Glendale learns soon if it gets 2011 Super Bowl
Scott Wong
The Arizona Republic
May. 18, 2007 08:28 AM
Arizona Super Bowl officials hope to be singing a sweet tune in Music City next week.
An Arizona panel will be in Nashville on Tuesday making their pitch to NFL owners about why Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium would be the best site for the 2011 Super Bowl.
Dallas and Indianapolis also are in the hunt.
The three teams each will get 15 minutes to make their case. Owners will pick a host for Super Bowl XLV later that day.
An Arizona victory would bring the sporting spectacle back to the Grand Canyon State for the second time in four years. University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale plays host to Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3, 2008.
But Dallas and Indianapolis may have a slight edge. Both regions are currently building new stadiums, something the NFL has looked favorably upon when awarding Super Bowls.
A $1 billion stadium for the Dallas Cowboys is rising near the Texas Rangers' ballpark in Arlington. Set to open for the 2009 season, it's seating can expand to hold up to 100,000 fans.
Meanwhile, a $625 million stadium for the Indianapolis Colts is being constructed in downtown Indianapolis. It is expected to be ready for the 2008 season. Like the Cardinals' stadium, both will boast a retractable roof.
Arizona officials acknowledged the odds are against them. But even if Arizona loses out, bidding for 2011 still puts the state in good position to win future bowls, they said.
"We're open for Super Bowl business," said Mike Kennedy, chairman of the Arizona host committee, which put the bid package together and is helping organize the 2008 game. "We really want 2011, but we are looking for a long-term, positive, productive relationship with the NFL."
On Monday afternoon, each of the three teams will be given one hour to rehearse in the owners' meeting room. That will allow parties to familiarize themselves with their surroundings and work out any kinks in their presentations.
On Tuesday, Kennedy and committee President Bob Sullivan will head Arizona's pitch, which likely will touch on the state's warm winter climate, world-class resorts and the sports and entertainment hub developing around the stadium.
A video will occupy about half of the 15 minutes. It will feature everything from shots of Sedona's red rocks and desert sunsets to scenes of outdoor dining and the $455 million football palace.
Cardinals executive Michael Bidwill, who sits on the host committee, will get another five minutes to convince his fellow owners that Arizona would be the best host. The NFL owners will announce their decision later that day.
Scott Wong
The Arizona Republic
May. 18, 2007 08:28 AM
Arizona Super Bowl officials hope to be singing a sweet tune in Music City next week.
An Arizona panel will be in Nashville on Tuesday making their pitch to NFL owners about why Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium would be the best site for the 2011 Super Bowl.
Dallas and Indianapolis also are in the hunt.
The three teams each will get 15 minutes to make their case. Owners will pick a host for Super Bowl XLV later that day.
An Arizona victory would bring the sporting spectacle back to the Grand Canyon State for the second time in four years. University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale plays host to Super Bowl XLII on Feb. 3, 2008.
But Dallas and Indianapolis may have a slight edge. Both regions are currently building new stadiums, something the NFL has looked favorably upon when awarding Super Bowls.
A $1 billion stadium for the Dallas Cowboys is rising near the Texas Rangers' ballpark in Arlington. Set to open for the 2009 season, it's seating can expand to hold up to 100,000 fans.
Meanwhile, a $625 million stadium for the Indianapolis Colts is being constructed in downtown Indianapolis. It is expected to be ready for the 2008 season. Like the Cardinals' stadium, both will boast a retractable roof.
Arizona officials acknowledged the odds are against them. But even if Arizona loses out, bidding for 2011 still puts the state in good position to win future bowls, they said.
"We're open for Super Bowl business," said Mike Kennedy, chairman of the Arizona host committee, which put the bid package together and is helping organize the 2008 game. "We really want 2011, but we are looking for a long-term, positive, productive relationship with the NFL."
On Monday afternoon, each of the three teams will be given one hour to rehearse in the owners' meeting room. That will allow parties to familiarize themselves with their surroundings and work out any kinks in their presentations.
On Tuesday, Kennedy and committee President Bob Sullivan will head Arizona's pitch, which likely will touch on the state's warm winter climate, world-class resorts and the sports and entertainment hub developing around the stadium.
A video will occupy about half of the 15 minutes. It will feature everything from shots of Sedona's red rocks and desert sunsets to scenes of outdoor dining and the $455 million football palace.
Cardinals executive Michael Bidwill, who sits on the host committee, will get another five minutes to convince his fellow owners that Arizona would be the best host. The NFL owners will announce their decision later that day.
