It still puzzles that Tampa finished runner-up to Glendale, Ariz., as the host city for Super Bowl XLIX (49) in 2015.
To recap: Last year Tampa was asked by the NFL to bid on Super Bowl XLVIII (48) in 2014. The fix was in for East Rutherford, N.J. because that would be the area’s reward for building the new (uncovered) Metlife Stadium. But, still, the NFL needed a backup in case something happened to the outdoor-football-in-New Jersey-in-February bid. As for the other bidding city, Glendale, Ariz., it withdrew, citing an economy brutalized by the recession. But the game was awarded to East Rutherford.
Then the NFL again asked Tampa to make another bid, for the 2015 game, along with Glendale. Given Glendale’s last-minute withdrawal the year prior, the NFL wanted a backup. Tampa again obliged. But the game was awarded to Glendale.
Perhaps we missed it. But was there a Glendale economic miracle in the last year? Such that only a year after backing out because of serious recessionary scenarios, they were back in the game and ready to host? Or was being one year ahead in the unofficial rotation worth that much? Or have they added a waterfront?
Joe. I believe that Tampa did not get the super bowl ( we were the favorites) since we can’t sell out the bucs at home.31 teams sell out each week, but Tampa does not. Since the owners split 95 % of all revenue, Tampa does not carry the load. So the other 31 owners punish the Bucs since it hits their wallets.
Bob