NFL execs are "disturbed by Glendale’s perceived lack of support" for Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium, and "warn that without a serious attitude adjustment, they’ll move all non-game events" to other nearby cities, according to Paul Giblin of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. League execs "already have assigned the popular fan-oriented NFL Experience to Phoenix." The event was "staged just outside" the stadium when Glendale hosted Super Bowl XLII in '08. NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said that other signature events such as the Super Bowl Tailgate Party and the NFL Honors awards show "also are under consideration for different cities." McCarthy said that the league is "worried about three major issues: access to thousands of parking spaces near the stadium, Glendale hoteliers’ refusal to guarantee room prices and a general lack of leadership by Glendale officials." City officials in the past week "have tried to bolster relations with NFL executives, noting that there’s been significant turnover among City Council members and senior city staff members because of elections, resignations and dismissals since January." Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers said, “The city is not completely without blame. ... The relationship between the previous administration and the NFL is not as strong as it probably should have been and now the new council and manager are trying to play catch up." Giblin noted Glendale administrators tomorrow “plan to brief councils members about Super Bowl preparations" during a public council workshop. Glendale Exec Communications Dir Julie Frisoni said that the city also “plans to send a contingent of council members and staffers" to Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 2 (ARIZONA REPUBLIC 9/27).
