Efforts Focus on Social Justice, Sustainability, Youth Wellness, Military Appreciation, Among Other Causes
NEW YORK – Jan. 25, 2024 – Super Bowl LVIII is set to impact the Las Vegas community through more than 30 charitable activities and outreach events, enriching the community and creating positive legacies that last long after the big game.
Super Bowl Week community activities include projects made possible by NFL Foundation Super Bowl Legacy Grants and the Super Bowl LVIIl Host Committee, community greening initiatives, Salute to Service events to honor our military and veterans, NFL PLAY 60 activities and a series of volunteer projects involving the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide nominees.
As part of the NFL Inspire Change social justice initiative, the NFL will collaborate with Barbershop Books and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to launch the Barbershop Books program in barbershops throughout the Las Vegas area via a financial contribution from the NFL Foundation. Children from the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada will take part in football and literacy-themed stations for early readers, have the opportunity to get free haircuts from local barbers participating in the Barbershop Books program and NFL partner Microsoft will provide a technology donation as part of the event. The youth will be joined by a group of players from the NFL Legends community.
Throughout the week the NFL will connect with the military community through Salute to Service, which honors, empowers, and connects with active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
The week will begin with an NFL visit to Nellis Air Force Base to meet and greet with service members from the United States Air Force. The week will continue with Salute to Service Military Appreciation Day, providing free admission for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families to Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota. Additionally, there will be an NFL community event hosted alongside Little Caesars, the Bob Woodruff Foundation and U.S.VETS to provide veterans and their families with food, fun and football.
In addition, the Las Vegas-based U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will perform the flyover at Super Bowl LVIII. Through Salute to Service, the NFL thanks service members year-round and is proud to showcase the Thunderbirds team comprised of elite pilots operating F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft at the league’s biggest event. The unit participates in nearly 1,000 flyovers per year at venues across the country highlighting the pride, precision, and professionalism of the United States Air Force.
The NFL will support the LGBTQ+ community throughout the week in Las Vegas in a number of ways. The third annual “A Night of Pride with GLAAD” presented by Smirnoff, celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, and the future of sports for all. The NFL will also welcome youth and their families from The LGBTQIA+ Community Center of Southern Nevada for a special flag football clinic at the Play Football Field at the Super Bowl Experience. Participants will be coached in flag football techniques by members of the National Gay Flag Football League, the Las Vegas Flag Football League, and athletes from USA Football’s U.S. Flag National Teams. They will also be visited by NFL players and allies from the NFL throughout the clinic.
The Super Bowl LVIII Business Connect program brings together 200+ companies who participated in the year-long program designed to bring Super Bowl-related contract, professional development and networking opportunities to local, diverse businesses in the Las Vegas area. In partnership with the Business Connect team and the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee, the woman, minority, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned companies in the program participated in both virtual and in-person business development workshops to prepare their businesses to compete for Super Bowl LVIII contracts and various jobs the game will bring to Las Vegas. Business Connect suppliers have secured contracts to work a myriad of jobs over the 10 days of events leading up to Super Bowl LVIII, including catering, transportation, entertainment, décor, staging, set construction at Super Bowl Media Center and more.
Local football student-athletes and coacheswill be celebrated by the NFLwith two separate events at Super Bowl LVIII highlighting the values and fun associated with the game of football through Play Football Middle School Field Day at Super Bowl Experience and the Play Football Family Festival.
The NFL seeks to leave a lasting legacy in the surrounding communities of the Super Bowl host city with the Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program, made possible each year by an annual $1.5 million contribution from the NFL Foundation and matched by the Super Bowl Host Committee. This year, the NFL and the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee will support local nonprofits with proven track records of benefiting underserved groups in Las Vegas. The program aims to create a positive, lasting impact in the region by committing to invest $3 million into Las Vegas nonprofits. Grants will support local nonprofits in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion; education; health and wellness; social justice; and youth and young adults.
The NFL will also bring awareness to the vital work of local organizations that address domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking in the Las Vegas area, as part of its annual Unsung Heroes Celebration. The NFL and CBS Sports/Paramount will host a special brunch celebrating and thanking employees, advocates, and volunteers from these organizations for their hard work and dedication in this space.
SUPER BOWL LVIII BUSINESS CONNECT CELEBRATION
The NFL will host its Super Bowl LVIII Business Connect Celebration – Opportunity. Teamwork. Success. on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Vu Las Vegas (901 Grier Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89119.) The event is a celebration of the Super Bowl LVIII Business Connect program, spotlighting the accomplishments of the 200 companies who participated in the year-long program designed to bring Super Bowl-related contract opportunities, professional development, networking opportunities, and the media spotlight to local, diverse business in Las Vegas. In partnership with the Business Connect team and the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee, the women, minority, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, and veteran-owned companies in the program worked to participate in both virtual and in-person business-development workshops to prepare their businesses to compete for the many Super Bowl LVIII contracts and jobs the game will bring to the city.
