As a resident of the greater NYC megalopolis, you can
imagine that this week has brought more than its share of hype.
With Super Bowl XLVIII just days away, I’ve watched as New York City
closed off a 13-block section of Broadway, temporarily renaming it “Super Bowl
Boulevard” in preparation for the big game. And in what I would consider an over
the top promotion – even for a Super Bowl – the city has installed a 60-foot
toboggan run.
The game and its week-long ancillary events, according to
global audit firm PwC, is projected to bring more than $200 million into the
coffers of merchants in New York and neighboring New Jersey, where the game
will actually be played. And for those who may have missed the 1,000 or so
times it’s been reported in the paper, it will be the first outdoor cold
weather Super Bowl.
Although those people who attended – and shivered – at Super
Bowl IV in New Orleans back in January of 1970 would probably disagree with
that statement.
The media coverage has been so protracted, that the NFL
Network actually interrupted its regularly scheduled program in order to cover
the Denver Broncos’ plane arriving at Newark International Airport. One
financial publication even projected what Denver quarterback Peyton Manning
will owe the state of New Jersey in taxes – whether he earns the winner’s share
of $92K or the loser’s purse of $46K because of the aptly named “jock tax.”
Tickets I understand were resold for prices that under
traditional circumstances could be used to fund a newer model used car, while
the luxury boxes at Met Life Stadium were going for $1 million – and no, that’s
not a misprint.
But since I’m not willing – not to mention not having – a
spare $1 million lying around – I’m content to watch it from the warmth and
comfort of Chez Carlino. There are to be sure, unforgettable benefits of
attending a big sporting event. However, sitting in hours of crawling traffic
on the NJ Turnpike to get to a freezing stadium for the privilege of paying $15
for a beer, $10 for a hot dog and $50 for parking are not chief among them.
There’s a reason there are 50-inch flat-screen TVs. And
it’s no surprise that Super Bowl weekend always sees a tremendous spike in TV
sales.
And you don’t have to worry about parking.
Broncos – 34-27.
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