AZ Insider: Why 1 Million People to Flock to Downtown Phx

 
 
 

Kathy Shayna Shocket has the inside scoop on the stories that make headlines.

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Why Phoenix Mayor and Super Bowl VIP's say 2015 will be biggest Super Bowl ever!

   The photo I took (shown above) when I captured Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton boasting the number ONE, reflects the city’s unprecedented plans for Super Bowl XLIX. Yes, Mayor Greg, along with the Super Bowl committe and VIPS, such as Jay Parry and David Rousseau (pictured above) all have Super Bowl fever!  

Although the Super Bowl in 2015 will be played on the fields of the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, the epicenter will be downtown Phoenix.

Officials are expecting more than ONE million people in downtown Phoenix for the week-long game-related festivities, generating over half a billion dollars. 

 Dramatically anchored by 30- foot tall roman numerals, an area of 12 city blocks, will be transformed into Super Bowl Central. That’s where the NFL Experience, NFL Headquarters and the NFL House will be housed.  (This will be a major change from the last time Arizona hosted a Super Bowl, in 2008, when the NFL Experience was in Glendale and other major off-field events were held in different locations.)

 Not only will fans be spending their money in local businesses, but the Feb. 1, 2015 game will be televised WORLDWIDE. “This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase downtown Phoenix and all the incredible investments made by the public and private sectors working together," notes, David Rousseau, chairman of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.

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(Phx City Council members Kate Gallego and Michael Nowakowski give the Super Bowl plans the thumbs up)

 The ambitious plans trump the 2008 Super Bowl played in Arizona, (then in an economically challenging climate) which officials say generated  about $500 million to the metro Phoenix area.  The landscape of downtown Phoenix has also changed especially with the success of the Metro Light Rail which now serves Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa.

Jay Parry, CEO and president of the host committee says the committee plans to raise $30 million to fund activities. Councilwoman Kate Gallego, says, "I personally think it's a priority to think long term and not be cheap." Councilman Michael Nowakowski adds that, "It's really going to be a return on our investment in terms of attracting tax revenue from hotels, retail, restaurants, galleries, concerts, theaters and everything that involves just spending money here in Phoenix.”

 The NFL Experience, an interactive football theme park and the NFL Media Center, will both be at the Phoenix Convention Center.  The Hyatt Regency Phoenix will be turned into NFL Headquarters.

Stay tuned for more Super Bowl pre-fever!

kathy-shayna-shocket

Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, TV- Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. She's a former TV-Reporter who's written for publications such as TIME MagazineMoney Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter  and The NEW YORK TIMESYou can reach her at    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it