itself was extraordinary. With a packed stadium, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as fans cheered on their teams. “The electric atmosphere of the Orange Bowl was unforgettable—it felt like I was part of the game,” stated D’Andre Daniel. “Standing on the sidelines, I felt a different kind of adrenaline, not as a player but as someone working behind the scenes to make sure everything ran flawlessly. From the halftime to the postgame production, it was amazing to see such a huge event come together and knowing I had a hand in making it all happen.” The ambassadors were immersed in this vibrant environment, navigating the operationwith professionalismand precision. Positioned on the Penn State sideline, they had the unique opportunity to view the game from a player’s perspective, gaining valuable insights into sports management and event logistics. Reflecting on the experience, Keiser University student Madison Somberg shared her gratitude: “Volunteering as an Ambassador for the Orange Bowl was an incredible experience and a perfect way to kick off 2025. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a storied event, and I want to extend a special thank you to Anthony Hilliard, JD, for bringing this opportunity to my attention. It’s moments like these that remind me of the power of community and the importance of giving back.” The role also gave the team a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics that make such a large-scale event possible. From the technical aspects, like coordinating with sound and video teams to managing the timing of game breaks, we learned the intricacies that allow a live event to run smoothly. Demi van Stappershoef added: “I was truly impressed by the immense amount of hard work, expertise, and dedication that goes on behind the scenes. It’s teamwork and passion that transforms a great event into something truly unforgettable. Being on the sideline allowed us to experience the excitement and pressure of managing operations while witnessing the athletes in action, providing invaluable real-world insight into sports event management.” Throughout the game, the student ambassadors remained adaptable to the fast-paced environment, solving challenges as they arose, from directing foot traffic to responding to last-minute changes in the stadium’s layout. The energy of the crowd was contagious, and it was rewarding to know that the ambassadors’ contributions were vital in making such a memorable experience for all involved. A major highlight was assisting with the halftime show featuring - By KU Sports Management Student Team - - Photos courtesy of Keiser Athletics - Keiser University Students Shine as Orange Bowl Ambassadors at 2025 Football Semifinal Keiser University – Flagship Campus