The Importance of Keeping the Super Bowl in the United States

The Super Bowl, the pinnacle of American football, is an event that captures the hearts and minds of millions of fans across the United States. It’s a celebration of the sport, a showcase of talent, and a time for families and friends to come together. Recently, there has been some discussion about the possibility of staging the Super Bowl in London, but in this article, we will explore why it’s crucial for this iconic event to stay firmly rooted in the United States.

The American Tradition

The Super Bowl is not just a football game; it’s an American tradition. From the pre-game festivities to the halftime show, it’s a reflection of the culture and values that make the United States unique. The event carries a deep sense of patriotism, with the national anthem, military flyovers, and tributes to American heroes. Moving it to London would dilute this sense of national pride and identity that is so intrinsic to the Super Bowl.

Economic Impact

Hosting the Super Bowl is not just a matter of national pride; it’s a massive economic opportunity for the host city. The economic impact of the Super Bowl is staggering, with the potential to inject billions of dollars into the local economy. For example, the 2015 Super Bowl brought an estimated $1.3 billion to Arizona. This economic windfall extends to businesses, hotels, restaurants, and countless others who benefit from the influx of fans and tourists.

While not every NFL city can host the Super Bowl due to logistical constraints, there are at least 15 cities in the United States that have the infrastructure to do so. These cities eagerly anticipate the chance to host the event and reap the economic rewards. Taking the Super Bowl to London would deprive American cities of this opportunity and the much-needed economic boost.

Supporting Local Communities

The NFL, with its 32 franchises, is deeply woven into the fabric of American communities. The Super Bowl is a way for the league to give back to the cities, states, fans, and taxpayers who have supported its growth over the years. Many cities have invested in billion-dollar stadiums to keep their NFL teams competitive. Allowing these cities to host the Super Bowl is a way to offset the costs associated with maintaining an NFL franchise.

Shifting the Super Bowl to London in the pursuit of new fans would be a disservice to the loyal American fan base. The passion of NFL fans extends well beyond the glitz and glamour of celebrity parties and corporate events. It’s the everyday fans who fill the stadiums, wear their team colors with pride, and invest in their favorite sport. They deserve to see the Super Bowl in their own cities.

Spreading Economic Benefits

One of the unique aspects of the Super Bowl is that its economic impact spreads far and wide. It’s not just the major hotels and convention centers that benefit; it’s also the local businesses and workers. From Uber drivers to bartenders and homeowners renting out their properties on Airbnb, the Super Bowl creates economic opportunities for people from all walks of life.

This economic ripple effect is particularly important in the current landscape of the NFL. Being a fan is not getting any cheaper, as watching NFL games often requires subscriptions to streaming services and cable providers. Almost every American, whether a football fan or not, contributes to the NFL’s revenue in some way. It’s only fair that they get a chance to host the Super Bowl in return.

The Impact of the International Series

The NFL’s International Series, which began in 2007 with a single game in London, has expanded to include five games played outside of the United States. While global expansion is a commendable goal, it should not come at the expense of American cities. The NFL is now looking at countries like Spain and Brazil to host games in addition to England, Mexico, and Germany. However, it should not lose sight of the fact that it has an obligation to support its core American fan base.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Dilemma

The case of the Jacksonville Jaguars serves as an example of the challenges posed by the International Series. The team plays annual games in London, which has contributed to lukewarm public support in Jacksonville. The potential of a permanent franchise move to England only adds to the uncertainty and apprehension among American fans.

The NFL is well aware of the delicate balance between global growth and local support. In 2015, it started moving the NFL Draft to different cities, offering a boost to less-preferred league destinations. Yet, the Super Bowl remains the most significant prize in terms of economic impact.

The Final Word

In conclusion, the Super Bowl is an American tradition, a massive economic opportunity for American cities, and a way for the NFL to give back to the communities that have supported its growth. It represents the passion and dedication of American football fans from coast to coast. While international expansion is essential, the Super Bowl should remain firmly in the United States, where it rightfully belongs.

It’s a celebration of American culture, a testament to the economic impact of the sport, and a way to support local communities. The Super Bowl should continue to be a source of pride for NFL cities and fans across the United States.