Volunteers needed for Springsteen's Super Bowl halftime show

In Print: Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Story Tools Initializing... Contact the editor Print this story Comment on this story Social Bookmarking

ADVERTISEMENT Loading Video...

TAMPA — So maybe you don't have the money or influence to score a ticket to the 2009 Super Bowl, set for Feb. 1 at Raymond James Stadium.

But you might be able to get up close and personal with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, the halftime entertainment.

Game organizers need 2,000 volunteers to run onto the field and dance, scream and jump around in front of the Boss during his short set.

Those duties come with a requirement to attend three rehearsals that will last four to 10 hours, including at least one run-through with Springsteen.

"It's very detailed, a lot of standing around. But it's certainly worth it," said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many of these people just to be on an NFL field."

Being part of the field audience does not include tickets to the game, McCarthy said. The volunteers will gather in a tent outside the stadium hours before kickoff, line up and head in shortly before halftime and then leave the stadium when Springsteen finishes.

About 600 volunteer roadies will set up and tear down the stage in under five minutes.

"It's an incredible endeavor," McCarthy said.

Volunteers must be at least 16 and part of a 10-person group led by someone who is at least 21.

A mandatory meeting is scheduled for group leaders Jan. 23.

Group leaders can register online, but registration does not guarantee a spot on the field. Casting representatives will review registrations and let group leaders know by e-mail if their group will participate.

To register, go to www.superbowlcast.com.

"As soon as they announced Bruce Springsteen was the halftime show, we got a ton of inquires from people wanting to be part of the halftime show," said Amanda Holt, a spokeswoman for the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee. "It seems Bruce Springsteen was a hugely popular choice."

Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.

Loading comments...

 

Volunteers needed for Springsteen's Super Bowl halftime show

To Email *
Personal Message
Your Name *
Your Email *
 

 

Click me for a different validation code

Validation Code *
  Send me a copy
   

 

 

 

* Indicates a required field

Privacy Policy (Opens in new window)