Four NFL owners this week said that Texans Owner Bob McNair is "a big reason they voted for Houston getting Super Bowl LI," according to John McClain of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. But it took "much more than his influence to bring a third Super Bowl to Houston." The owners also were "impressed with Houston's presentation." The presentation included a "video with this theme: Texans love their football, and they love the NFL." From Pee Wee football to "Friday night heroes in Katy and Lubbock, the owners got a glimpse of how much football means to the Lone Star State at every level." McNair following the presentation spent "five minutes speaking to the owners on Houston's behalf." One thing he "emphasized was a hassle-free Houston for the owners." Meanwhile, McClain writes: "The Astrodome had nothing to do with the owners' decision, but I'll make this prediction: It will be demolished before Super Bowl LI. I think it'll be cleared for 1,600 parking spaces" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 5/23).
ONTO THE NEXT: In Tampa, Stephen Holder noted the city and the Buccaneers are "expected to make a push" host Super Bowl LII in '18. Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said, "I fully anticipate we will be back in the regular (bidding) rotation come (Super Bowl) 52." But Holder wrote it "won’t be easy to pull off," as there is "increased competition these days and an emphasis on elements that go beyond the weather in February." There "won’t be any real developments for a while because the NFL doesn’t extend invitations to bid on the next opening until the fall." When the time comes, Tampa "won’t be a slam dunk -- despite the region’s success hosting the game four previous times" (TAMPABAY.com, 5/22).
SLICE OF THE BIG APPLE PIE: In New Jersey, Linda Moss notes more than 1,000 attendees and 135 vendors yesterday "came to 'The Big Game Experience' at the Meadowlands Convention Center" in anticipation of Super Bowl L at Met Life Stadium. The event, sponsored by the Meadowlands Regional Chamber and the Meadowlands Liberty Convention & Visitors Bureau, was a "showcase for vendors of food, services, goods and location venues looking for opportunities to profit from the big game." The idea is to "make New Jersey, not just Manhattan, a destination for anyone trekking Northeast for the game, or the festivities before it" (Bergen RECORD, 5/23). In Newark, Stacy Jones notes Meadowlands Regional Chamber President & CEO Jim Kirkos "couldn't say enough that he wants businesses in New Jersey to grab as big a chunk of the pie as possible." Organizers of the event "put together two panels meant to help business owners figure out what to expect" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 5/23).
