Rose Bowl Might Get a Super Bowl Before Year 2000
Even if the Seahawks do not move to Southern California, Pasadena might be awarded another Super Bowl as early as 1999, NFL officials said Tuesday.
Because of a united effort by Pasadena officials and the Los Angeles’ Sports and Entertainment Commission, the league considers the Rose Bowl and Miami’s Joe Robbie Stadium the top candidates to substitute for San Francisco’s Candlestick Park for the 1999 Super Bowl.
San Francisco officials are expected to ask the league to postpone their game several years until a new stadium is built.
If Miami were awarded the game in 1999, then Pasadena would be the leading candidate for the 2000 game, and vice versa.
The league could ask the Southern California group to submit a bid for 1999 as early as next month. Officials from Los Angeles and Pasadena agreed to work together after the league said the Coliseum was not acceptable.
“When it comes to moving a Super Bowl quickly, Los Angeles and Miami are the two places which come to mind, because of their easily available hotel space,” said Jim Steeg, the NFL’s executive director of special events. “The Los Angeles and Pasadena people have really come together strong this time. And don’t underestimate the power of the Rose Bowl’s 100,000 seats. Owners love those seats.”
Chris Holden, Pasadena’s vice mayor and one of several city officials attending the owners’ meetings here, said the Rose Bowl, scheduled for $22.5 million in renovation, would be ready when the league calls.
“We’re good at getting our act together quick,” he said.
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