Business Connect suppliers have secured contracts to work myriad jobs over the 10 days of events leading up to Super Bowl LVIII, including catering, transportation, entertainment, décor, staging and set construction at the Super Bowl Media Center and more.
The Business Connect Celebration is a private event for participating business owners and NFL vendors who support the program through the contract procurement process. A networking event will kick off the evening, followed by an award program recognizing suppliers and vendors who have excelled in the program.
PLAYVS GRIDIRON SHOWDOWN
On Monday, Feb. 5 from 3 – 6 p.m., the NFL is collaborating with PlayVS to bring the excitement of esports to Las Vegas area youth through an EA SPORTS™Madden NFL 24 celebration at HyperX Arena (Luxor Hotel & Casino, Luxor Dr., Las Vegas, NV). Middle and high school students from Las Vegas Parks & Rec will learn about the connection between traditional sports and esports, compete with NFL Legends and creators, and learn from esports industry professionals.
NFL CHARACTER PLAYBOOK SPEAKER SERIES EVENT
On Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 9 – 11 a.m., the Character Playbook Speaker Series – Super Bowl LVIII event will bring together panelists from around the League, students local to Las Vegas, NV and students from across the country who have participated in Character Playbook to discuss themes found in the course, Character Playbook – Building Healthy Relationships. Local students at Sedway Middle School (3465 Englestad St, North Las Vegas, NV) will have the opportunity to gather for a live panel discussion and participate in activities around character education. The panel discussion also will be hosted virtually for classrooms across the country interested in participating. Funded by the NFL Foundation, Character Playbook is a digital education resource that supports positive character development, mental wellness and healthy relationships in middle and high school students. The Healthy Relationships program is available nationally to middle school students at no cost to K-12 schools, having reached more than 2 million students nationwide.
VINCENT COUNTRY – SAFE ZONE ACTIVITY DAY
Safe Zone Activity Day “Dream Bigger Achieve Greater” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at 9 a.m. at the Matt Kelly Elementary School (1900 N. J Street) to provide 300 K-5 students with a day of fun, food, empowerment, and sports activities led by the Vincent Family, NFL Legends, and current NFL players and special guests. Vincent Country, founded by NFL Legend and Executive Vice President Troy Vincent and his wife Chef Tommi A. Vincent, is a family lifestyle brand committed to making a positive social impact in the community. Cigna Healthcare, now in its sixth year sponsoring the event, will provide free eye exams and glasses for pre-K to 5th-grade students, and Cigna’s Wellness In Motion mobile clinic will offer biometric health screenings and skin cancer checks at no cost to members of the community ages 18+ from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
RISE TO HOST REPRESENTATION MATTERS LEARNING AND NETWORKING EVENT
RISE will host the third annual Representation Matters, a learning and networking event designed to drive equity in the business of sports, on Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Strip View Pavilion on the UNLV campus. This is an opportunity for individuals to learn from their peers and executives at the top of their field while building relationships with talent relations professionals in addition to current leaders in the industry. Representation Matters is typically comprised of panel discussions and RISE Programming opportunities.
SALUTE TO SERVICE NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE VISIT
In support of the Super Bowl LVIII flyover and the long-standing relationship between the NFL and the military, the U.S. Air Force will host NFL talent (players and the Raiderettes) at Nellis Air Force Base on the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 1 – 3 p.m. for a Salute to Service event. There will be multiple fighter jets, including an F-35, F-22, The Thunderbirds, F-15 and more. Guests are invited to take photos and chat with aircrews for this exclusive opportunity. In addition to static displays, there will also be interactive displays from the Air Force bomb squad, Fire department and robot dogs (which people can operate). The Air Force Thunderbirds, who are performing the flyover at Super Bowl LVIII will be onsite to take photos and sign autographs. Also on site will be personnel who are conducting the air defense mission over the air space around Allegiant Stadium.
