Washington - Today, New Jersey and New York's U.S. Senators urged the National Football League to approve the bid by the Giants and Jets to host Super Bowl XLVIII at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) was joined by Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in a letter to NFL Commission Roger Goodell, which highlighted the benefits of hosting the nation's biggest annual event in the nation's most populous, exciting and well-known region.

"As someone who lives and works in the New York City/New Jersey area, you are well aware that ours is the greatest region in the world, which would make it a natural fit for the world's greatest sporting spectacle," wrote the senators. "There is no greater stage on the planet than the New York City/New Jersey metropolitan area to showcase the world class athleticism, determination and competition that makes the Super Bowl the preeminent single event in all of sport. New Jersey and New York City are simply unmatched for entertainment and sporting venues. As the nation's most populous metro area with more than 19 million people, and as the nation's top media market, the fanfare of the Super Bowl would be uniquely enhanced by the vibrancy that the region has to offer."

PDF of letter to Commissioner Goodell: http://menendez.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/20100524ltr_SuperBowl.pdf

Text of letter:

May 24, 2010

Mr. Roger S. Goodell
Commissioner
National Football League, Inc.
280 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10017


Dear Commissioner Goodell:

We are writing to wholeheartedly support the bid submitted by the Giants and Jets to host Super Bowl XLVIII. As someone who lives and works in the New York City/New Jersey area, you are well aware that ours is the greatest region in the world, which would make it a natural fit for the world's greatest sporting spectacle.

There is no greater stage on the planet than the New York City/New Jersey metropolitan area to showcase the world class athleticism, determination and competition that makes the Super Bowl the preeminent single event in all of sport. New Jersey and New York City are simply unmatched for entertainment and sporting venues. As the nation's most populous metro area with more than 19 million people, and as the nation's top media market, the fanfare of the Super Bowl would be uniquely enhanced by the vibrancy that the region has to offer. The City of New York is world famous for its arts, entertainment, cultural and culinary venues. The Jets and Giants each have state-of-the-art training facilities in New Jersey, perfect for Super Bowl Week practices that will fully prepare the NFC and AFC Champions for the big game. Liberty State Park on the Hudson River is one of the most picturesque public spaces in the nation - perfect for a pre-game celebration. Northern New Jersey communities - from Newark to Hoboken to Jersey City - are also home to some of the nation's top restaurants and entertainment venues, as well as one of its most culturally diverse populations. It is also worth noting that the New York City metro area is no stranger to other major sporting events, having hosted 7 World Series, 5 Stanley Cup finals, 4 NBA Finals, the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship, and the FIFA World Cup over the last 20 years.

As for the game itself, New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford is a masterpiece, ideally suited for an event of such prestige as the Super Bowl. With the third largest capacity of all NFL venues at 82,500, including 10,005 club seats and 218 luxury suites, the venue will certainly prove to be an exciting experience for players and fans alike. Additionally, New Meadowlands Stadium's access to public transportation will provide unprecedented access and convenience to the big game, as well as surrounding events and entertainment for travelers - whether from across town, across the country or across the ocean.

We understand that the main hesitation regarding a Super Bowl in our region may be the weather. We do not think this is reason alone to forgo the nation's most dynamic area. Football players and fans have proven time and time again that they embrace the elements as part of an exciting football atmosphere. Furthermore, even when warm-weather locations are chosen, there is the risk of bad weather, such as the torrential downpour that occurred during the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami.

The 2014 Super Bowl at New Meadowlands Stadium would surely prove to be a history-making event of unmatched excitement. It would take the game to a whole new level. The fans of New Jersey and New York have shown to be the most enthusiastic and dedicated in the world, and they truly deserve their own opportunity to finally host the entire league and its fans for football's premier event. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of any additional assistance and thank you for your earnest consideration.


Sincerely,

ROBERT MENENDEZ
CHARLES E.SCHUMER
FRANK R. LAUTENBERG
KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND
United States Senators

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