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University of South Florida faculty experts available for interviews in Tampa on Super Bowl LV-related topics

As reporters and editors plan their coverage for Super Bowl LV in Tampa, the University of South Florida stands ready to assist media outlets covering the game and the events leading up to it during the week. USF is the leading research university located in the Tampa Bay region and is home to world-renowned faculty who are recognized as experts in their respective fields.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the historical uniqueness it will bring to this year’s Super Bowl, USF offers professors who are available to contribute to media coverage on a wide range of topics and story ideas, including those listed below. Journalists interested in interviews can contact Althea Paul, who will work to accommodate interview requests within the experts’ schedules.


COVID-19 Safety During Super Bowl Week

  • How will teams keep their players safe during Super Bowl week activities and avoid a star player missing the game due to COVID-19?
  • What safety protocols are in place with Super Bowl week parties, events and other non-game activities?
  • How effective are the proposed safety protocols and stadium seating capacities for fans attending the game?
  • Will the timing of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out allow for more in-person activities and expanded game attendance?

Jay Wolfson
Associate Vice President for Health Law, Policy and Safety, Senior Associate Dean for Health Policy and Practice – USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

  • Areas of expertise:
    • Coronavirus
    • Health Law and Policy
    • Affordable Care Act and Medicare

Marissa Levine
Professor – USF College of Public Health and USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

  • Areas of expertise:
    • Coronavirus
    • Medicine
    • Public Health/Public Health Policy

Economic Impact of Hosting a Super Bowl During COVID-19

  • How much less economic impact can Tampa Bay expect compared to a normal Super Bowl due to COVID-19 limitations?
  • How will local businesses be impacted, especially those counting on a revenue boost after a tough year?
  • What happens to all of the marketing opportunities usually associated with the Super Bowl?  Will there be fewer “influencers,” who travel to the host city and use the game as a stage to sell products or brands?

Robert “Chris” Jones
Instructor – USF College of Arts and Sciences

  • Areas of expertise:
    • General Economics 
    • Fiscal Policy

Bradley Kamp
Associate Professor – USF College of Arts and Sciences

  • Areas of expertise:
    • General Economics
    • Tampa Bay Economy

Carol Osborne
Instructor – USF Muma College of Business

  • Areas of expertise:
    • Advertising
    • Marketing
    • Branding

Tampa Bay History and Culture

  • What can visitors expect, especially those who may be coming to Tampa Bay for the first time?
  • What is Tampa Bay known for?
  • Why does Tampa have such an affinity for the pirate theme?
  • Can Tampa claim to be home to the Cuban sandwich over Miami?

Andy Huse
Associate Librarian – USF Libraries

  • Areas of expertise:
    • Tampa History
    • Tampa Food History
    • USF History

Tampa Bay’s Revitalization

  • How does Tampa Bay look different from 2009 when the region last hosted a Super Bowl? 
  • How has a new 13-story USF medical school helped serve as an anchor for a multibillion dollar redevelopment of downtown Tampa?
  • Why do other big events keep coming to Tampa Bay, such as the Republican National Convention and College Football Playoff National Championship?

Elizabeth Strom
Associate Professor – USF College of Arts and Sciences

  • Areas of expertise:
    • Urban Planning
    • Downtown Development
    • Tourism

Raymond James Stadium Renovations

  • What will fans notice that’s different about Raymond James Stadium since the last time it hosted a Super Bowl in 2009?  The stadium features more than $150 million in renovations.
  • How have renovations to the stadium helped Tampa Bay land another Super Bowl?

Michael Mondello
Professor/Associate Program Director – USF Muma College of Business

  • Areas of expertise:
    • Sports Business
    • Stadium Financing
    • Sports Analytics
    • Sports Finance/Economics

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