Fort Lauderdale United FC welcomed approximately 50 business and community leaders from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance to Amerant Bank Field on Tuesday, September 29, for a morning of networking, behind-the-scenes access and a closer look at the club’s partnership with Nova Southeastern University.
From breakfast at Coquina to a team practice visit and guided campus tour, guests experienced how professional soccer and higher education are helping create a destination for sports fans, athletes, families and students in South Florida.
For Gail Bulfin, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the partnership made the visit a natural fit.
“Tommy Smith worked with the Alliance to fashion a unique, up-close experience which would introduce key business leaders to the world of professional soccer,” Bulfin said. “At the same time, our members were able to see the vast resources NSU invests in building a world class workforce ready to power our ever-expanding businesses. It’s that collaboration of business and talent that makes Broward so special.”
Connecting Business Leaders at Amerant Bank Field
The morning began with breakfast at Coquina, the brand-new bar and grill at Amerant Bank Field on NSU’s campus. Guests met fellow Alliance members, reconnected with colleagues and experienced a gathering place that is becoming part of the Fort Lauderdale United FC matchday experience.
Fort Lauderdale United FC Founder and Chairman Tommy Smith then addressed the group, discussing the club’s vision and the opportunities growing through its relationship with Nova Southeastern University.
“Fort Lauderdale United FC is open for business, and hosting the Alliance was an opportunity to show what that means,” Smith said. “Together with Nova Southeastern University, we’re building a destination that brings professional sports, education and community together. We wanted local business leaders to meet our players, see our facilities and experience the investment taking place across this campus. There’s tremendous opportunity here, and we want the business community to be part of it.”
With the stadium and team nearby, guests could see that vision firsthand.
Behind the Scenes With Fort Lauderdale United FC
Following breakfast, Alliance members headed to practice to watch the team train and meet the players for a Q&A session.
The visit gave guests a look at the preparation behind each match and an opportunity to get to know the athletes representing Fort Lauderdale United FC. Questions and conversations brought business leaders and players together in a setting few fans get to experience.
NSU’s Razor the Mako Shark also joined the morning, mingling with guests and adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
“It was thrilling,” Bulfin said. “To have ‘behind the scenes’ access to a professional sports team—especially one rooted in Lauderdale—was just the sort of experience our members appreciate.”
Exploring Nova Southeastern University’s Campus and Sports Facilities
Smith then led a guided bus tour of Nova Southeastern University, highlighting the campus, its sporting investments and the Fort Lauderdale United FC training center.
The tour helped guests understand the scope of the work taking place around Amerant Bank Field. Alongside the facilities supporting athletes, they learned more about NSU’s investment in education and its role in preparing talent for the region’s businesses.
Guests also had the opportunity to speak with NSU Dean Melanie Kevorkian, whose work connects with the Alliance’s efforts to attract targeted industries to Broward County.
“This event gave us a chance to share the exponential growth of Nova, not just athletically, but academically,” Bulfin said.
Building Community Connections in Broward County
Throughout the visit, Fort Lauderdale United FC staff welcomed guests, answered questions and helped make each part of the morning personal. For Bulfin, that accessibility was a highlight.
“Fort Lauderdale United went above and beyond in delivering a great experience,” she said. “Our business leaders loved the personal attention and interaction with the players, and the accessibility of the Fort Lauderdale United FC staff.”
For our club, hosting the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance was an opportunity to introduce more of our neighbors to the people and work behind Fort Lauderdale United FC. It also showed how Amerant Bank Field can bring our community together throughout the week, through business gatherings, new relationships and shared experiences.
Thank you to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, our partners at Nova Southeastern University and everyone who joined us. We look forward to building on those connections and welcoming you back to Amerant Bank Field.
The visit continued with a guided bus tour led by Smith, who highlighted Nova Southeastern University’s campus, sporting investments and the Fort Lauderdale United FC training center. It offered a broader look at how the club fits into a university environment serving students, developing talent and creating opportunities across the region.
Guests also had the opportunity to speak with NSU Dean Melanie Kevorkian, adding another connection between the university’s academic work and the Alliance’s efforts to attract businesses to Broward County.
“This event gave us a chance to share the exponential growth of Nova, not just athletically, but academically,” Bulfin said.
Throughout the morning, the Fort Lauderdale United FC staff made time for introductions, questions and conversations. That personal attention stood out to Bulfin.
“Fort Lauderdale United went above and beyond in delivering a great experience,” she said. “Our business leaders loved the personal attention and interaction with the players, and the accessibility of the Fort Lauderdale United FC staff.”
For our club, welcoming the Alliance was an opportunity to share what is taking shape here and introduce more of our neighbors to the people behind it. From breakfast at Coquina to conversations beside the practice field, the morning gave guests a firsthand look at the connections Fort Lauderdale United FC and Nova Southeastern University are building through sports, education and community.
Thank you to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, our partners at Nova Southeastern University and everyone who joined us. We look forward to building on those relationships and welcoming you back to Amerant Bank Field.
Are you a community leader or small business interested in visiting or working with Fort Lauderdale United? We’d love to hear from you!
Email us: diego@ftlutd.com
