Indianapolis Considers Measures To Help 2011 Super Bowl Bid

Indianapolis Considering Expanding Final Four Ticket Restrictions For Super Bowl Bid

Indianapolis, which is bidding to host the 2011 Super Bowl, “would make it illegal to scalp tickets to the Super Bowl and would provide security and other support services at no charge to the NFL under two proposals introduced Monday in the City-County council,” according to Brendan O’Shaughnessy of the INDIANAPOLIS STAR. One of the proposals would add the Super Bowl to a “special law that bans scalping at the NCAA Final Four.” Indiana is one of about 27 states with no ban on scalping. While “some council members criticized the measures — one official called them a blank check” for the NFL — “most said the city was simply trying to support its bid.” Democratic Majority Leader Lonnell Conley said that the NFL “asked for these measures as part of hosting” the game. Conley: “In order to get the Super Bowl in your city, these are the guidelines. They’re a tough bunch. They drive a hard bargain, but you want that revenue and publicity for the city.” City Controller Bob Clifford noted that the city “already provides security and other support services” for the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Nextel Cup Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at no charge. Super Bowl bids are due by April 2 (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 3/6).