NFL receives Jets/Giants bid to host 2014 Super Bowl
One hundred Jets and Giants fans were invited to participate in today's "Finishing of the Field" ceremony at the new Meadowlands Stadium. (Dec. 8, 2009) Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa
Until recently, the NFL might have considered it a prank. A bid from the Jets and the Giants to host a Super Bowl delivered to its offices on April 1? Hardy har har.
But the preliminary proposal book that arrived Thursday, the deadline for submission, was anything but a joke. It represents another step in what is becoming the very real possibility that the 2014 Super Bowl will be played in the $1.7-billion New Meadowlands Stadium. The league earlier waived its weather requirements for the Super Bowl to allow the bid by the Jets and Giants.
"Submitting the bid takes us one step closer to making the dream of hosting the 2014 Super Bowl a reality," Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson said. " . . . I remain confident we are making a strong case to host the biggest game in our new stadium."
Miami/South Florida and Tampa, cities with solid track records for hosting Super Bowls, also are bidding. Final proposal books are due May 1, and NFL owners will vote on a host May 24-26 in Dallas. Twenty-four of 32 votes are needed to be awarded the event, and the New Meadowlands plan is considered a front-runner.
"I had good feedback at the league meeting last week," Giants president and CEO John Mara said. " . . . We will continue to be diligent in putting the best possible presentation together for the league's meeting in May."