CRUCIAL CATCH “LIVE” EVENT
Through the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, the NFL and American Cancer Society have teamed up to host Crucial Catch LIVE presented by Sleep Number, which will take place Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 5 – 6 p.m. in Islander Ballroom I at Mandalay Bay North Convention Center (3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd). This event is an opportunity to have an important and open conversation about prostate cancer with medical experts and members of the NFL family. Sleep Number,a partner of the American Cancer Society and an official NFL Crucial Catch partner, has teamed up with the NFL to present The Defender; an online tool for fans, attendees on site and live stream viewers to access cancer resources. After decades of decline, the rates of prostate cancer are on the rise. Black men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage with higher mortality rates. Crucial Catch LIVE is uniquely positioned to address the challenges, raise awareness, and reverse these trends by having a candid conversation with NFL players, legends, and fans at Super Bowl LVIII.
MAKE-A-WISH®
As one of the longest-standing partners of Make-A-Wish, the NFL will help celebrate 42 years of partnership with Make-A-Wish by helping to grant the wishes of 20 children with critical illnesses to attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, the most wishes granted at a single Super Bowl to date. The history of Make-A-Wish kids at the Super Bowl dates back to the 9th wish in Make-A-Wish history in 1982.
This year, the children and their families will arrive in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Wish children and their families will enjoy several days of activities related to the Super Bowl and will attend the game at Allegiant Stadium through the support of the NFL, Fanatics and other organizations.
Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, operating in every community in the United States and in 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 20,000 volunteers across the U.S., Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 585,000 wishes worldwide and 375,000 wishes in the U.S. For more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.
NFL PLAY 60 KIDS DAY
On Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., over 1,500 local youth in grades 4-6 will participate in NFL PLAY 60 Kids Day at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota, located at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center. Local students will have the opportunity to spend time with NFL players, Legends, Mascots, and Cheerleaders as they interact with different football-themed activity stations and learn about the importance of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.
NFL ALUMNI PRO-AM
The 2024 NFL Alumni Pro-Am will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. at the Cascata Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada. Former NFL legends and Super Bowl Champions including Jonathan Ogden, Lawrence Taylor, Brad Edwards, and Mark McMillian will lead teams of amateur golfers at the NFL Alumni Pro-Am. The event raises money for the Player Care Foundation in support of NFL Alumni’s mission of ‘Caring for Our Own’.
PLAYERS COALITION HOSTS GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EDUCATION TRAINING
Players Coalition invites media, players and community members to join Equal Justice USA, Community Justice and Nevada Partners on the afternoon of Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for a training session educating participants on effective strategies to prevent gun violence and promote community safety locally and across all levels of government. The training covers a brief update on gun violence prevention, from understanding the root causes of gun violence to practical solutions and steps individuals can take to contribute to prevention efforts.
SALUTE TO VETERANS, HOSTED BY THE NFL AND LITTLE CAESARS
In celebration of Super Bowl week, the NFL will come together with its official pizza sponsor, Little Caesars, to host an event for veterans and military families in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. Partnering with Salute to Service partner, the Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF), and NFL-BWF grantee, U.S.VETS, this event will provide over 250 local veterans with an afternoon of food, fun and football.
Little Caesars will set up the Little Caesars Love Kitchen®, a restaurant on wheels that travels across the U.S. to help feed those in need for attendees to enjoy. In addition to being served a hot meal, veteran attendees will have the option to participate in various games and learn more about programming and resources at U.S.VETS — Las Vegas.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the U.S.VETS — Las Vegas location (525 E. Bonanza Rd, Las Vegas).
SALUTE TO SERVICE MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY AT SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE
On Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota, the NFL will host Salute to Service Military Appreciation Day for service members, veterans, and their families. This day provides free entry to all active-duty service members, veterans and their families that accompany them in partnership with the NFL’s Salute to Service partner, Wounded Warrior Project. Tickets are available at all regular ticketing windows. Salute to Service is the League’s year-round effort to Honor, Empower, and Connect with our nation’s service members, veterans, and their families. It is grounded in deep partnerships with nonprofits and organizations that support the military community in the United States and across the world.
INSPIRE CHANGE BARBERSHOP BOOKS EVENT WITH MICROSOFT AT THE CLARK COUNTY LIBRARY
As part of the NFL Inspire Change social justice initiative, the NFL will collaborate with Barbershop Books and the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to launch the Barbershop Books program in barbershops throughout the Las Vegas area.
Barbershop Books works with community partners to provide access to fun books and positive reading experiences through barbershops in underserved communities nationwide. NFL funding will help Barbershop Books and the Library District recruit barbers in the Las Vegas region to inspire children to read while they’re waiting for a haircut or while they’re sitting in the barber chair.
The launch event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at the Clark County Library (1401 E Flamingo Rd.). Festivities will include football and literacy themed stations for early readers from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, as well as the opportunity for youth to get free haircuts from local barbers. The youth will be joined by a group of players from the NFL Legends community.
