Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Governor George E. Pataki today released a letter from NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue indicating that a decision to award New York a Super Bowl could come as early as next spring. The NFL also said it would consider waiving the rule that requires a team to play two seasons in a new stadium before being eligible to host a Super Bowl. As a result, the New York Sports and Convention Center could host a Super Bowl within a year of its 2009 opening.  At today’s owner’s meeting in Florida, Commissioner Tagliabue indicated the proposal to host a Super Bowl in New York “was well received by NFL owners.”

“New York City and the Super Bowl are a natural fit – the world’s most popular sporting event belongs in the ‘World’s Second Home’,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “When the New York Sports and Convention Center is complete, New York will finally have a world-class facility for the country’s top sports events along with the economic activity and jobs that come with them.  This facility, which will have a retractable roof, will be a home for the New York Jets, a central venue for the 2012 Olympic Games if we are fortunate enough to be selected, and an unforgettable location with unparalleled energy and spirit for an incredible Super Bowl, which alone would generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity.”

“This demonstrates the extent to which Convention Corridor will give New York City the opportunity to vie for hundreds of exciting events like the Super Bowl, that in turn will create millions of dollars in economic activity,” said Governor Pataki. “I have no doubt New York City would make a spectacular host for the Super Bowl given that we have so much to offer in terms of hotels, entertainment, restaurants, and with the construction of the Sports and Convention Center - a first-class sports venue.  The Sports and Convention Center is a smart public-private investment in New York’s future. I’m pleased that the NFL – and its 32 owners – shares our enthusiasm for this project.”

The letter from NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue is attached.