UCFB graduate plays key role in stadium operations team at Super Bowl LIX

A UCFB graduate, who now works in the American Football industry, got the opportunity to work at one of the biggest sporting occasions of the year, Super Bowl LIX.

Mackenzie Cadman, who studied BA (Hons) International Football Business at UCFB, worked as part of the stadium operations team at the global event held in Louisiana.

This opportunity came about due to Mackenzie’s working relationships with both the NFL and Populous. His main role is UK operations manager at NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Jaguars were kind enough to approve this due to the learnings and networking opportunities I would undoubtedly gain during the two weeks in New Orleans,” Mackenzie said.

More than 180 million people watched the Philadelphia Eagles named Super Bowl champions at Caesars Superdome, beating Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.

This made the event the most watched Super Bowl of all time.  

Speaking about his role in the stadium operations team, Mackenzie said: “I was part of the operational roster, working on the buildup and execution of both Super Bowl opening night and the Super Bowl.

“During the build out, I supported the team with troubleshooting tasks and queries from multiple vendors working within the stadium, specifically around the broadcast and technology build outs on and around the field level.

“During opening night, I was part of the escorting team who managed movements for players and team arrivals at Caesars Superdome.

“On Super Bowl Sunday, I was involved in all operational elements surrounding the opening ceremony, halftime show and post-game celebrations.”

Mackenzie then went on to speak about how it felt to work at what he called “the greatest event in the sporting calendar.”

“This was my second ever Super Bowl, and the feeling of working at the event never ceases to amaze me,” he added.

“The level of detail, skill and experience of everyone working on this event is incredible. I can honestly say everyone that I met working out in New Orleans are experts and arguably the best in the world in their field.

“I can only thank Populous and the NFL for inviting me and the Jaguars for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing sporting spectacle.”

He added: “I can’t stress enough regarding the amount of work that goes into hosting and executing a Super Bowl. It really is unimaginable. The event captures the eyes of the world, and that for me is what makes it so special.

“I don’t think there is another event in the world where the actual event begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.

“Everyone who maybe doesn’t watch the NFL will think that the event begins and ends on Super Bowl Sunday. It really begins on Monday with opening night, continues through the week with NFL honours and then comes to a close once the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted on Sunday evening.”

As well as plenty of work within American Football, Mackenzie has a plethora of experience in a multitude of different sports, many of them being work experience opportunities alongside his degree in BA (Hons) International Football Business at UCFB.

Previously, he has worked at sporting organisations such as the Football Association, Surrey County Cricket Club and the NFL itself.

When asked about his time at UCFB, Mackenzie said: “It was a great time. I think what I’ve taken out of that course is just to grasp every opportunity that you create yourself or you get from UCFB.

“The inspirational leaders who taught me were brilliant and led me to where I am today.”

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