Local school graduates are part of the army of volunteers acting as hosts for the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis

This coming week-January 28th through February 4th- there will be numerous pre-game activities happening in downtown Minneapolis. Because of all the activities, the NFL has chosen 10,000 volunteers to assist them with the tasks of welcoming the large number of tourists expected to arrive for the game.

According to Wayne and Lori Wolden of Wadena, chosen as two of the volunteers, there were 30,000 applicants for the volunteer jobs; 10,000 were chosen after criminal background checks. After the volunteers were chosen, they were required to attend three training sessions. They also received a complimentary box of gear to wear during their tenure. The box included a blue winter jacket (no logo), a bluish vest (no logo), a blue hat (Crew 52 logo), and an I.D. badge. Each volunteer has to work 3 five-hour shifts.

Besides Wayne Wolden (Gonvick grad) and his wife Lori (Clearbrook grad), other volunteers with local ties include Jim Clemenson (Gonvick grad), Rodney Nordlund (Clearbrook grad) and Kris Pladsen (wife of Todd Pladsen with ties to the Trail area).

Wayne and his wife met at the GHS Junior prom, dated in high school, and have been married for 35 years. They have three adult children. Wayne explained, “This weekend, Lori and I volunteered at the Super Bowl volunteer center where I did computer work and Lori was assigned to help work crews and greet people on the street. Volunteers are at the airport, train stations, Mall of America, and everywhere. We're actually ambassadors for Minnesota. That is also how I spent my birthday yesterday. It's been great.”

Jim Clemenson's volunteer job includes greeting fans in the downtown area, and greeting musical guests who have come to entertain the fans. He will have other evening duties, too, as the week progresses. He added, “Fans have many questions about where and what activities are happening.” Kris Pladsen will also have hosting responsibilities. 

There are eight miles of skyway preparing for the onslaught of fans in the coming week. They promise to report their experiences as the week unfolds.