Microsoft will support the event as part of their commitment to assist both Barbershop Books and the Library District with technology needs as they launch the program in Las Vegas.
This event is closed to the general public.
PRIDE FLAG FOOTBALL CLINIC
The NFL will welcome youth and their families from The LGBTQIA+ Center of Southern Nevada, a Vegas-area nonprofit dedicated to serving and assisting LGBTQ+ individuals, for a special flag football clinic at Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center (3950 S Las Vegas Blvd) on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 6 – 7 p.m. The clinic will take place on the Play Football Field. The youth will be coached in flag football techniques by members of the National Gay Flag Football League, Las Vegas Flag Football League and USA Football Coaches. They will also be visited by NFL players and athletes from USA Football’s U.S. Flag National Teams. The event will include messages of allyship and support for the LGBTQ+ community from the NFL family.
SUPER BOWL SOULFUL CELEBRATION 25th ANNIVERSARY
Marking its 25th Silver Anniversary year, the groundbreaking music and inspiration extravaganza “Super Bowl Soulful Celebration,” (formerly Super Bowl Gospel Celebration) returns during Super Bowl LVIII week with a live taping on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Pearl Theater, Palms Casino Resort. Following the theme “Just Believe,” this highly-anticipated night of soulful inspiration is hosted by Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold of CBS’ THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Highlighting NFL players, their faith and philanthropy, the concert event brings an uplifting mix of music and football to a broadcast television audience airing Saturday, Feb.10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network (and streaming on Paramount+ or on demand on Pluto TV and cbs.com).
Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, the annual event joins together key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of jubilant music and inspirational messages. Featured performances include the signature all-NFL Players Choir and more. For updates and more information, visit superbowlsoulful.com or follow @superbowlsoulful.
A NIGHT OF PRIDE WITH GLAAD
A Night of Pride with GLAAD, presented by Smirnoff is an evening of music, cocktails, and interview-style conversations with GLAAD, NFL friends, and partners to spotlight advances in and the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports as well as the NFL’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community at large. Held on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 8 – 10 p.m. at the Julius Ballroom, Caesar’s Palace, A Night of Pride with GLAAD will feature discussions on the power of visibility and representation; the power and the promise of the next generation of NFL players; and how media can drive LGBTQ+ acceptance forward today and help combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. In addition, the evening will feature a special musical performance by singer and songwriter, VINCINT.
CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
RISE will host Champions of Change at Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota. Participants will be taken on an immersive, multi-sensory journey designed to educate, evoke empathy, and inspire change. Fans who visit Champion of Changes learn about the historic intersection of sports and social justice through our digital timeline, the RISE Road to Progress; they have an opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the role race has played in the lives of star athletes and sports leaders in our virtual locker room, Walk in Their Shoes. They can demonstrate their commitment to racial equity by taking the RISE Pledge to End Racism and learn how to further their education and become leaders for social justice in their communities. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 8, RISE will bring in groups of youth to the experience from 1-3 p.m. before it is opened to the public.
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE
From Wednesday, Feb. 7 through Saturday, Feb. 10, Lunar New Year will be celebrated at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota, located at the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center.
This year, the NFL will be hosting a Lunar New Year-themed activation space within Super Bowl Experience, the NFL’s interactive football theme park with participatory games, exhibits, photo opportunities and merchandise. Visit the NFL’s Lunar New Year Exhibit to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. The immersive experience will feature two “battling dragons” in an iconic display, designed by award winning comic artist and Las Vegas local, Jae Lee. Fans attending Super Bowl Experience will also be able to learn about the Lunar New Year calendar, zodiac animals and this year’s celebration, which will begin on Saturday, Feb. 10 and will last for 15 days.
CPR INSTRUCTION PROVIDED BY AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AT SUPER BOWL EXPERIENCE
From Wednesday, Feb. 7 through Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota, American Heart Association will give those in attendance a chance to join the Nation of Lifesavers and learn Hands-Only CPR. During this engaging and interactive instruction, attendees will learn the two simple steps to help save a life and practice compression skills. This activation is part of the NFL’s ongoing partnership with American Heart Association to help create healthier lifestyles across the NFL family.
NFL UNSUNG HEROES CELEBRATION
To celebrate and thank employees, advocates and volunteers from local organizations that address domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking in the Las Vegas area, the NFL and CBS Sports/Paramount will host a special brunch on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 8. The event will begin with opening remarks from NFL and CBS representatives who will thank and honor the invited guests for their hard work and dedication in this space. Guests will then have the opportunity to listen to a fireside chat moderated by Tommi A. Vincent, Domestic Violence Survivor and Advocate, focused on survivorship and empowerment. Following the discussion, guests will enjoy a meal and brunch beverages on their own time, while mingling and partaking in a volunteer activity to benefit a local shelter.
