HOUSTON – We are just 19 days away from Super Bowl LI in the Bayou City.
It takes a lot of work to host one of the biggest sporting events in the world -- from event planning to security -- to meet-and-greets with players and fans.
All of it requires the hard work of some truly dedicated volunteers.
Over 10,000 volunteers are picking up their official uniforms this week.
All of them are excited they were chosen to be representing the city and to have passed the rigorous application process.
Blasa Ortiz drives 12 hours, one way, to volunteer her time for Super Bowl LI.
"It was the whole aspect of just coming back and being able to give something back," Ortiz said.
She's from Texas, but now lives in Missouri. She says there was no way she'd miss this opportunity.
"Coming here you realize there's some many passionate people, they're so giving," Ortiz said.
The Houston Super Bowl Committee says passion is the key to finding the best volunteers.
"It was all about understanding their experience, their skill, their motivation, their passion," Andy Newman, director of volunteer programs, said.
Which is why the 32,000 applicants were put through quite the process and only 10,000 were actually chosen.
"It was quit tenuous. Doing the application, it took some time. So I think that anyone who chose to volunteer and actually took the time to do the application really wanted to be a part of this," Newman said.
It's much like applying for a job. First, you fill out an application, then interview, pass a background check and even a personality test.
"You take a personality test, and it's a really great thing because you get to know a little bit more about yourself," volunteer Beth Galliford said.
Many of the volunteers will serve as greeters at airports and hotels.
Others will be out on the streets guiding guests to the activities.
Galliford said the experience is well worth it.
"Getting out there, meeting people, welcoming people. Talking about Houston. The whole process," Galliford said.
About 4,000 volunteers have picked up their gear so far.
The rest will be grabbing theirs through the end of the week.