Sun Life Stadium Renovations Vital To South Florida Super Bowl Bid

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell “wouldn't flat out say it," but he "dropped enough hints on Wednesday to safely conclude South Florida won't be hosting another Super Bowl until Sun Life Stadium gets a significant face lift,” according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. Goodell said, "It is important for us to play the game on the best possible stage and the stadiums are getting better and better." South Florida is a finalist to host Super Bowl L in '16. After talking to his peers, Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross said that he is "certain San Francisco will win the rights to host the NFL's marquee event if he doesn't receive the public funds needed to fully renovate Sun Life Stadium.” Without a renovation, Dolphins officials “expect South Florida's Super Bowl bids will continue to lose to newer stadiums.” Super Bowl XLVIII is going to N.Y./N.J. next year, “braving the winter weather in a stadium without a dome.” Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie said that if that experience “is a success Philadelphia plans to make a Super Bowl bid.” Goodell stressed that the stadium of the site city “is the No. 1 criteria that the Super Bowl selection committee takes into account, and he's previously stated that Sun Life Stadium, in its present state, falls behind most NFL stadiums” (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 3/21).

PARKING THE ISSUE: In Houston, John McClain noted Goodell “doesn’t want to get involved in the controversy involving the Astrodome, but he does think an additional 2,500 parking spaces would help Houston’s bid to get Super Bowl LI.” A recent study commissioned by Texans Owner Bob McNair and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo revealed that the Astrodome “could be demolished and replaced with 2,500 parking spaces for $29 million and change.” Goodell said, “That issue is for the community to decide, but I think having an extra 2,500 parking spaces would enhance Houston’s bid” (CHRON.com, 3/20).