NFL PLAY 60 SUPER BOWL LVIII FITNESS BREAK BROADCAST
VIRTUAL: On Thursday, Feb. 8 at 10 a.m., the American Heart Association and the NFL invite students from across the country to tune into the NFL PLAY 60 Super Bowl LVIII Fitness Break Broadcast to learn more about the benefits of physical activity for minds and bodies. The virtual broadcast features segments on the science behind youth health and wellness and the importance of playing for 60 minutes a day. NFL PLAY 60 Youth Health and Wellness grants of $1,000 were awarded to 32 schools throughout the country. The top school, announced in the broadcast, will receive an additional $1,000 PLAY 60 grant. Schools can register now at: Heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
GENYOUTH SUPER SCHOOL MEALS CELEBRATION
On Thursday, Feb. 8 from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., GENYOUth will host a celebratory Super School Meals culmination event at West Prep Academy (2050 Sapphire Stone Avenue, Las Vegas, NV). GENYOUth’s Super School Mealsis a Super Bowl LVIII community initiative that is equipping schools in high-need Nevada communities with school meal equipment packages to increase school meal participation and tackle student hunger. With the support of partners including the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee, Dairy Council of Nevada; and corporate sponsors Frito-Lay North America, The Quaker Oats Company, PepsiCo Foundation, and The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation in partnership with Smith’s, the celebratory event will feature Clark County School District officials and students, NFL Legend Morlon Greenwood, Taste of the NFL chef Lasheeda Perry, and other special guests.
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD: DIVERSIFYING SUPPLIERS
On Thursday, Feb 8, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at StarBase (3905 W. Diablo Dr.),the NFL, in partnership with the Las Vegas Raiders, will host an interactive event focused on connecting diverse-owned and operated businesses with sports executives and decision-makers that have procurement needs. Eventgoers will have the opportunity to get certified through the US Black Chamber of Commerce, create a pitch reel, learn about the request for proposal (RFP) process, and converse with decision-makers actively seeking diverse companies.
Additionally, the event will showcase a panel discussion with the Raiders, Aces, and local businesses around the climate of supplier diversity in the Nevada region.
SUPER BOWL LEGACY GRANT PRESS CONFERENCE
The NFL seeks to leave a lasting legacy in the surrounding communities of the Super Bowl host city with the Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program. This year, $3 million in grant funding – supported by a $1.5 million grant from the NFL Foundation and matched by the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee and its partners – will help support local nonprofits with proven track records of benefiting underserved groups in Las Vegas.
The program aims to create a positive, lasting impact in the region by committing to invest $3 million into Las Vegas nonprofits between now and Super Bowl LVIII. Grants will support organizations in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion; education; health and wellness; social justice; and youth and young adults.
The Super Bowl Legacy Grant Press Conference will take place on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11:30 a.m. at The Neon Museum (770 Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89101).
FRITZ POLLARD ALLIANCE FOUNDATION 19th ANNUAL JOHNNIE L. COCHRAN, JR. SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation will host its 19th Annual Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., Salute to Excellence Awards on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 12 p.m. to recognize the achievements and long-standing commitment of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This year, the awards luncheon will feature a roundtable discussion –The Emergence of the African American Quarterback featuring former Pro-Bowl MVP quarterback, front office executive, and first Black starting quarterback in NFL history and first to lead his team to the playoffs James “Shack” Harris, and Doug Williams, current front office executive and formerly, the first African American Super Bowl MVP selected quarterback in NFL history. The discussion will also feature Commissioner Roger Goodell. The awards luncheon and roundtable will be held at Caesars Palace in the Florentine Ballroom (3570 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
24TH ANNUAL PLAYER NETWORKING EVENT
The 24th Annual Player Networking Event (PNE) will take place Thursday, Feb. 8 from 12 – 7 p.m. at the University of Las Vegas Foundation Building. PNE features organizations interested in networking with active and former NFL players in a trade show environment. Noteworthy partners and sponsors include NFL Alumni, Toyota Motor North America, Neighborly, NuEnerchi, George Washington University, Black Men’s Brain Health, Center of Sport Business and Analytics, Athlife, Delete The Divide, UNLV Sports Innovation, TFP Brokerage, Led A Better Way Foundation, and McCray’s Seafood and BBQ.
Event highlights include an opening wellness workshop on mental and fiscal wellness, a seven-hour podcast, featuring athlete-owned businesses, and a networking reception.
WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR COMMUNITY EVENT
The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. Representing the best of the NFL’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact, each of the 32 teams selects a player as their Man of the Year nominee for a chance to win this prestigious national honor. During the week of the Super Bowl, the NFL family and nominees participate in an event centered around giving back.
This year, the NFL is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada to host its annual Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Community Event on Friday, Feb. 9 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club (2980 Robindale Rd, Henderson, Nev.). The NFL family and the Man of the Year nominees will work alongside local youth from Boys & Girls Clubs to partake in mentoring, art, team building, NFL PLAY 60 activities and more.
NFL PLAYER CARE FOUNDATION SUPER BOWL CAREER FAIR
On Friday, Feb. 9, the NFL Player Care Foundation (PCF) will host their 6th Annual Super Bowl Career Fair at the Horseshoe Las Vegas (3645 S Las Vegas Blvd) from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., allowing more than 70 NFL Legends the opportunity to network with 40+ employers that include NFL partners, clubs and broadcast partners. Employers on site include Cigna, Cisco, EA Sports, Fanatics, FedEx, Microsoft, the NFL, PepsiCo, Visa, Verizon, and more. The PCF is an independent foundation created in 2007 by a partnership between NFL owners, the NFL Players Association, Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the NFL Alumni Association. Since its inception, the organization has provided over $21.6 million in financial assistance to NFL Legends in need. Additionally, PCF has screened more than 6,400 retired NFL players through its “Healthy Body & Mind Screening Program”. The PCF Career Program is an initiative that connects more than 1,800 retired NFL players with the opportunity to connect with 115+ employers. For more information, visit nflplayercare.com.
HBCU LEGACY CELEBRATION PANEL
RISE will co-host two-panel discussions on Friday, Feb. 9 from 12 – 2 p.m. highlighting the importance and impact of HBCUs to the NFL. The first panel is focused on the contributions of HBCU graduates to football and beyond and the second on civic engagement and leveraging the power of sports and community to advocate.
NFL PLAY 60 FUELED BY GATORADE
This year, the NFL and Gatorade will partner during Super Bowl week to bring football, fun, and equipment to students that are part of the After-School All-Stars (ASAS) Las Vegas program, which seeks to deliver free, comprehensive after-school programs for at-risk youth. Through NFL PLAY 60 and Gatorade’s Equity in Sports (EIS) initiative, the focus of the event is on ensuring that young athletes have access to play sports and embrace a physically active and healthy lifestyle.
The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 9 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at the B. Mahlon Brown Junior High School (307 Cannes St. Henderson, NV) and will include an NFL PLAY 60 Clinic led by USA Football Coaches, as well as a sports equipment donation from Gatorade Equity in Sports non-profit partner Good Sports.
PLAYERS COALITION HOSTS FIRESIDE CHAT WITH MALCOLM JENKINS AND 100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA
Players Coalition invites credentialed media to join us for coffee on Friday, Feb. 9.
Players Coalition Co-Founder Malcolm Jenkins will host a fireside chat with members from the Las Vegas chapter of 100 Black Men of America. The discussion will center around the work of Players Coalition, being an active participant in your community, and Malcolm’s new book, What Winners Won’t Tell You.
The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is recognized as the nation’s top African American led mentoring organization. The mission of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. is to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.
PLAY FOOTBALL HOST TWO EVENTS FOR LAS VEGAS FOOTBALL PLAYERS
The NFL will celebrate student-athletes and coaches on Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10, with two separate events at Super Bowl LVIII, highlighting the values and fun associated with the game of football.
Play Football Middle School Field Day at the Super Bowl Experience presented by Toyota will take place on Friday, Feb. 9 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. Preselected local middle school athletes will take part in a beginner’s tackles and Flag clinic session on the Play Football Field. Breakout sessions will be led by NFL partners, and a chance to explore Super Bowl Experience.
The NFL will host the 2024 Play Football Family Festival on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Desert Oasis High School (6600 W. Erie Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89141). The Seventh annual Play Football Family Festival will celebrate coaches, players, and the football community that bring passion, fun and excitement to the sport.
SUPER BOWL BREAKFAST
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick Jr., is the winner of the 2024 Bart Starr Award for outstanding character, integrity and leadership on and off the field. The award presentation will be held as part of the Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 10. The 37th annual event, which is sanctioned by the NFL, unites fans, Las Vegas business and civic leaders and football legends for a morning of celebration ahead of the big game.
