ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan Division of Student Life, the Athletic Department and the City of Ann Arbor are seeking volunteers to serve as community ambassadors for a football night game on Sept. 7.
The ambassador program provides highly visible volunteers to assist local community members and visitors by creating a healthy, safe and fun game-day environment.
“We hope U-M and Ann Arbor community members will volunteer for this amazing opportunity to assist in creating a night to remember,” said Greg Harden, U-M associate athletic director.
Similar to the night game in 2011, ambassadors will be trained to serve as an extra set of eyes and ears in order to enhance the fan experience and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Responsibilities will range from hospitality needs such as directions and loss prevention to health and safety concerns. Volunteers will be provided with distinct ambassador shirts so they will be easily recognizable.
“Feedback from the first year of the program was tremendous, stating that the visibility of the ambassadors helped the crowds move along smoothly despite the increased traffic in the city,” said Mary Jo Desprez, Wolverine Wellness director at the University Health Service.
Participants also felt their involvement helped to foster a strong sense of community. Ann Arbor Chief of Police John Seto voiced support for the program.
“For such a high profile event like a U-M night football game, this collaboration between the University of Michigan, the Ann Arbor Police Department and the community is an excellent example of working together and we look forward to a great event,” he said.
Volunteers will be scheduled in pairs for a two-hour shift between the hours of 1p.m. and 1 a.m. Ambassadors will be near the stadium but not within the stadium gates. Tickets and access to the game are not part of this initiative.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, participate in a 1.5 hour training session and have access to a personal cell phone for use on game day.
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U-M Seeking Volunteers for U-M/Notre Dame Night Game,
