One million Super Bowl Central attendees, $500 million in economic impact and downtown Phoenix’s Central Avenue as the main attraction of the pre-game festivities are just some of the big game’s effects projected by the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.
The committee hosted the “Downtown Business Huddle” at the Arizona Center Monday to offer members of the business community an opportunity to hear some of the city’s plans for the events surrounding the Super Bowl. Jay Parry, president and CEO of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, announced Verizon Wireless as the official wireless service provider and sponsor of Super Bowl Central.
Mayor Greg Stanton said those who attended the event should take ownership of the Super Bowl being in Arizona.
“We are all ambassadors for our city and community over the next few weeks and months,” Stanton said. “I can’t wait because I know we have the best ambassadors anywhere here in the city of Phoenix.”
Stanton said the game will pay tremendous short-term economic benefits to the city as visitors enjoy the restaurants, bars, art galleries and other cultural amenities in Phoenix.
The Host Committee is concerned with both the Super Bowl itself and the idea of reaching beyond the high profile event.
The Host Committee will invite business executives from other states to a three-day “CEO Forum” program where attendees will discuss the benefits of doing business in Arizona, Parry said.
“As business owners, residents, professionals, we have a front-row seat to all of the events leading up to the biggest sporting event annually,” Arizona Public Service Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer Mark Schiavoni said. “We are optimistic that this kind of exposure will continue to reinforce the bright future here in Downtown, throughout the valley and across the state of Arizona as we attract more world class events and visitors that follow.”
Both the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl will take place in Glendale next year. Peter O’Reilly, Senior Vice President of Events for the NFL, said he is thrilled to have both events take place in Arizona.
O’Reilly said the development of Central Avenue as the hub of events and activities is projected to be vital for fan experience.
“What we found so effective in recent Super Bowl markets is really creating a center of gravity — a hub of where the energy of Super Bowl came to life and for this Super Bowl that is downtown Phoenix,” O’Reilly said.
Other goals of the committee are to reduce waste at Super Bowl Central and include the Spanish-speaking community in the activities.
The committee will offer a website in Spanish and have bilingual volunteers present at many of the events, Parry said.
Contact the reporter at rjmaki@asu.edu
