by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Volunteer recruitment by the Super Bowl Host Committee started late last month and a database of over 4,000 names already has been compiled, which is approximately half of the group’s overall goal.
“We’re really excited and overwhelmed by the response, especially after only one month out,” said Heather Surface, director of communications. “We obviously welcome the support and we look forward to it continuing.”
Surface said individual duties won’t be assigned until later this year. However, Host Committee president Michael Kelly said existing club members will receive priority status when assignments are made.
“Our club members have supported us since the very beginning,” said Kelly, “and we wanted to repay their support by giving them the first opportunity to volunteer for Super Bowl XXXIX.”
Surface said a select group has been charged with setting up a “command center” at the Host Committee offices downtown, where telephone correspondences and other administrative duties will be addressed.
“Aside from that, it’s pretty quiet right now,” she said. “But as we get closer to the game, we’ll start looking into where we’re going to be putting people.”
Duties will include greeting and welcoming Super Bowl visitors at area airports, cruise ships and hotels, though the bulk — more than 5,000 — will be stationed at the NFL experience on Jan. 29 .
“We’re going to be relying on our volunteers quite heavily,” said volunteer coordinator Soulan Johnson. “You can’t just go out and hire 8,000 people. That’s impossible.”
Kelly agreed.
“As I’ve said many times before, our hospitality services and volunteer program will put us in a better position for future Super Bowls,” he said. “We need to get as many as possible signed up, but it’s phenomenal and encouraging to have 4,000 already. Our program wouldn’t be possible without them.”
For information on how to become a volunteer, log onto the Host Committee website at www.jacksonvillesuperbowl.com.