Feb. 1, 2008

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By Michael Braunstein 

Michael Braunstein -- a graduate student in Ohio University's Master of Sports Administration and Facility Management program -- shares a first-person account of his work at Super Bowl XLII.

An estimated hundred million people will tune in Sunday to watch the New York Giants and the New England Patriots battle for a place in history in Super Bowl XLII. While they cheer on their favorite team -- or even just wait for the next commercial -- I will take a moment to breathe deeply for the first time in a week.

I am back in my home state of Arizona working behind the scenes with the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee. The assignment means long hours, countless lists of to-do's and a lot of running around, but I know I am extremely fortunate to have been given such an opportunity.

For a month and a half, my life has been devoted primarily to this Sunday's game, but that's nothing compared to the three years that my boss and my boss' boss have spent here in the Phoenix-Glendale area organizing events, securing sponsorships, and implementing and overseeing marketing efforts.

I don't think most people realize all that goes into a 60-minute football contest.

As host committee members, we represent the city of Glendale and work to coordinate security, transportation, communications, public events, private parties and activities for the media, players and fans.

We work with the FBI, Glendale's police and fire departments, and private security on a daily basis now, and it can get pretty hectic.

For example, of the 70,000 fans who will fill University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, about 40,000 will arrive by chartered bus. Thousands more will come by limousine, town car, taxi and their own vehicles. The safe, secure and on-time arrival of all of those fans has to be coordinated, and that's not an easy thing.

In the week leading up to the game, there are numerous parties and media events. On Wednesday night, for example, we hosted our Big Ticket Gala, emceed by ESPN's Chris Berman. More than 20 Hall of Famers and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were on hand. My job was to escort the night's talent, Jay Leno, and Giants Coach Tom Coughlin. It was an exciting and glamorous task that stands out amid a lot of hard work.

While the days have stressful, this experience has reinforced that my ability to handle pressure-filled situations will serve me well in the corporate world. I've had more than a taste of that on the field, too. As a football kicker, everyone is watching you; you have to know how to handle pressure.

I'm proud that I have been recognized throughout my college career on the field and off -- and even more pleased to know I can handle the workload of Division I college football and the demands of my education in the tough and prestigious Master of Sports Administration and Facility Management program at Ohio.

Braunstein was a member of the 2007 Ohio football team, completing 20 of 24 field goal attempts and 38 of 38 point-after tries. He was a member of the Mid-American Conference's First-Team and earned All-MAC Academic honors. He will complete his internship with the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee in March and return to Athens before graduating in June.