-
HPU students, staff, and faculty visited the UFC Headquarters in Las Vegas.
-
HPU students, faculty, and staff visited Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
-
HPU students, staff, and faculty visited the Golden Knights hockey facility.
-
The sports management course kicked off with guest lecturer Villanova University Professor Andrew Brandt.
-
HPU students met with representatives of the Golden Knights to learn about the exciting world of professional hockey.
-
HPU students had the opportunity to walk on the playing field at Allegiant Stadium.
HPU is celebrating its 60-year anniversary, and there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Shark. In February, HPU celebrated the grand opening of its historic Las Vegas campus, a newly designed facility in Southwestern Las Vegas that supports the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. The campus is strategically located within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) headquarters, and is just a 20-minute drive from Harry Reid International Airport and Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
HPU students at the new HPU Las Vegas Campus.
With Las Vegas emerging as a major hub for professional sports franchises, HPU’s new campus served as the perfect location for a sports management study-away course. Eighteen undergraduate students from Hawai‘i traveled to HPU’s Las Vegas campus from March 3–9 to gain firsthand insight into sports management from leading professionals in the field. The participating students were either part of HPU’s Ho‘oko Rising Scholars program or formal dual-credit program high school students who are completing their bachelor’s degrees at HPU. Their participation in this unique learning opportunity was made possible through the generous support of Southwest Airlines and an anonymous donor.
The sports management course kicked off with guest lecturer Villanova University Professor Andrew Brandt. Brandt, a recognized expert in sports law and professional sports management, served as the vice president for the Green Bay Packers NFL franchise between 1999–2008. He has served as a commentator and legal analyst for ESPN.
Later, students learned about some of the most pivotal changes in NCAA collegiate sports history through an engaging discussion with HPU Senior Vice President and General Counsel Kenji Price and Emory University Athletic Director Keiko Price, Kenji’s sister, a former Division One collegiate athlete.
“The challenges faced by leaders today in amateur and professional sports are complex. As the business and legal landscape of athletic competition shifts, leaders must develop the judgment, expertise, and character to thrive in the world of sports management,” said Price. “ The Las Vegas HPU spring break program was an exciting and invigorating experience with a cohort of students we look forward to supporting as they navigate the challenges of tomorrow in sports, business, and life with the character, integrity, and skills obtained through an HPU education.”
HPU students at the UFC Headquarters in Las Vegas.
The course strategically emphasized themes of resilience in the sports management field and the importance of persistence in achieving success. Many speakers encouraged students to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, as the path to a career in sports is often unpredictable and it's essential to seize the moment.
Learning continued mid-week with special visits to the nearby UFC headquarters and the Golden Knights hockey facility, as well as a tour of the spectacular Allegiant Stadium.
For nursing major Kalai Posiulai, visiting the UFC headquarters was a highlight of the trip. “This trip allowed me to meet many new people and make new connections. I really love to meet people and learn from their experience. A highlight was going to the UFC headquarters next door to the HPU campus, and I liked learning about sports medicine, and now have a stronger interest in that field from this trip.”
Students also explored the business operations and histories of various professional sports teams, gaining an understanding of how franchises are built and sustained. The exposure to different athletic organizations reinforced the importance of determination, not just in sports performance but in the business and management aspects of athletics as well.
HPU Senior Lecturer Christopher Erickson, Ph.D., who accompanied the students to Las Vegas, emphasized the value of this immersive experience. “This is an exciting, engaging trip for our students. This course is a great way for them to learn firsthand and be immersed in the sports medicine field, the nuances of athletics, and the business of athletics and how that is woven into a career. Students have heard a lot from experts in the sports management field, and that is unique for students to experience.”
Beyond their academic and professional development, students embraced the opportunity to learn in a new environment alongside their peers. International studies major Benjamin Alejo reflected on the overall trip, sharing that “this is one of the best experiences I’ve had. I’m with my peers, and I’m in a new location with so many new things to do.”
The trip wasn’t all about coursework—students also had the chance to take in the sights and sounds of Las Vegas! A nighttime tour included a stop at the iconic Bellagio Fountains and a stroll down Fremont Street. They also visited the Museum of Illusions on S. Las Vegas Boulevard, adding an element of fun and exploration to their journey.
HPU students returned to Hawai‘i with fresh perspectives on the sports industry and valuable connections between sports management, business strategy, and athletic performance. The knowledge they gained on this study-away course, the people they met, and the experiences they shared will continue to shape their academic and professional paths for years to come.
To learn more about the HPU Las Vegas Campus, click here.
