Michael Bidwell reported through the Arizona Republic that they (Bidwells and AZ Cardinals) were dedicated to luring a string of Super Bowls, not just Super Bowl XLII, February 3, 2008 in Glendale AZ at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

Cardinals dedicated to luring a string of exciting Super Bowls

Michael Bidwill
Arizona Cardinals Football Club President
Aug. 12, 2007 12:00 AM
As we prepare for the 2008 Super Bowl, the excitement in the air is truly exhilarating. The goal of the Arizona Cardinals is to have the Super Bowl played in Glendale as often as possible because it was an important part of winning public support for building University of Phoenix Stadium. We need to do everything we can to keep our commitment to the voters.

I have been fortunate enough to actually sit in the NFL meeting room when cities are presenting their Super Bowl bids. From my perspective, four things are critically important in winning multiple Super Bowls.

First, we must deliver a great Super Bowl experience in 2008. Today, the Arizona Super Bowl Committee is preparing to do just that. Committee Chairman Mike Kennedy and his dedicated team are doing a tremendous job and will be ready for Super Bowl XLII.

Second, we need the entire Arizona community to be behind our future Super Bowl bids. We continue to enjoy great support from Gov. Janet Napolitano, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, legislative leaders Jim Weiers and Tim Bee, Arizona Tourism Director Margie Emmermann and countless civic and business leaders.

I am particularly pleased that we have tremendous support from Hispanic, African-American and other minority communities who are involved in the Super Bowl Host Committee’s Minority and Women Owned Business Program, as well as outstanding support from Native American communities like the Fort McDowell and Gila River Indian Communities, which are sponsoring the Host Committee. We need these leaders and a new generation of leaders to be supportive of our efforts.

Third, we need the tourism infrastructure in place for a world-class event. We have everything the NFL is looking for in a host community, and must ensure that the Arizona tourism industry continues to be a partner in our bidding process.

And, finally, we must honor our agreements. Earlier this year, this became a big concern. We have an outstanding venue for the game in University of Phoenix Stadium. But Ted Ferris, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority executive director, in two separate matters, was accused of attempting to change deal terms with the Super Bowl Host Committee and the NFL.

Twice, Napolitano and her staff intervened with the authority to ensure that it lived up to its agreements. Due to the competent leadership by the authority’s board and its past chairman, Larry Landry, and current chairman, Debbie Johnson, these issues fortunately were resolved. Other cities have had similar issues that negatively affected prospects of returning Super Bowls. Arizona must always put its best foot forward and never have anyone attempt to backslide on our community’s commitments.

We have a great opportunity to host multiple Super Bowls during the life of University of Phoenix Stadium. We live in a wonderful community unified for success. We must make every effort to be the best possible partner for the National Football League.

Michael Bidwill is president of the Arizona Cardinals football club.

Original post by azsuperbowlblogger

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