Mayor: Pro Bowl could have long-term benefits for Glendale
Apr 9, 2014, 2:52 PM | Updated: 2:52 pm
PHOENIX — The mayor of Glendale, Ariz. said the National Football League’s decision to bring the 2015 Pro Bowl to the Valley could have a beneficial long-term impact on his city.
“We have huge opportunities for new businesses coming here,” Mayor Jerry Weiers told News/Talk 92.3 KTAR’s Rob & Karie on Wednesday. “Long-term effects, I think it’s a huge benefit for my city and all of Arizona.”
Glendale was hit hard during the economic collapse and has struggled during the recession. Weiers feels the key to economic recovery is getting more people to visit rather than raise taxes on residents.
“We want to showcase our city and the Valley and make certain that when people see it on TV up in northern states and around the world, they want to come to our Arizona and maybe start businesses here,” he said.
Weiers hopes that people choose to stay in the Valley during the week between the Pro and Super bowls.
Weiers did say short-term city spending on things like public safety could be a drain, but a bill working through the Arizona Legislature would see Glendale reimbursed 50 percent of what it spends on hosting the two big games.
