by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Touted as being the foundation for most of the 2005 Super Bowl activities, representatives from the Super Bowl Host Committee say it’s not too early to inquire about the many volunteering opportunities.
“The volunteers are going to be responsible for carrying the load here during game week,” said Heather Surface, director of communications for the Host Committee. “We need the right people who can provide a sense of hospitality and really act as ambassadors of the community.”
To assist in recruiting, the Host Committee recently hired Soulan Johnson to serve as the director of volunteer services. Johnson served in a similar capacity for the 2001 game in New Orleans, and with only eight days on the job here, has already received over 40 requests for information.
“I’d say we’re right about on target with respect to our volunteer recruitment efforts,” she said. “We’re in what’s called the ‘recruitment planning phase’ and that, basically, calls for us to make presentations in the community to let everyone know that we’re looking for good people who want to help out.”
Interested parties need to be “enthusiastic,” at least 18 years old and not under the impression that they’ll get tickets to the game. The NFL will staff all positions inside the stadium.
According to Johnson, recruiting efforts will remain in the planning capacity until the end of the year, though the date might be pushed up by a month or two depending on the level of interest. The official application process will begin shortly after, with training and scheduling to follow.
“We’re going to be relying on our volunteers quite heavily,” said Johnson. “For the NFL Experience alone, we’ll need to have about 5,000 people in place to help out with all kinds of activities. You can’t just go out and hire 5,000 people. That’s impossible.”
Johnson said volunteers will also be stationed at the various hotels — cruise ships included — and airports in an effort to “sell Jacksonville.” Special “upper tier” opportunities are being reserved for individuals who pledge a “substantial amount of their time.”
“The interns that we have now are leaving so we’re also in the process of looking for replacements,” said Surface. “People tend to forget that a lot goes on beyond the game itself.”
And despite the 18 months of planning ahead, Johnson isn’t letting herself get too comfortable.
“It’s important for us to start confirming volunteer assignments as soon as possible,” she said. “We’re looking to do another Super Bowl here. That’s a definite goal so we need to find people who can present Jacksonville in a flattering way. We’re leaving no stone unturned because we’re setting a precedent.”