Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee kicks off the countdown to the big game next year

PHOENIX — In just a few weeks, football fans around the country will tune in to watch the Super Bowl in Inglewood, California. And next year, the big game will be held in Glendale.

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee on Monday kicked off their countdown to the 2023 Super Bowl, with an emphasis on the economic opportunities the event brings.

“Not only will our Arizona Cardinals have a real shot to play at home next year, but we’re going to be able to put our state on full display,” Gov. Doug Ducey said at the kickoff event held in Phoenix. “We have a lot to show off.”

The Super Bowl has historically been a big moneymaker for the state.

In 2008, the game had an economic impact of more than $500 million. That number jumped to more than $700 million in 2015, the last time the Super Bowl was hosted in Arizona.

“I think we can break [that record] again next year,” Ducey said.

A massive event needs a fitting stage, and Cardinals owner and president Michael Bidwill said State Farm Stadium has received many upgrades in the past few years.

“The number is approaching $150 million that we will have invested into the stadium and the property around it,” Bidwill said, adding that State Farm Stadium is “the best site of a Super Bowl in the United States.”

Bidwill also elaborated on State Farm Stadium’s role in the overall state economy.

“We’ve used the stadium and the Super Bowl… as part of our playbook for economic development,” he said. “$5 billion economic impact… around our tourism industry, as well as being able to tell our story [here in Arizona].”

Both Bidwill and Ducey were optimistic about the Cardinals’ chances next season.

It was also announced Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald will be the executive chairman of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.

“Not necessarily on the field, but it’s as close as we could get him,” Bidwill joked.

Super Bowl LVII is scheduled for Feb. 12, 2023.