The Vikings and Governor Mark Dayton announced a bid Monday to host Super Bowl 52 in 2018 at the new Vikings’ stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2016.
“The Super Bowl is the most watched annual event in the world. In addition to game attendees, it brings over 100,000 people to the host community for a weeklong celebration,” Governor Dayton said in a statement. “Hosting the Super Bowl would bring enormous economic benefits to many Minnesota businesses, as well as provide a terrific opportunity to again showcase Minnesota to the world.”
Dayton referred to Minnesota’s pursuit of the 2018 Super Bowl as an “organized campaign.” Doug Baker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ecolab, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Carlson, and Richard Davis, Chairman/President/Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Bancorp are co-chairing the effort.
“It’s our time. It’s our moment, and we’re ready,” Davis said at the announcement, according to the Star Tribune.
The NFL announced in October that Minnesota was one of three finalists, along with Indianapolis and New Orleans, to host the game. The winner will be announced in May. The Super Bowl in Indianapolis in 2012 had an economic impact of approximately $326 million for the city, according to the Indy Star.
Dayton believes the economic impact could be much greater in Minnesota. How much more?
“Close to half a billion dollars of money coming in from visitors all over the country, all over the world,” Dayton said, via Minnesota Public Radio.
Fans can keep tabs on the campaign by visiting Minneapolis.org.
Minnesota has hosted the Super Bowl once before. It was at the Metrodome in 1992, as the Washington Redskins beat the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl 26.
Gov. Dayton announces steering committee & co-chairs for bringing 2018 Super Bowl to Minnesota. Bid due Apr. 1. pic.twitter.com/yzoZs4CSdA
— Jeff Anderson (@andersonj) January 27, 2014
