Vikings submit detailed bid for 2018 Super Bowl
The Minnesota Vikings' Super Bowl Bid Committee submitted to the National Football League today their preliminary proposal to host Super Bowl 52 in 2018, the team announced Tuesday.
Minneapolis, Indianapolis and New Orleans are the three finalists for the 2018 Super Bowl.
CBS Minnesota reports the detailed bid is hundreds of pages long and includes plans for event venues, transportation and parking, lodging, security measures and more.
“The effort from the bid committee, as well as from Minnesota’s business and community leadership, has been nothing short of outstanding,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf in a statement released by the Vikings. “NFL owners will greatly enjoy this community’s hospitality, venues and energy. Minnesota will deliver an outstanding Super Bowl in 2018.”
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The committee tabbed more than 180 area hotels to guarantee 19,000 rooms during the Super Bowl. Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington were named as possible host cities for required NFL events during and leading up to the Super Bowl. Here are the full event details, per the release.
Super Bowl Boulevard: An interactive football-themed event will be the hub of social and entertainment activity the week before the game for fans in celebration of the Super Bowl. It will include activities such as concerts and other entertainment experiences, and serve as a magnet to draw visitors, fans and local residents in for a centralized fan experience.
NFL Experience: The NFL’s interactive football theme park, hosting 150,000 fans over two weekends. The Minneapolis Convention Center is a likely venue for this event, which was held in this very venue for the first time during the 1992 Super Bowl held in Minnesota. People who do not have the opportunity to attend the game can attend this event to get a feel for the game and the excitement of the NFL.
NFL Tailgate Party: A pre-game party for up to 10,000 invited NFL guests within walking distance to the stadium.
NFL Honors: A televised event where the NFL salutes its best players and plays. This two-hour primetime special airs nationally and features live performances and player appearances.
NFL House: Exclusive members-only hospitality experience for people such as team owners and sponsors where they can drop in, hold meetings, conduct business functions or other needs during the week.
NFL Friday Night Party: A business party for approximately 1,200-1,400 invited NFL guests at a site that is unique to the region.
NFL On Location Hospitality: The NFL’s official source for business-to-business and fan event experiences, hospitality and travel programs. Visitors with special ticket packages can spend time prior to the game at this event within walking proximity of the stadium.
Media Day: Approximately 1,500 members of the media, 7,000 fans and both teams participate in this media event.
Super Bowl Legacy Grant: The NFL intends to leave a legacy to youth in the Super Bowl host community by donating funds that are matched by the Host Community. The grant(s) are announced during Super Bowl Week.
Last month, NFL Senior Vice President of Events Frank Supovitz and five other league representatives visited the Twin Cities for a guided tour of what Minnesota has to offer. The day included visits to hotels, practice facilities and potential event sites. The tour took them to the Union Depot, Minneapolis Convention Center, the Minneapolis Depot, the Armory and Orchestra Hall, according to the Vikings.
“It’s been a terrific experience,” Supovitz said of his visit. “The hospitality has been tremendous and the venue tours have been exactly what we need to see. You’ve got a great new stadium that is being developed here and is actually under construction. It’s great to see it out of the ground, and there are a lot of great new things in the Twin Cities area that have been wonderful to rediscover while we are here.”
The Vikings will meet with NFL staff later this month to fine tune bid details, with a final bid submitted shortly after. The winner will be announced in May.
