Moving The Super Bowl?: Get Some GORE-TEX
Am I the only one excited about the prospect of next year’s Super Bowl celebration in New York (New Jersey)?
The dust has barely settled on the Ravens’ victory over the 49ers, but everyone’s already looking ahead. The NFL never sleeps.
- Joe Flacco’s Disney commercial hasn’t even completed its run.
- The investigation into how two Savannah State students sneaked into the Super Bowl hasn’t begun.
- Some people haven’t escaped the cobwebs of their celebrations.
We look forward to the Scouting Combine, “Pro Days,” free agency and the lead-up to the NFL Draft.
Sure. We have all of those things and the little matter of the 2013 regular season. But, let’s face it. People like a spectacle. Many eyes are already turning toward the East Coast and a date with MetLife Stadium for Super Bowl XLVIII next February. The NFL avoided any questions about “cold-weather” stadiums in Indianapolis when the weather cooperated beautifully. However, media that traveled to Dallas are quick to remind fans and anybody who’ll listen of how quickly weather can turn.
Of course, that storyline received some thrust when Nemo dropped a mountain of snow on the East Coast. Now, we’re reading stories about shuffling game day and making the Super Bowl a portable event. I appreciate the fact that many people abhor the thought of freezing temperatures and want the Super Bowl in a tropical location. Buy a coat. There’s no question that the myriad weather possibilities before awarding the Super Bowl to New York. Yes, the lure of big-time dollars and sponsor participation (along with the brand-new stadium part of the equation) pushed them in that direction. But, don’t believe that they jumped into this grand, expensive decision about the showcase game without doing their due diligence.
One of the key components of Super Bowl week is to be able to get around to different events and broadcast locales. That’s true for the myriad PR people and athletes/celebrities hocking their wares. For the media, it’s all about the ability to shuttle between the media compound and the team hotels/stadium for interview opportunities. New York offers public transportation options and an army of cabs and more than a few stores will be there to sell rubber booties.
For those complaining about the fact that it will be too cold to walk the streets of New York City, talk to the locals. Most get around the city just fine without a heated car. That’s the poll I want to see. Forget about “Do you want to see the game here?” nonsense. Ask the locals “What brand of coat do you wear in the winter months or how many layers?” Eventually you’ll find the warmth of a watering hole or restaurant while seeking the bottom of a bottle or glass.
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I would like to see the grid being constructed about contingency plans and what would necessitate a change. A live feed of such discussions in a board room would make for fascinating viewing. Here’s a quick list of considerations …
— Is it wind-dependent?
— Precipitation levels?
— Travel and hotel accomodations for league guests, sponsors, etc.
— Pre-Game considerations for the host network (FOX). That’s a lot of real estate to make up to a broadcast partner.
— Halftime performers: Do they do tryouts for prospective performers in a wind tunnel to see how they’re affected by the elements? If Bon Jovi is the leader in the clubhouse, as expected, how much hair spray must be applied? Sorry. It was there.
— They’re shutting down Times Square for NFL Experience activities. What happens to the displaced characters that stalk you and leer at everyone?
— How many different sweatshirt and jackets (GORE-TEX!) need to be designed for those visitors who plan poorly?
— Could they put out a call to the people of New Jersey to shovel out the stadium like the Packers have done in the past?
And most importantly …
I want to see the debate about which version of the Doppler Radar is best and the bidding process to become “The Official Doppler Radar of the NFL.”
