Commissioner Roger Goodell, in speaking in his a annual state of the league address at the Super Bowl, indicated that he favors a Super Bowl in the new Meadowlands stadium for 2014. Goodell states “I think there are real benefits to the league considering this as an option,” .
Roger Goodell delivers his State of the NFL address at Ft. Lauderdale Feb. 5, 2010. (UPI Photo/John Angelillo) |
Even though the new Giants-Jets Stadium will have no roof, Goodell gave every indication he’s on board. Even though he doesn’t have a vote and says he must remain neutral, his endorsement may be the deciding factor.
“I think there are real benefits to the league considering this as an option,” Goodell said Friday during his annual state of the league address at the Super Bowl.
“I think the idea of playing in the elements is central to the way the game of football is played. I think being able to do that and celebrate the game of football in the No. 1 market could have tremendous benefits to the league going forward. I think you will see that – I think our two co-chairmen are here, Woody Johnson and Jon Tisch – they will put together a very aggressive bid, one that will demonstrate the value of playing in New York and they will be competing against some great cities also. It will be an interesting vote, but I will stand on the sidelines and watch.”
Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriots agrees:
“I hope it’s there, I hope it snows and I hope the Patriots are in the game,” Kraft, one the NFL’s most influential owners, said Friday. “I think there is some real support for it. I know I personally will lobby anyone I can.”
But on every owner is on board. Dan Rooney, the owner of the Stealers has a big problem playing the biggest game of the year possibly in some nasty weather.
This would have been a no brainer if the Jets and Giants had coughed up an additional $400 million-$500 million on top of the $1.7 billion they are spending on the new stadium that opens this year. I would also would have liked to see both owners put in their OWN money to make that happen. The fans are already hit with PSLs for seats in the new stadium, and to put that on the loyal fans would be adding to the crime.
Let’s hope that the Meadowlands gets the nod for the Super Bowl in 2014, but my gut is telling me that it’s never going to happen.
