Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, what began as a summer job became a career-defining experience for Jacksonville State University graduate student Jordan Gilbert, who spent more than a month working behind the scenes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Houston.
Gilbert, a 24-year-old pursuing a master’s degree in Sport Management at Jacksonville State University, served as an event executive for sports marketing agency Octagon from June 4 through July 9. Houston was one of the tournament’s host cities, welcoming seven World Cup matches at NRG Stadium, which was temporarily renamed Houston Stadium for the event.
A December graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Communication, Gilbert worked on fan engagement and event operations, gaining firsthand experience in large-scale event management while supporting one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Her responsibilities included assisting with operations at both the FIFA Fan Festival and the stadium’s Footprint area, where fans gathered before and after matches. Gilbert worked with brand ambassadors, distributed fan bands, tracked inventory, and helped manage crowd flow throughout the tournament.
As a “floater,” she rotated between assignments, allowing her to experience multiple aspects of the event while also attending matches inside the stadium.
Gilbert said the experience provided valuable insight into the fast-paced nature of international sporting events, requiring long hours, close attention to detail, and communication with people from around the world.
Working with fans from numerous countries also presented unique challenges. Gilbert recalled interacting with passionate supporters speaking multiple languages, particularly when fan bands became unavailable or stadium gates had not yet opened. On several occasions, the crowds became so large that event staff were escorted from the venue by law enforcement after matches.
Despite the demanding environment, Gilbert said she appreciated the enthusiasm displayed by fans and recognized that their reactions reflected their passion for their teams rather than personal frustrations with event staff.
Gilbert typically worked 40-hour weeks with nonconsecutive days off. Stadium assignments began around 6:30 a.m. with setup and inventory before fans arrived, while postgame operations continued until crowds dispersed.
She learned about the opportunity through a GroupMe network for Black sports business professionals and applied shortly after seeing the posting. The position included travel, housing, and a per diem, making it possible for her to spend five weeks immersed in the World Cup environment.
Although she had opportunities to work in other host cities, Gilbert chose Houston because of her familiarity with the city after previously being recruited by a Houston-area college to play volleyball.
Beyond event operations, Gilbert said one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds. She met visitors from countries including Portugal, Japan, and Saudi Arabia, as well as professionals from sports organizations and business networks throughout Houston.
One moment that stood out to her involved a woman asking for a quiet place to pray during the festivities. Gilbert said the interaction served as a reminder of the diverse cultures and traditions represented throughout the tournament.
Prior to the World Cup, Gilbert said she had only casually followed soccer. After witnessing the atmosphere surrounding the event, she gained a new appreciation for the sport and the energy created by supporters from around the world.
She described fans from Mexico, Japan, and Congo as among the most enthusiastic, noting their singing, dancing, and celebrations created a festival-like atmosphere outside the stadium.
Gilbert returned to Jacksonville with expanded professional connections, practical event management experience, and a clearer vision for her future career in sports event planning and management.
She said the experience reinforced her belief that sports have a unique ability to unite people from different backgrounds through shared passion and competition.
