If you are heading to a Buffalo Bills game at the new Highmark Stadium this season it is likely that you will be assisted by an Alfred State student that is working in the Guest Experience department.
For the fifth year, Alfred State students had the opportunity to apply for a job and join the guest experience team. This season, 65 students have been trained as official staff members. The students range from sport management majors to students studying on the Applied Technology campus is Wellsville and on the Northland campus in Buffalo.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to continue offering this opportunity to Alfred State students,” commented Assistant Professor of Sport Management Tony Aquilina. “Working inside a state-of-the-art professional sport facility gives our students invaluable hands-on experience in guest experience, hospitality, facility operations, and customer service. It has been unique for our returning students to experience the transition from the previous stadium to the new Highmark Stadium and see firsthand how technology, amenities, and facility design are changing the fan experience.”
Alfred State students will greet fans, usher, assist with entry and check-in, and support the stadium’s elevated activation and hospitality areas. Students get hands-on experiences and are eligible to work at other events hosted at the stadium throughout the year.
“Working with the Bills has taught me the true scale of operation that students in sport management will one day handle,” commented Sport management student Adel Hasimov. “Whether you're leading a team of one hundred, or just one, you play an important role with the Buffalo Bills. Learning experiences like this are critical to our success as students.”
Josh Carney echoed many of Adel’s thoughts, “Being an Alfred State student in the Buffalo Bills program is huge for me as I want to grow and continue to learn about the sports world as a student.”
The home portion of the 2026 Buffalo Bills kicks off tomorrow (9/17) when the team battles the Detroit Lions on Thursday Night Football.