For Temple University School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) senior Adam Borenstein, this summer has been anything but ordinary.
While soccer fans from around the world gather in Philadelphia to celebrate the FIFA World Cup 2026, Borenstein, a sport and recreation management major, is helping create memorable experiences behind the scenes as a summer intern with global sports marketing agency Octagon.
Working at the FIFA Fan Festival, Borenstein is part of the team managing The Home Depot’s “Beckham Backyard” activation, an immersive fan experience that brings thousands of visitors together before, during and after matches.
As one of 20 interns, he rotates through a variety of responsibilities—from welcoming guests and operating interactive games to distributing giveaways, taking photos and helping fans contribute to a community art mural.
“We all rotate throughout the activation, so every day is a little different,” said Borenstein. “You’re constantly interacting with fans from all over the world.”
As an executive board member and social media coordinator for the Sport and Governance Association, Adam Borenstein attended a meeting featuring an Octagon talent acquisition representative who shared information about internship opportunities tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
(Photo courtesy of Adam Borenstein.)
The internship came about through a connection made at a Sport and Governance Association (SAGA) student organization event at STHM.
As an executive board member and social media coordinator for the SAGA, Borenstein attended a meeting featuring an Octagon talent acquisition representative who shared information about internship opportunities tied to the FIFA World Cup.
After applying, interviewing and receiving an offer in April, Borenstein was excited to have secured an opportunity that combined his passion for sports with one of the world’s largest sporting events.
“Knowing I was part of creating a great experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup is something I’ll always be proud of.”
Adam Borenstein
STHM student
Game day begins early
Each day begins long before fans arrive. Depending on the match schedule, interns report as much as an hour before opening to restock giveaways, arrange furniture, clean the activation space and prepare for thousands of visitors. At the end of the day, the work continues with inventory, breakdown and cleanup.
Some responsibilities are less glamorous—but equally essential.
“We have watering shifts because there are so many flowers throughout the activation,” Borenstein said. “Sometimes we have to come in early or stay late, and watering everything can take over an hour. It’s definitely not something I expected.”
The experience has also given him a new appreciation for the immense planning required to produce a global sporting event.
“The biggest surprise was learning that Octagon has been working on this activation for two years,” he said. “Fans might spend 10 minutes going through it and never think about it again, but there are so many people behind the scenes who have spent years planning every detail.”
The Home Depot Beckham’s Backyard activation center at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Festival in Philadelphia. (Photo courtesy of Adam Borenstein.)
Behind the beautiful game
That behind-the-scenes work extends far beyond the fan experience. Around-the-clock security, daily setup and breakdown, logistics and countless operational details all contribute to making the Fan Fest run smoothly.
For Borenstein, however, the most memorable part has been experiencing the energy of fans representing countries from around the globe.
“It’s such a lively atmosphere,” he said. “When Mexico plays, for example, their supporters fill the Fan Fest, and you can feel the excitement every time they score. People are so passionate about their teams and proud to represent their countries.”
The internship has also strengthened skills that can’t fully be taught in a classroom.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to communicate with the public,” Borenstein said. “At the Fan Fest, you’re talking with people from all around the world. Learning to listen, be patient and communicate effectively with people you’ve never met is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.”
“At the Fan Fest, you’re talking with people from all around the world. Learning to listen, be patient and communicate effectively with people you’ve never met is something I’ll carry with me throughout my career.”
Adam Borenstein
STHM student
Once in a lifetime
For students pursuing careers in sports and events, experiences like this provide invaluable professional development.
“The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world,” Borenstein said. “Being able to say you contributed to it is incredibly valuable. You learn how to communicate with managers, work with the public and see firsthand what it takes to produce an event of this scale.”
For Borenstein, the opportunity represents more than just a summer internship—it is a chance to be part of a historic event that may only come through Philadelphia once in a generation.
“We never know if or when the FIFA World Cup will come back to Philadelphia,” he said. “Knowing I was part of creating a great experience for fans at an event like this is something I’ll always be proud of.”