Las Vegas Trip Log (Super Bowl LVIII)

If I had to describe my Super Bowl Week experience in one word, I’d say “CRAZY.” From navigating a giant airport for the very first time and being forced to learn the intricacies of flying, to being dropped off in an unfamiliar location during the busiest time of the year (while repeatedly trying to find my way from Point A to Point B), to unexpectedly meeting celebrities, covering team press conferences and attending exclusive events, all while trying to take in the moment and organize my thoughts in a clear, cohesive manner. … Without a doubt, Super Bowl Week was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

In all honesty, going into Super Bowl Week, I really didn’t know what to expect. The first thing that stood out to me is just how overwhelming it was. While it got better over time, those first two days in Las Vegas were like something I had never experienced before. We were constantly on the move with so many things to do and see. So much so that many of us struggled to find time to eat.

Looking back on it, I just remember us landing at the airport and fighting our way through hundreds, if not thousands, of people. As we settled in our Ubers and made our way to the hotel, raindrops were pounding against the windshield like drums. Our Uber driver asked us where we were from and told us how uncharacteristic it was for it to be raining in Las Vegas.

As I peered out the window, I immediately noticed all the traffic, fancy lights and bizarre shaped buildings that made the city so unique. I just remember asking myself ‘What did I get myself into?’

When we arrived at the hotel, that was the first time I kind of realized the magnitude of what was going on. There were people all over the place; Super Bowl advertisements painted the walls like a paintbrush on fresh canvas. Slot machines were going off, stores had a steady influx of people going in and out of them, and it was all centered around a giant golden lion in the middle of the lobby. In retrospect, that lion sort of represented characteristics that were required of us to make it through the week as successful journalists – strength, courage, fearlessness. Without any of the three, what we were able to accomplish that week wouldn’t have been possible.

After waiting in line for what felt like an eternity to receive my room key, I quickly found out what it meant to be in the city that never sleeps. The sheer size of the MGM Grand was remarkable; it was so big that it took me approximately 20 minutes to find out where my room was. Even after staying there for an entire week, I would still find myself getting lost in its mayhem.

When I arrived at my destination, I was relieved to finally have some down time. I rested on my bed for approximately 10 minutes before I was notified it was time for us to pick up our media credentials. Taking the elevator downstairs, walking through the hotel for approximately 10 minutes, going up stairs, around corners, downstairs, inside a building, outside a building. … I had absolutely no idea how we ended up at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, but we did. Considering I had to be there early the next morning for an event, I chalked it up as a loss and decided it would be better for me to just take an Uber. Regardless, I’ll never forget the series of events that transpired prior to us receiving our credentials.

Just walking through the convention center, I remember seeing people from all different walks of life. Cameras were set up all over the place, people were doing on air interviews, photographers were taking pictures, etc. It was the first time that I really felt like a distinguished member of the media. Although journalism is an incredibly isolating field in which people are always competing for stories, it was nice to feel like we were all part of a team with one common goal: to adequately cover Super Bowl Week.

Aside from the required events we had to participate in throughout the week (and they were all extremely worthwhile and provided lasting memories), there are two moments in particular that really stood out to me during our trip.

On Thursday, I found myself in the back of an Uber on my way to the Neon Museum to cover a press conference. At the time, I knew nothing about it except the fact that the Super Bowl Host Committee would be awarding grants to local area nonprofits. As I was sitting in the back of the Uber, our group chat kept going off. I checked my phone to see what was happening and people were posting pictures of Stephan A. Smith, Molly Qerim, Deion Sanders and Charles Woodson — people I’ve looked up to for as long as I can remember. While I congratulated them and told them to enjoy the moment, I couldn’t help but wonder why I decided to go to a random museum on a Thursday afternoon to cover an event I knew nothing about. When I arrived, all my questions were answered.

Members from the Allied Universal Security Services lined the doors to make sure only people on the guest list could get in. Making my way through the crowd, I passed by Raiders legends, Raiders cheerleaders and the President of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sandra Douglass Morgan. Moments later, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell walked right by me and took a seat in the audience.

On behalf of the NFL Foundation and the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee, Goodell handed out $3 million in grants to 117 local nonprofit organizations. Additionally, he handed out two Super Bowl tickets to one of the key host committee members. During her acceptance speech, she told a compelling story about how she lost her son in a car accident four years ago. Prior to his death, he volunteered to be an organ, tissue and eye donor at the DMV. … because of his decision, he ended up saving six lives. The Super Bowl Legacy Grant was an incredible event that I’ll always remember. And it just goes to show ­— you never know who you will run into. For every opportunity that you miss, 10 more will show up to replace it.

The second moment of realization hit me later that night when we were on our way home from covering the San Francisco 49ers team press conference. Staring out the window of the bus, I felt relieved to have completed the task at hand. Just an hour before, I was extremely nervous to be talking to some of the biggest names in football. Simultaneously, I was dealing with the pressure of having to complete my team story with this being the first time I talked to NFL players at a press conference. I remember I had to fight for position in the crowd as if I was boxing out for a rebound in basketball or something. One thing I learned is that local journalists are intense and relentless. After wasting your time standing there or getting walked over a few times, you have to just stand your ground and make yourself be heard. It was difficult for me at first, but somehow, I managed to do it.

As a result, I got quality interviews from Trent Williams and George Kittle from the 49ers, and Mike Danna and Willie Gay from the Kansas City Chiefs. On Super Bowl Sunday, it was sort of surreal to see two or three of the people I interviewed standing at center field representing their teams as captains in the Super Bowl. In the moment, I wasn’t really thinking about it because I was so focused on asking questions. … but when I saw them on the big screen, reality set in.

Although I often wished I had more time to take it easy and reflect on things, this Vegas trip was an incredible experience that challenged me both personally and professionally. It opened a world of distinct opportunities; it introduced me to industry leaders, and it granted me access to amazing events that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to experience. Most importantly, it allowed me to produce some amazing stories that I’m extremely proud of. For that, I’m incredibly thankful.

As I sit here today and look at my published work, I wrote a story on the concept of being the underdog. When I spoke to Chiefs players during the press conference, they were almost dismissive of the term and ultimately said they don’t even think about it. After winning his third Super Bowl, Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said, “Just know that the Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs.” My biggest take away from this entire trip is that Medill students aren’t either.

Before we left for Las Vegas, professor Adande said something along the lines of “You are entitled to be here; you put the work in, and you are as deserving as anyone else.” That thought kind of stuck with me for the entirety of our trip, and I appreciate it. When people talk about Super Bowl LVIII, I’ll forever remember how a group of 10 Medill students came together as a group and told some amazing stories. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and I’m thankful to have been a part of something like that.