The Super Bowl Breakfast will be held at Caesars Palace (3570 S Las Vegas Blvd.) from 8 –10:30 a.m. and will feature Pro Football Hall of Famers Mike Singletary, Tony Dungy, Anthony Muñoz, and many other well-known NFL players, coaches and alumni. The event emcee is Akbar Gbajabiamila, a former NFL player and television host of The Talk on CBS and American Ninja Warrior on NBC. Tickets and sponsorships are available to the general public at SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
FOURTH ANNUAL EA SPORTS™ MADDEN NFL 24 x HBCU TOURNAMENT
The NFL is hosting the fourth annual EA SPORTS™ Madden NFL 24 x HBCU Tournament, designed to reach students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who have a passion for gaming and football. The tournament aims to maintain the tradition of providing students at HBCUs a chance to compete in Madden NFL 24 while exploring the business of sports through practical learning and job shadowing experiences at the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games in Orlando. This year’s tournament selected students from three qualifying paths including, Open Qualifiers, Women’s Qualifiers, and HBCU Video Applications. The top eight players selected from the qualifiers and video applications will experience the NFL Pro Bowl Games on a whole new level. Students will participate in onsite media interviews before, during, and after competitive play, as well as shadow NFL executives to learn about the business of sports. They will tour Camping World Stadium in Orlando, interact with NFL players and receive a media pass for field access to the game. They will also have a chance to win cash and prizes throughout the tournament. The final match-up will be available to watch on the NFL YouTube channel on Saturday, Feb. 10.
TASTE OF THE NFL
Taste of the NFL presented by Frito-Lay, Quaker and the PepsiCo Foundation, a highly anticipated Super Bowl weekend purpose-driven culinary event, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 3 – 7 p.m. at Keep Memory Alive event center (888 West Bonneville Ave, Las Vegas). All event proceeds will benefit GENYOUth’s commitment to End Student Hunger to help schools nationwide tackle hunger and food insecurity among youth. Taste of the NFL guests with a passion for food, football and fun will indulge in delicious food and cocktail experiences, meet-and-greets with NFL greats and special guests including Miss America, and culinary demonstrations by star chefs Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Tim Love, Mark Bucher and Lasheeda Perry. Completing the stellar line-up of chefs are tastings from over 25 food masters including Lorena Garcia, Mauro Casanto, Joey Faugno, Jennifer Yee, Josh Capon, Todd English, Belle English, Matt Chacho, Lukasz Mackowiak, Bob Broskey, James Trees, and Bryan Forgione; as well as chefs DJ Flores, Paula Escudero and Sean Wilson, Rochelle Hodge, and Dan Chatman from the PepsiCo Foundation’s IMPACTO Hispanic Business Accelerator and Black Restaurant Accelerator programs. And no Las Vegas event is complete without entertainment, which will be provided by the incomparable talents of Cirque du Soleil.
SUPER BOWL LVIII SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is a core focus for the NFL, and the league is committed to reducing the environmental impact of each event. Each Super Bowl presents unique sustainability challenges and opportunities, and the NFL is constantly adapting to address the unique regional, operational, and cultural aspects of each event. The NFL strives to not only make each Super Bowl more sustainable than the last but to also leave a lasting “green legacy” in the communities that host signature events.
Renewable Energy
- Super Bowl LVIII will be played at Allegiant Stadium – the home field of the Las Vegas Raiders – which is powered by 100% renewable energy and is LEED Gold-certified.
Material Recovery
- The NFL is focused on ensuring that reusable materials used on game day – items such as carpet, furniture, fencing, etc. – are re-used and can find a second home long after Super Bowl LVIII concludes.
- This year, the NFL and the Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee have partnered with a range of community organizations, including local non-profits, school districts, and food banks, to ensure recovered material from the game will be donated to local stakeholders in ways that benefit the community.
Waste Bin Optimization
- This year, the NFL has partnered with PepsiCo to procure specialized, sustainable and reusable waste bins that will make sure waste on game day is appropriately disposed of.
- PepsiCo is ensuring Super Bowl attendees can refresh then recycle by providing 168 durable and reusable recycling bins. The Pepsi and NFL co-branded bins are designed to be easily stored and transported for use at future NFL events.
- At Super Bowl LVIII, there will be staff on hand at select waste bins in high-traffic locations to facilitate proper waste disposal, increase the appropriate recycling of recyclable waste, and reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
Zero-waste event
- The NFL is proud to announce that the annual Commissioner’s Party at the Super Bowl is expected to be a zero-waste event, meaning 90%+ of waste accumulated will be diverted from landfills.
- The NFL is also monitoring the diversion rates for other Super Bowl Week events and on gameday, with the goal to increase zero-waste events next year and eventually convert all activities to zero-waste.
