SEH Senior Transportation Engineer Tom Becker, pictured here at last year's Super Bowl XLII in Phoenix, Ariz., is wrapping up his 16th Super Bowl appearance. No, he's not actually playing in the Super Bowl, but he does play a major role in helping the event run smoothly.

 Since 1992, Tom has managed traffic operations for the Super Bowl and depending on the site, could include approximately 1,000 charter buses and limos, 20,000 cars, and around 80,000 people using light rail and pedestrian systems. Tom shares his experience being a part of this national event for the past 16 years.

How did you get this gig?
When I was the Assistant Director of Transportation for the City of Minneapolis, I was the local staff in charge of the 1992 Super Bowl in Minneapolis. It was a full-time job for six months, and I attended 240 meetings, averaging three hours per meeting. After the event, the NFL Super Bowl Lead of Operations said the traffic plan for Minneapolis will be the standard against which all future Super Bowl traffic plans will be measured. And from this point I was asked to assist with all future Super Bowls.

What are your responsibilities?
I lead one of the three coordination teams that handle on- and off-site parking and circulation problems. I'm responsible for reviewing the overall traffic signing plan, managing traffic logistics and command posts, and developing signing for a multitude of area parties and functions. I'm onsite for three weeks prior to the actual game making any necessary modifications. After the Super Bowl, I oversee the "tear down." Basically, when I'm done, we've turned out the lights, and the party is over.

What makes each Super Bowl unique?
This work is never dull. Each site is different with regard to facilities, people, surroundings, police, highway departments, etc. So, I have to customize my traffic management plan to address the issues that are unique to each area.

With all the work involved, do you get to watch the game or meet the players?
I have met or helped U.S. Presidents and their Cabinet Members, actors, sports stars, TV personalities, CEOs, football players and their families, and of course, the fans! I have many great stories!

Have you provided traffic services for any other major sporting events?
Other than Super Bowls, I have worked on the World Series, Grand Prix, NCAA Final Four, NBA and MLB All-Star games, World Figure Skating Championships, Presidential visits...do you want me to keep going?

You've had a 40-year career, how long do you think you'll continue to dedicate time toward the Super Bowl?
Time can only tell...but as of now, I'm not ready to hang it up yet. I love the game, and I love what I do.