Long Day - Part 2

Picture Credit: ESPN

Date: September 22, 2022 8 hour Total Hours: 48

After wrapping up our lunch with Trey and Dr. Tiell, it was time to embark on our journey to Cleveland. We hit the road from Tiffin around 2:15 PM, ensuring that we would arrive at the stadium approximately four hours before the game was scheduled to start. The atmosphere at the stadium was electrifying as we made our way through the crowds. Our group had to go through the check-in process, where we received our blue jackets provided by the security company and a bag of snacks for throughout the night. We then proceeded to the break room, awaiting our assignment for the evening.

After patiently waiting for about 25 to 30 minutes, a supervisor finally arrived to guide our group. We were assigned to be on the field for the night, which was a privilege. The supervisor went over the ground rules, emphasizing the importance of staying focused, refraining from phone usage, maintaining constant eyes towards the fans, and strictly avoiding any interaction with the players. We were also instructed to report any major issues to the supervisors promptly. Each of us was granted a 15-minute break, and it was emphasized that we were not to leave the field until we received clearance to do so.

Being on the field was an exhilarating experience. Having attended several football games in Cincinnati and a few in Cleveland as a spectator, being at field level provided a whole new perspective. I was fortunate enough to be positioned in front of the Dawg Pound. It was a good thing that the passionate fans there weren't aware of my allegiance to the Cincinnati team, as I would have undoubtedly endured some banter. This opportunity allowed me to witness firsthand the behind-the-scenes preparations and security measures involved in orchestrating an NFL game.

Overall, the experience was fantastic, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of game day operations and security protocols. It was a unique chance to contribute to the smooth running of an NFL event while gaining a deeper appreciation for the dedicated individuals working in the security field. I will be attending one more game later in the season as well.