NFL - SB 2009
Super Bowl Info
NFL Odds
Super Bowl 2009 Facts
Host selection process
The league contemplated the idea of holding Super Bowl XLII in either New York City or Washington, D.C. as a symbol of the recovery from the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, New York City was not even considered as a finalist for the following two reasons:
When NFL owners awarded Super Bowl XLII to Glendale during their October 30, 2003 meeting in Chicago, Illinois, they rejected Washington because they preferred a warmer climate.
During a February 6, 2007 ceremony with Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the NFL and the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee unveiled the slogan "Who Wants It More?" along with its mascot "Spike the Super Ball" (an anthropomorphized football with sunglasses and sneakers) and a large "Super Bowl XLII Countdown Clock" at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Super Bowl XLII logo was also unveiled, featuring the shape of the state of Arizona in red. The two horizontal white stripes in the middle represent the vertical lines on the University of Phoenix Stadium. The turquoise Roman Numerals represent the Native American culture of Arizona. The red star represents the AFC and the blue star represents the NFC.
Television
The game will be televised on FOX, and will most likely be called by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. The pre-game will be handled by the FOX NFL Sunday pregame show team led by Curt Menefee. Had the plans for the 2006 pre-game been used, Buck would have become the first announcer to simultaneously be the pre-game show host and play by play announcer for one Super Bowl game. The other four that have done that (though not in the same game) are Al Michaels, Greg Gumbel, Jim Nantz and Dick Enberg.
Venue
This will be the second Super Bowl played in a retractable-roof stadium. During the regular season, the home team decides 90 minutes before kickoff if the roof would be open or closed, and an open roof must remain open unless weather conditions get worse. However, as a neutral site, the NFL controls the option to open or close without any restrictions. The first time this was employed in Super Bowl XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium; the roof was open for pregame and halftime shows and closed during the game.
This will be the first time a Super Bowl is played on a retractable natural-grass field surface, as the University of Phoenix Stadium removable surface is unique for American sports venues.
Entertainment
According to the entertainment publication Variety, as of February 2007, the NFL is developing a wish list for the halftime performer(s). Bruce Springsteen and Norah Jones are reported as potential targets.
2009 Super Bowl News
San Diego inks CB Strickland
San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers announced the signing of free agent cornerback Donald Strickland to a two-year contract on... Full Story...
