MINNEAPOLIS -- The possibility of another Super Bowl in the Twin Cities moved closer to reality Tuesday.
Minnesota's Super Bowl Bid Committee has submitted its official pitch to host Super Bowl LII in 2018, a few hundred-page document covering every aspect of the event. Items detailed include different venue options, transportation and parking, lodging, security and team practice sites, to highlight a few.
Since Minnesota was announced as a finalist in October, the steering committee has worked with local legislators and businesses to bring the vent back to Minneapolis. The Metrodome hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992, and team, city and state officials hope the Vikings' new $975 million stadium set for completion in 2016 can serve as the setting for another one.
"The effort from the bid committee, as well as from Minnesota's business and community leadership, has been nothing short of outstanding," Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf said in a statement. "NFL owners will greatly enjoy this community's hospitality, venues and energy. Minnesota will deliver an outstanding Super Bowl in 2018."
According to a release on the team's website, over 180 hotels from around the metro area have secured more than 19,000 rooms for the influx of people that would accompany a Super Bowl. The committee identified 48 venue options for different associated events throughout Super Bowl week, and practice sites for both teams have been set aside, too.
Governor Mark Dayton and legislative leaders authored an accompanying letter of support to the NFL along with the bid.
New Orleans and Indianapolis, which hosted the past two Super Bowls before this year's game in New Jersey, are the other two finalists. The NFL's owners will vote on the final site at their meeting May 19-21 in Atlanta.
Officials estimate the potential economic impact of hosting a Super Bowl at close to half a billion dollars.
"This new stadium is being built to attract and host major events, some that will bring more than 100,000 visitors to fill our hotels and restaurants and to shop in our stores," Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority chair Michele Kelm-Helgen said. "Events like the Super Bowl provide national and international exposure to Minnesota as a place to live, work and do business. We hope this will be just one example of the many economic benefits the stadium will provide our great state."
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