The Super Bowl XLVIII Host Committee is “looking for a chief executive” to lead the planning of the ’14 game at New Meadowlands Stadium, according to Richard Sandomir of the N.Y. TIMES. Jets Owner Woody Johnson, Giants Treasurer Jonathan Tisch and Turnkey Sports & Entertainment, which is leading the search, said that the “ideal candidate would be a top-level executive, with sophisticated political antennae to deal with governments on both sides of the Hudson, a sports fan, a visionary who knows how to entertain, and a problem-solver who can turn the cold-weather site into a regular Super Bowl host.” Johnson said, “There are a lot of good people. We’re whittling down an all-star cast of interesting people and gauging their interest.” The hiring is “expected to be made in two or three months.” Sandomir noted veteran sports marketer and “Lombardi” producer Tony Ponturo “asked the committee not to consider him.” Ponturo said in an e-mail, “I got a call but elected not to pursue.” Turnkey Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Len Perna said, “The job’s not for everyone, but it is for special people who see the opportunity of being able to produce the world’s biggest event on the world’s biggest stage. We have a slate of candidates who are terrific leaders and who are the type of people who inspired greatness.” The host committee’s board met last week “to discuss candidates.” Perna said, “This host committee is trying to change the definition for a Super Bowl. It’s been about playing golf and boondoggles in the sun. Woody and Jonathan think we can make the Super Bowl a world-class affair that leaves a legacy of charitable work” (N.Y. TIMES, 2/12).