NFL GREEN
The NFL, the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee, Verizon, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians have teamed up to develop a series of initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of Super Bowl LVIII and create a “green” legacy in Clark County. The focus has been on increasing tree canopies to provide shade and cooling, creating pollinator habitat and putting books, sports equipment and school supplies in the hands of local children who are underserved.
Community Greening: NFL Green has implemented 14 community greening projects throughout Clark County for Super Bowl LVIII including:
- The planting of 58 trees (for Super Bowl LVIII) at Henderson’s Arroyo Grande Sports Complex
- Restoration of two acres of habitat at Warm Springs in partnership with the Southern Nevada Water Authority to improve wildlife habitat, water quality and reduce flood impacts and wildfire risk.
- Addition of large fruit trees to the healing garden at Southern Nevada’s only nonprofit hospice in partnership with the Nathan Adelson Hospice.
- Support of the creation of the Ethnobotanical garden at Springs Preserve to educate on Tribal cultures indigenous to this region.
- Creation of a pollinator garden and planting of 400 native plants at Aliante Nature Discovery Park in partnership with Get Outdoors Nevada.
- The planting of 32 trees (one for each NFL team) at Silver Mesa Recreation Center in partnership with the City of North Las Vegas. A community seating area and sidewalk were installed under the trees for all to enjoy the outdoors in shade.
- The planting of 20 large trees and dozens of native plants to provide wildlife and pollinator habitat, shade and cooling at the Clark County Wetlands Park Nature Play Corner in partnership with Clark County Wetlands Park Friends.
- Tree planting and beautification of the grounds at the Las Vegas Indian Center in partnership with the center and Springs Preserve.
- The planting of nearly 100 drought adapted trees around the sports fields at All American Park in partnership with the City of Las Vegas.
- A neighborhood tree giveaway and planting of trees at Cesar Chavez Park in partnership with Nevada Plants and Clark County Parks and Recreation Department.
- The planting of trees at Silverado Ranch Park in partnership with Clark County Parks and Recreation Department.
- Planting of climate adapted shade trees and hundreds of plants and daffodil bulbs to create “Shade Tree Lane” and demonstrate the important role of shade trees in reducing the urban heat island effect in partnership with Springs Preserve.
- Removal of non-play turf, conversion to Xeriscape and planting of trees and plants at Sunrise Mountain High School in partnership with Clark County School District.
- Revitalization of the community garden and planting of fruit trees at the Obodo Collective in Las Vegas’ historic west side.
Reforestation: In partnership with Verizon 5,800 trees (100 for each Super Bowl) will be planted to restore forest damaged by wildfire in the Klamath Falls Basin. The return of tree canopy will support wildlife, provide a home for birds, and improve water quality in the Klamath River, helping to support one of the largest fish restoration projects in U.S. history.
impactful community projects create greenspace, enhance the natural environment, and create shade, cooling and beautification in traditionally under resourced neighborhoods.
Supporting the NFL’s community greening efforts in Las Vegas are NFL partner Verizon, the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee and Host Committee legacy partner San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Super Kids-Super Sharing: NFL Green, the Las Vegas Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee, the Las Vegas Raiders and Clark County Parks and Recreation Department teamed up with local public and private schools, Clark County Parks and Recreation Centers, Henderson Parks and Recreation Centers and the YMCA of Southern Nevada for a Super Bowl project that put tens of thousands of books, pieces of sports equipment and school supplies in the hands of local children. The project, called Super Kids-Super Sharing, is implemented in every Super Bowl host community and celebrated its 25th year of assisting under resourced children.
As part of Super Kids, Verizon presented $5,000 grants to the Donna Street Community Center and to Nevada Hands to help advance their work to support children and families in the underserved community. Wilson Sporting Goods gifted each recipient school and organization with sports equipment during the Super Kids event.
Salute to Service Screening of 100 Yards of Hope: To honor and inspire local active and retired military, NFL Green teamed up with FORCE BLUE special ops military veterans and Springs Preserve for a screening of 100 Yards of Hope, the story of a partnership between the NFL, FORCE BLUE, marine scientists, environmental agencies and Super Bowl Host Committees to restore a coral reef, and in the process, restore a sense of purpose and mission to highly skilled military veterans. The documentary and an interactive panel discussion were presented to an audience of local active and retired military. The documentary has been shown to military audiences across the country and has inspired service members to consider ways to repurpose their skills outside of the military, continue to make a difference in the world and serve their country in new ways.
The NFL has incorporated environmental projects into the management of the Super Bowl for more than 30 years.
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