NSU Horizons Spring 2017

5 NSU HORIZONS Communications (PRMC), which also assisted in details in establishing the partnership. Freshman Brianna Rodriguez couldn’t believe her luck when she was thinking about coming to NSU. She could get two tickets to the home games of the team she had been cheering on for most of her life. “For years, every Sunday, my family gathered to watch the Dolphins games,” said the nursing student. “About 30 people would come, and we’d have lechón [pork], rice, and beans.” Her ex- tended family already were Dolphins fans all the way, but growing up, she had only been to one live Dolphins game. Rodriguez attended six of the eight home games last season. Her boyfriend, Lulio Sanz, a chemistry major, also attends NSU, so they could each bring a guest. “We brought either his brother or one of my two sisters along,” she said. “The tailgating was amazing,” she said, “with the big tent, and the food, and playing the Jenga and Cornhole games with friends.” Some students she met there said they were attending an NFL game for the first time. “They loved it, and returned for more games,” she added. BEHIND THE SCENES WORK For the eight home games each season, Aarika Camp, M.Ed. , assistant dean of student services and director of residential life and housing, and her team of three swing into action, along with members of PRMC and volunteers from Facilities Management, the Division of Student Affairs, and the College of Undergraduate Studies. Camp and her staff members distribute tickets, provide trans- portation to the games, and manage the tailgate party at Shark Village—the NSU tent that is erected at the stadium for the pregame festivities. For each game, they set up the tent for an expected crowd of about 500 (students and guests). They also provide buses and Shark Shuttles to bring people from campus to the Hard Rock Stadium (some students get there on their own). The process for getting tickets— seats are grouped together in the end zone—is well choreographed. Those seeking tickets at the be- ginning of the season sign up a month ahead of the first game and put down a refundable fee. Two weeks before the game, the student must confirm the reservation. If a student has not shown up to pick up his or her ticket, the fee is forfeited. For those who use the tickets, their money is refunded at the end of the season. Camp points out that tickets for the playoff games are not included; students have to buy those on their own. On game day, Camp, her team, and PRMC representa- tives are at the stadium by 9:30 a.m. to help set up the tent, chairs, tables, and games: Jenga, card games, Uno, and Cornhole. They also arrange for a DJ from NSU’s Radio X to be there. Students bring their own food and drink. Camp says her team encourages students to bring pre- pared food. Alcohol is allowed for those who are 21 and older; but, NSU only provides water. continued on next page 6