MGME Movers & Makers Presents: Giovanna Irigoyen, Senior Project Manager
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Working the Super Bowl
As part of an ongoing series highlighting MGME’s expert services and top-notch team members, we recently had a chance to sit down with Giovanna Irigoyen, Senior Project Manager. Not only is Gio a valued talent within our company, but she’s also highly sought after for her expertise in project management, so much so, that she was called into action for the Super Bowl in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Q: Can you tell us about your experience working at the Super Bowl?
A: Yes, I had the opportunity to work at the Super Bowl for a client. It was definitely a unique experience as there are so many moving parts involved in organizing and executing this kind of event.
Q: What were your main roles and responsibilities?
A: I was the on-site support manager, which included working with the catering groups, which fed the stadium staff, NFL team members and staff for the 49ers and Chiefs, and various support teams. We fed around 2,400 people. I also oversaw gifting for 150 traveling support managers. I also assisted with flights and hotel accommodations for VIPs and traveling support managers.
Q: What were some of the logistical challenges you faced while working at the Super Bowl?
A: One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the sheer volume of people and internal staff. If something isn’t right or is late, the NFL will call and make sure it’s being handled so we had to be on top of every aspect of the program.
Q: How did you overcome these challenges?
A: I think that being an avid problem solver helps overcome any challenges and those that come up for me. The team had everything in place well before the event started and I just came in to help execute and problem-solve quickly and efficiently. We also had to be flexible and able to adapt quickly to any changes that arose. Communication was also crucial, both with our clients and with the event staff.
Q: What was the most memorable part of your experience?
A: The most memorable experience was seeing the field getting painted and set up with all the logos before the game and being able to go on the field after the game! I would have loved for the 49ers to have won, but being there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Q: What did you learn from working at the Super Bowl that you can apply to your future events?
A: I continuously reinforce that there is no such thing as asking too many questions. I question everything and that brings another level of checks and balances to the process to make it a seal tight operation.
“I excelled because I love event planning — it's innate to me to plan and be organized. I literally could not imagine doing anything else.”
Q: Were you able to interact with any of the performers or celebrities?
A: No, it’s bad form to interact with celebrities or players. But I did get to see all of the halftime performers. I saw Alicia Keys and Usher rehearsing for their halftime show, roller skaters & all. They rehearsed the full actual show. It was really cool to see them perform live.
Q: How many hours was it from the moment you started work on the day of the Super Bowl till you were done?
A: I woke up at 3:00 AM to get ready and we were on our way to the stadium by 4:15. We arrived around 4:45. I was working by 5:00 AM and then I was done by 7:00 PM. There was a lot of coffee and water but it's the excitement that gets you going.
Q: Overall, what was your impression of working at the Super Bowl?
A: It was a really cool experience. It was a lot of hard work, but it was also really rewarding to be a part of such a big event. It was amazing to see how everything came together and to be a part of something that so many people around the world were watching.
Q: Who did you want to win?
A: The 49ers.
Although Gio’s 49ers didn’t win, she and her team members came together to deliver a victory for 2,400 people, proving once again that MGME staffers are experts in their fields.
Fast Facts:
- Super Bowl services are Suites (VIP guests), Concessions (Fans), and Catering (C-Suite partners, stadium staff, and Super Bowl team members).
- Number of meals served in the catering department: 2,400.
- Rehearsal days included full dress rehearsals featuring the celebrity musicians, producers, backup performers, sound and lighting engineers, and support staff.
Our subject-matter experts are in demand even at the world's biggest events! Contact us to learn more about our capabilities and how our expertise can bring your live events to life.