LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Raiders announced they have selected four local healthcare heroes to attend Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay as their guests on Feb. 7.
Dr. Charlene Adrian, Dr. Orlando Ozir, Dr. Nicholas Calica and Samantha Balsomo will be watching Super Bowl LV in person.
“It’s awesome, it’s a once in a lifetime experience,” Dr. Adrian said.
The four Intermountain Healthcare caregiver heroes are being recognized for their unwavering commitment to their community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I would see someone and they’re doing well one day, and then the very next day they deteriorated and we’re in the ICU on a ventilator,” said Dr. Calica.
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They will join healthcare workers from around the country, including local healthcare heroes invited by NFL Clubs to take part in various Super Bowl LV festivities at Raymond James Stadium.
“She said, 'Please call me back, I have some really exciting news,'” recalled Dr. Adrian of a conversation she had with her boss leading up to the surprise.
“It’s really quite exciting and we are really looking forward to going to the Super Bowl this year,” said Dr. Calica.
“As a Raider, you can’t root for Kansas City, you can’t root for Denver, you can’t root for San Diego," added Dr. Calica. "So it’s got to be Tampa Bay.”
“We applaud all healthcare workers for their commitment during these unprecedented times,” said Raiders President Marc Badain.
“The Raiders were able to honor Southern Nevada frontline medical workers with an invitation to light the Al Davis Memorial Torch at Allegiant Stadium," said Badain, "and we’re thrilled to join with the NFL to honor these individuals at the Super Bowl alongside fellow heroes from around the country.”
All healthcare workers attending Super Bowl LV will have completed both of their COVID-19 vaccination doses before traveling to Tampa Bay.
“As the NFL season culminates in Tampa Bay, we are thanking our healthcare heroes who have been on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Peter O’Reilly, the NFL executive vice president of club business and league events.
“We are honored to salute those who have demonstrated dedication, commitment, and courage and deserve our deepest gratitude and admiration,” added O’Reilly.
