I had the honour of volunteering at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas back in February 2024. I filled out the volunteering form in September 2023, never thinking I would be successful. I submitted the application and then head back later in the year that I was successful and secured a place to volunteer at the Super Bowl 2024. I have family in Las Vegas, and they were very excited when they heard the great news. I was able to stay with them and volunteer, which was great. My placement was at the airport welcoming in all visitors to the Super Bowl. I did my training online which lasted about an hour. I had 4 shifts confirmed which were Thursday 8th, Friday 9th, Saturday 10th, and Monday 12th. I picked up my uniform and accreditation from the World Convention Centre and was ready to start my amazing volunteer journey in Las Vegas. Each shift was four hours long, which seemed to go very quickly. I had a blast and people would stop you and when they heard your English accent there was a conversation to be had. I told them all about Coventry… plus I had some pins from Etch and Pin, so I spread the word. We had tickets to the Opening Ceremony, and it was fabulous. It was very colourful and exciting.
CWR contacted me and asked for a short interview, which we managed to do on the Sunday night in Las Vegas about 12:00am. It was Phil Upton on Monday morning. I can honestly say volunteering has become a passion. You get the bug, and it doesn’t matter what you do, just enjoy yourself with other same minded people. Smile and be ready to help.
I also, had a fantastic holiday. You must have the backing of your family to do this. They all enjoyed their holiday as well. From my brother, sister in-law, husband, son, granddaughter, nephew, and his wife we all had a brilliant time. The cherry on the cake was that my brother and his wife live on Lake Las Vegas, where both teams were staying. We had the privilege of watching them arrive and depart for the final.
My final word is to say, if you have ever thought of doing something like that, give it a go, you will not regret it.
Pat Garner – February 2024!
