Category:
2014 Super Bowl Selection
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NFL
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The NFL Chick
The Good: Change Is Always Good
By now we know that most Super Bowls have been played in warm weather. Fans have become spoiled with the idea that every Super Bowl should be played in those elements. The few times that a SB has been held in colder cities, they were accompanied with domes, so the fans weren't outside freezing. But they won't get such luxury at the Meadowlands, where it's outside and the winds are swirling. That being said, change is always good, and maybe this will be another positive change with the NFL
In 2009-2010 alone, the NFL changed their Pro Bowl location (to Miami, the week prior to the SB, instead of it's usual home in Hawaii), as well as NFL Draft time to primetime (1st round was on Thursday night, instead of Saturday afternoon). While most fans complained about it, it was a big success in ratings. The NFL could be looking for similar luck with the Big Apple. We all know New York is the "City That Never Sleeps", so in theory this is a perfect place to have a Super Bowl. If the 2014 Super Bowl isn't a huge success, at the very least they can say they tried it. But a change of pace is never a bad idea.
The Bad: NY/NJ Winter Weather
New York is directly on the east coast, and is known for getting snowstorms (sometimes severe) during the winter months. Since the Super Bowl is in February, this puts Super Bowl weekend as a major risk for weather becoming an issue. This isn't your regular football game, we're talking about. This is SUPER BOWL weekend. This past winter alone, the east coast (NY included) had record breaking snowfall, as well as a blizzard during Super Bowl weekend. I was shoveling my car out hours before kickoff this last Super Bowl. If a snowstorm comes through the area during Super Bowl weekend, it could mean cancellation of flights and not being able to get around from event to event. Snow could mean loss of revenue and I doubt the city or state of NY would put people's lives in danger just to make sure they are at a game or an event.
To make a further point, the NFL is an offensive driven league. Well, let's take a look at some of the high powered offenses. Indianapolis, New Orleans, Dallas, San Diego and Minnesota: All DOME teams or warm weather teams. They do not normally play in these elements. If the NFL wants to put on a great offensive show, the Meadowlands is the LAST place where that will be. These teams aren't built for these conditions and I'd bet that most players would choose a warm weather location for the Super Bowl. I'm sure they'd give us some politically correct crap like, "Oh.... I'd play anywhere as long as it's for a championship." And there may be some truth to that. But let's compare. 78 degrees in Miami or 24 degrees in NYC. Right!
The Ugly: Terrorism
I was reading a blog post from my Twitter buddy and former NFL player, Steve White about the topic. White brought up a valid point that most don't think of. This brings a HUGE target on New York's back for another terrorist act. Of course, I have faith that the NFL, NYPD and FBI will do some serious homework to make sure this doesn't happen. But the fact remains that NY has been a common target area for extreme terrorists. If not planned right, this could be dangerous. Simply because NY is already a city that has tons and tons of people flock to it regularly. Now think of all of the people that visit NYC and multiply that by 10. Now try sniffing out 1 or 2 extreme terrorists in the group. I'm not saying to live in fear and avoid having the Super Bowl there because of them. But I am saying they better come up with a great plan to make sure fans and tourists are safe. Unfortunately this is the way of life in 2010 and beyond. It is a concern that should not be overlooked.
As an NFL fan in a cold winter city, I have no issue with watching a game outside in cold weather. If you ask most die hard fans their take on it, I'm sure they'd say the same thing. But hardcore football fans are not the majority during Super Bowl weekend. Game tickets are over $800, while corporate sponsors and celebrities are all over the stadium in seats and suites, most of them probably there for the politics of the big weekend. Casual fans barely watch the game in the rain, let alone sub freezing temps. I applaud the NFL for thinking outside the box and wanting to see if the NY/NJ project will work. We'll soon find out if it will be a major success, 4 years from now.
i like it...but then i don't
as a New Englander...when you think of the Superbowl, you think of a chance to get away from the cold weather lol
I also like that the Superbowl typically takes over cities that generally don't get as much revenue as places like NYC...it also allows you to enjoy Superbowl festivities in a smaller space, NYC is just too big for that imo. It really will be interesting to see what goes on, who knows maybe I'll take the 3.5 hr trip to check it out...
I'm looking at the 2014 SB with a glass half full concept. As a fan of the game, change is good. Now I have a reason to wear my fur!
That whole terrorist thing is something I never want to think about, but in reality it doesn't matter if its the Super Bowl or anything else. If its gon' happen then its gon' happen.
With that being said, we're still going to watch the game. The parties are still going to be live. And I'll still try everything in my power to go.
Great read TNC.
-Ed.
I think the good is that there is the glamor of NY and that's the only good. I love watching cold weather games FROM THE COUCH. A could stadium for the Super Bowl is just not happening, overall I think the choice is a fail. They should be forever held in Tampa or Miami.