NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks Super Bowl and NFL trends in visit to Phoenix
The competition to host the Super Bowl among major western U.S. cities, including Phoenix, will continue, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told a small group of reporters at the Arizona Biltmore resort Wednesday afternoon.
Goodell, in the Phoenix metro area with league representatives to talk with local officials and sponsors and get an update on how the planning and preparation for Super Bowl 57 is coming along less than four months until the game, said the city can continue to be in the running to land another such event.
Los Angeles and Las Vegas join Phoenix as the main markets out West that compete for the Super Bowl. Each city has a stadium with a roof, and each is a popular wintertime tourist destination.
"The competition is getting more competitive. The game is in more demand than ever," Goodell said. "I want to make it more competitive because it raises everyone's games. It makes this event better."
Goodell said the best advice he can give to the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee about hosting future games — this season will be the fourth time the area has staged the Super Bowl — is to make sure Super Bowl 57 is a great success.
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"Ultimately that's what the owners will remember. When (Arizona Cardinals owner) Michael (Bidwill) goes to make the pitch to his fellow owners, being able to say that you had a great experience here in Arizona, that the event went off without a hitch, is the best thing for Michael and his platform to be able to convince the owners to vote for it," Goodell said.
Super Bowl 58 will be at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas in February 2024. SoFi Stadium in Southern California hosted Super Bowl 56.
Goodell, Bidwill and Jay Parry, president and CEO of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, were asked why Arizona is an ideal place to host the event.
"I think it's the diversity of this community. The number of cities. I've never seen so many cities in such a small area, but it's incredible the way they all work together," Goodell said. "It's what make us so unique. It's the world's greatest platform, and that opportunity for you all, all of us to shine the light on Arizona, and what makes it special, to me is a unique opportunity."
Bidwill cited the burgeoning and well-established hospitality and tourism industry as a major factor.
"And then I think State Farm Stadium's among the best venues to play a major event like a Super Bowl or a Final Four. It all starts with a stadium. It's got to perform well for such a massive audience and for broadcast, as well," Bidwill said.
Goodell praises Bidwill family
Goodell was asked about the legacy of the Bidwill family and its multi-generational ownership of the Cardinals, and what it has meant to the prosperity of the NFL.
"It just shows the depth and tradition, the passion of the Bidwill family," Goodell said. "Mike's made his mark, not just on the Cardinals. I'd say State Farm Stadium was probably the single biggest signature of his ownership of the team. That to me is a really important element to this community but not only that, as a league. The Bidwill family has always been active at the league level, and been important in what we call 'league-think.' Putting the league first and making sure that the National Football League continues to be successful in all its communities."
Goodell said Bidwill serves on more committees than any other owner.
"He's made the league better in his short time as an owner," Goodell said.
Bidwill said he learned from his father, Bill, how to interact with the other NFL owners.
"In terms of getting the Super Bowl back, Commissioner Goodell is 100 percent right. The best thing we can do is execute Super Bowl 57 the best we can, and have it be a great experience," Bidwill said. "Hope the weather turns out great that weekend. Hope it's a Cardinals home game and victory. But I think the best thing we can do is absolutely make sure it's a great experience for the owners but also for our partners, the NFL partners, as well as for all the fans in the stadium."
Stadium upgrades
Bidwill said there have been more than $150 million worth of improvements made to State Farm Stadium for the Super Bowl, from the parking lots to improved Wi-Fi and the sound system.
Club areas, suites and the video boards have also been upgraded, along with such behind-the-scenes things as security, operational procedures, air conditioning and elevators.
Super Bowl 57 will be the first one in history with an open live sportsbook on stadium grounds. The Bet MGM Sportsbook just outside State Farm Stadium will be operational during the game, before the game, and most of the week of the game, Bidwill said.
Gambling and streaming
Goodell was asked about the impact of legalized betting on NFL games and what it could have on the Super Bowl. He said the league keeps a close eye on the integrity of the game and spends a lot of time educating everyone involved with the NFL on proper betting procedures.
"It will just add another element to the Super Bowl that I think fans will love," he said.
Regarding streaming of regular season games on Amazon, Goodell said he's excited about the new platform to show games to younger viewers and new audiences.
"Our 18-34, which is a coveted (age) demographic, went up 35%" Goodell said of having Amazon stream games.
Get in touch with Jose Romero at Jose.Romero@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter at @RomeroJoseM.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks Super Bowl, NFL in Phoenix visit
