News Summary
Students from the University of Texas at San Antonio are gaining real-world experience in event planning through a special course centered around the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. The class, led by Professor Jonathan Gutierrez, focuses on hands-on learning, providing opportunities to participate in various events leading up to the championship, including a live Spurs game and working in upcoming Final Four festivities. This immersive experience is shaping the future careers of these students in the hospitality industry.
San Antonio Students Dive into Event Planning for the Final Four
As excitement brews in San Antonio, a group of students from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is getting ready to jump into the action of one of college basketball’s most anticipated events – the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four. Instead of the usual lecture halls and textbooks, these students are rolling up their sleeves and getting firsthand experience in the bustling world of event planning through a special topics course nicknamed “Final Four.”
Hands-On Learning at Its Best
This engaging course offers a unique opportunity for students to stay in the thick of excitement while gaining real-world experience by assisting with various events leading up to the big game. Led by Assistant Professor of Practice, Jonathan Gutierrez, the course emphasizes the importance of experiential learning. Students in the program participate directly in events, such as a lively selection watch party, providing them with invaluable insight into the event planning and hospitality industry.
Enthusiasm is in the air, as students dive into their roles in this immersive program. For sophomore Ellie Feeney, this journey into event planning felt like a no-brainer. The email about the course landed in her inbox, and she wasted no time in signing up. Sharing her excitement, she noted how this experience had opened her eyes to the multi-faceted world of hospitality and event organization.
More than a Classroom Experience
The course goes beyond just the typical tasks one might expect. Students have the chance to attend a live San Antonio Spurs game and tour the iconic Alamodome, giving them exclusive access to venues that will play a crucial role in the Final Four festivities. Being part of such activities not only enriches their understanding but also adds a sense of thrill to the experience.
Gutierrez points out that taking students outside the classroom is essential to their education. The immersion into the event-planning process allows students to engage actively, making them feel less like spectators and more like contributors to this exciting moment in sports history.
An Exciting Road Ahead
Feeney is looking forward to participating in more upcoming events, including a sneak peek at Fan Fest and joining the “Street Team” to help manage crowds downtown during the Final Four celebrations. This hands-on involvement acts like an internship where they can soak up knowledge and skills that will serve them well in their future careers.
For the eight students enrolled in this unique program, the opportunity to be involved in the Final Four means a lot more than just an exciting experience – it’s a chance to prepare for a career in a thriving industry. Gutierrez believes that this kind of engagement is vital for students to grasp the complexities of event planning while working alongside seasoned professionals.
Community Buzz Around Final Four
The Final Four’s impending arrival in San Antonio has created a buzz not just within the student community but also among local residents. The energy is palpable as people gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating few days filled with sports, fun, and festivities. Students like Feeney and her peers are the future of the hospitality industry, and their involvement in this course could very well be the beginning of exciting careers.
In summary, the “Final Four” course at UTSA presents a golden opportunity for students to transcend traditional classroom learning and step into the vibrant world of event planning. With real-world experiences that are both enriching and inspiring, these students are not just preparing for the Final Four; they are setting the stage for their futures.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5: San Antonio Students Dive into Event Planning for the Final Four
- New York Post: March Madness 2025 Ticket Sales
- Express News: Storylines to Watch for Final Four
- Sports Illustrated: Future NCAA Final Four Locations
- News 4 San Antonio: UTSA Roadrunners Beat Memphis Tigers
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
