Schools

ISU Student Headed to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII Feb. 3

Kevin Hansen, of Boone, has a sideline pass to Super Bowl XLVII.

An Iowa State University student will watch the Super Bowl XLVII from the sidelines Feb. 3.

Kevin Hansen, of Boone, a senior studying horticulture won a competitive Super Bowl turf internship and leaves for New Orleans Jan. 27.

Hansen will spend a week helping prepare the game and practice fields for whoever faces off in the Super Bowl as part of Toro's Super Bowl Sports Turf Training Program. And he'll be on the sidelines during the game.

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“I was completely surprised when I got the call,” Hansen said adding that he never thought he would watch a Super Bowl so close up. “I never dreamed that I would be on the field for it.”

Hansen has worked for Jack Trice Stadium, the I-Cubs and the Green Bay Packers before applying for the Super Bowl turf internship.

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“They only picked one person. I'm honored that I got the opportunity. It's probably because of the jobs I had in the past.”

Hansen learned he was chosen Nov. 30 and had hoped that he would be watching the Green Bay Packers and the Broncos, but both teams are out of the running.

“Now I hope it's the Ravens and the 49ers. I don't know if it will happen, but I don't want to see the Patriots play another Super Bowl,” Hansen said.

Hansen isn't quite sure what his Super Bowl duties will be during the game. Louisiana has an artificial playing field and both grass and artificial practice fields. Hansen expects a lot of his work will be comprised of painting the field's lines and logos.

That should be something Hansen can handle.

Jack Trice Stadium's field was named Field of the Year by the Sports Turf Management Association this year.

Hansen also spent a summer preparing fields for the Green Bay Packers. Working for the NFL is Hansen's dream job.

“I played football for, four years in high school,” Hansen said. “I love the sport that's why I got into my profession.”


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