SUMMARY
- Las Vegas was selected to be the host city for Super Bowl VIII.
- There are several factors that go into consideration while selecting the host city for the Super Bowl.
The much-anticipated Super Bowl LVIII recently concluded at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime in what was a nail-biting encounter. It was also the first time that Las Vegas hosted the Super Bowl final in NFL history. However, let’s take a look at how Las Vegas was selected to be the host city for the biggest football event of the year.
There are several factors that go into consideration while selecting the host city for the Super Bowl. One of the primary factors is the weather in the city. With the Super Bowl being hosted usually during February, the cities that comparatively have a higher temperature are usually selected. Therefore, Alaska has been practically ruled out of ever being selected.
THE @CHIEFS ARE SUPER BOWL LVIII CHAMPIONS! #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/yqZUPrlcD1
— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024
The warmer regions in the United States of America, like Miami or America, usually get the nod. Miami has also been the host city a record 11 times. Six of them have been played at Hard Rock Stadium, while the remaining were hosted at the now-demolished Orange Bowl. New Orleans comes in second on the list of 10 Super Bowls, while the Greater Los Angeles Area has been the host on eight occasions.
While the weather remains an issue, there is also a lengthy bidding process that decides the host city. While the previous model of bidding was much more complex and lengthy, a new model of bidding was introduced in 2018. Now, the NFL itself asks the chosen city to put together a proposal. However, the owners do have the option to either accept or deny it.
A look at the conditions required by the city to host the Super Bowl
Besides the aforementioned factors, the host cities also need to fulfill a list of set conditions. Firstly, the host city must have its own NFL team and have the required stadium capacity. Therefore, this rules out the possibility of the Super Bowl being hosted in any of the iconic stadiums outside the United States. The host city’s stadium should also have a capacity of a minimum of 70,000 fixed seats during regular season operations.
While the stadiums do have the option of installing additional seats for the championship game, it must be approved by the NFL. Moreover, the temperature of the stadium that is below 50 °F (10 °C) must have a roof or a waiver. There must also be a minimum of 35,000 parking spaces at the stadium. In addition to this, the host stadium must also have ample space for the Gameday Experience.
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Alongside the Gameday Experience, the stadium must have space for the NFL experience, which is an interactive theme park. The theme park is in operation a week before the Super Bowl kicks off. The NFL experience requires an indoor venue with a capacity of 850,000 square feet (79,000 m2), and an outdoor venue must have a minimum of 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m2).
There should also be an allotted space for the media, and there must be a minimum number of hotel accommodations within one hour’s drive of the stadium. There also needs to be a minimum number of hotels for the teams, media staff, and other dignitaries. Lastly, both teams should have equal practice space within a 20-minute drive of the stadium.
Where will the Super Bowl LIX be hosted?
Meanwhile, NFL fans are already looking forward to Super Bowl LIX. The Chiefs would be setting their sights on trying to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. However, to accomplish such a herculean task, the Chiefs first need to reach the Caesars Superdome, the location for Super Bowl LIX.
The Super Bowl LIX will be held in New Orleans on February 9, 2025. New Orleans will host their 11th Super Bowl and tie Miami’s record. According to reports, New Orleans was selected as the initial host for this year’s championship game. However, Las Vegas was later selected due to the dates conflicting with Mardi Gras. Lastly, the Superdome will also host the Super Bowl for a record-extending eighth time.