Benner: Super Bowl Bid ‘Absolutely Worthwhile’
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowInside INdiana Business Sports Contributor Bill Benner says, despite losing out on its latest bid to host the Super Bowl, Indianapolis should take any chance it can to showcase its assets. He believes the city's bid was “inspired,” but faced stiff competition from Minneapolis and New Orleans. National Football League team owners awarded the 2018 game to Minneapolis. Indiana Sports Corp. President Allison Melangton led this year's bid effort and tells our partners at WTHR-TV Indianapolis is “probably out for a while.” Minneapolis will have a new stadium built before the tentative February 4, 2018 game day.
New Orleans pitch included a focus on its upcoming 300th anniversary.
Benner believes the public and business community in Indianapolis will continue to support Super Bowl bids.
He was involved in the city's unsuccessful attempt to host the 2011 Super Bowl and the successful bid to host the 2012 game.
Benner says the process is “nerve-wracking while you wait, euphoric when you have success and really disappointing and frustrating when you're told you weren't good enough this time around.”
May 20, 2014
Statement From Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard
Indy’s Bid Committee put forward a very compelling presentation that stayed true to our belief that these events are about 'more than a game' by focusing on long-term betterment of our community and player safety. NFL owners had the opportunity to pick between three wonderful cities. I want to congratulate Minneapolis and wish them our best in hosting Super Bowl LII.
Source: Office of Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard
May 20, 2014
Statement From Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Indianapolis, IN – Governor Mike Pence today issued the following statement regarding Indianapolis’ Super Bowl LII bid opportunity. The Governor served as one of the Honorary Co-Chairs of the 2018 Super Bowl Bid Committee.
“Indiana presented a compelling bid in Atlanta, and I commend the Super Bowl Bid Committee and all those who spent countless hours putting together a bid packet that told Indiana’s story so well,” said Governor Pence. “Although the Super Bowl will not be coming to Indianapolis in 2018, we look forward to another opportunity to showcase our Hoosier hospitality and all that Indiana has to offer.”
Source: Office of Indiana Governor Mike Pence