As millions of people watched Super Bowl LX, two University of the Pacific students were working behind the scenes, helping to coordinate media access and support the NFL communications team.

Sports management majors Miles Ryan '26 and Daniel Warman '26 gained hands-on experience at Levi's Stadium as part of a team of six interns, including students from the University of Mississippi, Pennsylvania State University and Syracuse University.

“There are so many elements to the event that you can learn from a sport management standpoint," said Pete Schroeder, associate professor of sport management. “Whether it's event management, sponsorship, security or media relations. It was a great learning opportunity for the students.”

Ryan and Warman issued credentials during the week at The George R. Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco and handled media credentials for the game, working with the press to ensure access to the appropriate outlets.

“We worked with all the big news companies: ABC, NBC, ESPN and more,” Ryan said. “On game day, we set up the entire auxiliary press area for the game, which is an area with desks inside the stadium where the media can write, take pictures and get their stories out in real time. Post-game, we transcribed interviews from the players and created a quote bank for media outlets to write about the Super Bowl.”

Students also had the opportunity to network with media professionals, athletes and potential future colleagues.

“There were tons of great connections made within my department and my team. There were so many big names and faces that it just made the whole experience a networking dream,” Ryan said.

Warman said he also gained insight from the communications professionals he worked, learning about the trajectory of their careers and how people in the industry approach their roles in real time.

“Seeing everything that goes into the Super Bowl firsthand and all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes was the coolest part for me,” he said. “Game Day was amazing to watch in person. It's not an opportunity a lot of people get to have in their lives.”

The opportunity was facilitated by Pacific alumnus Sam Drexler ’12, director of football communications for the NFL.

“I’m so appreciative to Sam for providing the opportunity for our students to learn,” Schroeder said. “I'm also really proud of the success he's had. We met a lot of the people who work with him or for him, and so to see him succeed as an alumn of our program felt great for me.”

The team celebrated the week by gathering on the field after the game and reflecting on the experience.

“The last night was surreal,” Ryan said. “Being on the same stage where the Seahawks received the Lombardi Trophy was incredible.

“Sports management at Pacific changed my life as a program,” he added. “I'm a transfer student, and what I've done in just two short years here has been phenomenal. It's made my dreams come true. I can't wait for what's next.”

Learn more about sports management at Pacific.