After receiving preliminary approval to bid from the National Football League, the future home of the New York Jets and New York Giants is mounting a full-scale campaign to capture the hosting rights for Super Bowl 2014, the New Meadowlands Stadium Company announced today.
The new stadium, which plays host to its first NFL season in 2010, got the go-ahead from the NFL owners' Super Bowl Advisory Committee, which approved the New Meadowlands Stadium's application to bid despite the traditional requirement that Super Bowl host regions have a minimum temperature of 50 degrees or a climate-controlled indoor stadium.
The approval was granted with the understanding that the bid would be a unique, once-only circumstance based on the opportunity to celebrate the new stadium and the great heritage and history of the NFL in the New York region.
A preliminary proposal to the NFL is due April 1, with the winning bid to be announced at the end of May. Three other venues have expressed their intention to compete for the hosting rights.
The economic impact of a New York/New Jersey Super Bowl would be substantial to the area, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and serving as a major boost for area, creating hundreds of jobs related to staging the game and accommodating visitors and attendees. New Jersey Gov.-elect Chris Christie, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, New York Gov. David Paterson and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg have all offered strong support for the bid. The bid committee will be chaired by Woody Johnson, chairman and CEO of the Jets, and Jonathan Tisch, co-chairman of Loews Corporation and treasurer of the Giants.
"It's time for the biggest game in football to be played on the biggest stage in the world," said Mark Lamping, president and CEO of New Meadowlands Stadium Company. "We are confident that the appeal and prestige of New York, coupled with the innovative capabilities of our brand-new state-of-the-art facility, can provide a unique and exciting experience for the teams and fans as well as the entire league and the sport of football. And of course we would love to bring the Super Bowl and its significant economic benefits to the New York region."
The New Meadowlands Stadium is unique as the first stadium constructed to serve as the home stadium of two NFL teams. As such, it will play host to 20 NFL games per season, more than any other venue. It also holds the distinction of being the largest privately financed stadium in U.S. history.
"If there's one thing that football fans from across the country can agree on, it's that the sport deserves a championship game played in the biggest spotlight," said Johnson. "We are deeply appreciative to the NFL for granting our stadium eligibility and for bringing a long-awaited dream one step closer to reality."
"The National Football League and our organization are blessed with a great tradition in the metropolitan New York region, and the Giants' and Jets' new home is a continuation of that tradition," said John Mara, president and CEO of the Giants. "Our building playing host to the Super Bowl in 2014 would allow our organizations and this region to celebrate that tradition with our biggest game, and we welcome the opportunity to work with our community to make that happen."
"Even though our stadium is months away from completion, it is setting an early precedent of what's to come," said Steve Tisch, Giants chairman and executive vice president. "The stadium's quest to host Super Bowl XLVIII is a testament to our commitment to serve as a beacon for the very best."
If New York/New Jersey-bound, Super Bowl XLVIII will join an ever-growing list of national and international events held in the New York metropolitan area, including the U.S. Open, Belmont Stakes, New York City Marathon, NCAA March Madness, Hambletonian, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and New Year's Eve in Times Square.
The Super Bowl would join an already impressive list of significant events to be held at the New Meadowlands Stadium, including highly anticipated college football matchups of Navy vs. Notre Dame and Rutgers vs. Army and stops on the Bon Jovi and U2 world concert tours.
Upon completion in 2010, the New Meadowlands Stadium will set the standard for venue excellence, with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. With a seating capacity of 82,500, the stadium will be the third-largest in the NFL. Highlights include:
* Four massive 30' x 118' HD video display boards in each of the stadium corners.
* A 48" x 2,200' ribbon board that circles the interior bowl.
* 2,100-plus HD monitors throughout the stadium.
* 20 HD video pylons ranging in size from 20" x 40" to 20" x 60".
Outside the stadium, a 350,000-square-foot outdoor plaza will boast fan-centric activities and pregame entertainment zones. A signature amenity of the stadium will be the brand new rail line that will drop off passengers directly in front of the stadium.
Talk about the **economic impact* a Super Bowl could have on New York/New Jersey. *
