Glendale officials celebrate the announcement that the National Football League (NFL) will play the Super Bowl XLII Championship game in the city’s new stadium in 2008.
“We are pleased that the NFL has placed their confidence in us,” said City Manager Ed Beasley. “This event gives our community a wonderful opportunity. We will work to give the NFL owners, players and visitors an experience that they will remember.”
A Super Bowl event is estimated to generate $400 million in economic benefits for the area. Nearly 67,500 Super Bowl ticket holders will visit from out of town and 250,000 non-ticket holders will experience the atmosphere by attending Super Bowl related events.
Glendale’s stadium, currently under construction, is expected to open in 2006 as the most modern facility in North America. It will be home to the Arizona Cardinals and the Fiesta Bowl, and feature a retractable roof and a rollout grass field. The seating capacity can expand to 75,000 to handle the large crowds of a Super Bowl event. It is located between Bethany Home Road and Maryland Avenue, just east of the Loop 101.
“This is truly a victory for the entire Valley and state and a milestone in our visibility as a city of growing economic opportunities,” said Beasley.
Beasley said that the cooperative relationships already formed and the new partners, who would be joining in, will create a dynamic team. Their mission will be to provide the fans the best Super Bowl experience possible.
“We have many strengths from which to build upon, such as great weather, beautiful scenery and a world-class new stadium,” said Beasley. “I am confident that we will deliver a one-of-a-kind event.” |
