University of Tennessee Athletics
Thornton Center and Haslam College of Business Partner for Big Orange Combine
November 06, 2023 | General
The Thornton Athletics Student Life Center and the Haslam College of Business are again joining forces this year for the annual Big Orange Combine. This immersive event sends a group of 10 students to the location of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Over Super Bowl Weekend, this cohort will have the opportunity to network with various athletic-business entities, establishing connections, gaining insights into different fields, and expanding the professional network of Volunteers who are making their mark in their respective professions across the United States.
"The Big Orange Combine was created in 2012 to allow students to work the biggest sporting event of the year and visit companies in the area of the hosting city," Joshua Liddell, Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Development, said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a close look at how all aspects of business come together. We're excited to provide this opportunity to growing professionals and allow them to network and gain experience in business and sports. We are there to work and not to be fans, but it is also exciting to see VFLs and LVFLs there as well."
This year's class consists of five student-athletes from the University of Tennessee and five students from the Haslam College of Business. The participants include Will Albright (football), Lindsey Brick (soccer), Brooke Dixon (track and field & cross country), Kya Moore (volleyball), and Jenna Stayart (soccer).
These students wouldn't be able to embark on this journey without the support of Vol Nation. The Thornton Center and Haslam College of Business seek donations to cover expenses such as airfare, accommodation, transportation, food, and other travel-related costs. You can help these students seize this incredible opportunity by donating to the event's VolStarter site.
"The Big Orange Combine is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am honored to be a part of," Dixon said. "I am excited to have the opportunity to network, as well as be a member of an amazing cohort of students. Athletics have impacted my life in so many ways, and I can't wait to use my love for sports and passion for business to help put on one of the biggest sporting events in America."
The group will gain firsthand experience in the intricacies of sports and event management, actively participating in the logistical aspects of the most significant sporting event in the United States. They will witness the meticulous planning and coordination required for this iconic championship. Additionally, the Vols will attend the NFL Experience, providing a platform for building connections with professionals in various sports-related businesses.
All these experiences lead to the main event, Super Bowl Sunday, on February 11, 2024—a highly anticipated sporting event and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Last year's Super Bowl attracted an estimated 200 million-plus viewers worldwide, as the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 38-35.
The Thornton Center and Haslam College of Business extend their heartfelt thanks for your generosity and support, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of these young professionals undertaking this journey. Your donations create opportunities for these Volunteers to pursue their passions and take the initial steps toward becoming respected leaders in their respective fields. Combined with their classroom knowledge and real-world experience, there's no doubt they are destined for success.
