Cardinals president Michael Bidwill proud of Arizona’s efforts as Super Bowl host
Jan 30, 2015, 4:25 PM | Updated: 4:47 pm
The eyes of the sports world are focused squarely on the Valley.
With the Super Bowl in town, thousands of fans, celebrities and media members have made their way to Phoenix this week. Those who haven’t are paying close attention to everything leading up to Sunday’s matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
So, how is Arizona doing in its third time as Super Bowl host?
“I think we’ve done an amazing job, we’ve really risen to the occasion,” Arizona Cardinals president Michael Bidwill told Doug and Wolf Friday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.. “There are so many people that understand this is ‘Team Arizona’ and we’ve all got to get together and do our part to make this the most fan friendly Super Bowl and the best Super Bowl this can be for Arizona.
“I think we’ve done it.”
With the game located at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, other parts of the Valley have cashed in on Super Bowl fever — which is a big change from the last time the NFL’s championship was decided in Arizona seven years ago.
“I think (people) are blown away with what we’re doing in downtown Phoenix,” Bidwill said. “Last time we had the game, it was 2008 and it was a construction zone in dowtown Phoenix. A lot of the owners stayed at the Hyatt, and they weren’t really impressed. The convention center that we’re sitting in today didn’t exist.
“I spoke to them last night, we had a dinner party for all the owners and I got a lot of tremendous feedback.”
Bidwill singled out Verizon Super Bowl Central, a 12-block area featuring food, entertainment and attractions in the heart of downtown, as a real boon to the state’s hosting efforts.
“Our city and our state are shining right now.”
