Set against the backdrop of the Indianapolis skyline – the Colts, city and state leaders announced they’ve notified the NFL of their intent to submit a bid to host Super Bowl LII.
Allison Melangton president of the Indianapolis Sports Corporation, says the wheels were set in motion Friday for a long process to host the Super Bowl in 2018. She says if Indy makes the short list in October, the Super Bowl Bid Committee will work on a written bid, which is due in April.
Besides Indianapolis, local officials expect Tampa, Minneapolis and New Orleans to also bid for 2018 – and possibly a few others – but the list will not be officially released by the NFL. Colts owner Jim Irsay says making that happen won’t be a piece of cake for a cold weather city – but Indianapolis is up to the challenge.
Organizers raised $25 million to attract the 2012 game, which officials say had a direct economic impact of more than $170 million.