Super Bowl Likely to Stay Put

The NFL moved closer Monday to working out an agreement with car dealers that would keep the Super Bowl in New Orleans, and a pact could be finalized as early as today.

“We talked to them [Monday] and gave them a concept that would allow the swap to go forward,” said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who attended the San Francisco-New York Jets game. “They’re supposed to get back to us [today].”

Tagliabue, who Sunday said he was “a little less optimistic” an agreement could be reached, spoke by phone Monday with Phil Brady, president of the National Automobile Dealers Assn., which scheduled its annual convention in New Orleans for the Feb. 3 weekend. The NFL wants to delay the Jan. 27 Super Bowl a week to accommodate a full slate of playoff games.

NADA spokesman David Hyatt said reports that a deal was done Monday were “grossly exaggerated.” Still, he said talks were “very positive” and that significant progress has been made. NADA officials will discuss the proposal via conference call today.

New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial spoke to Tagliabue twice Monday and was encouraged.

“I’m 99% certain that the Super Bowl will stay in New Orleans,” Morial said at a news conference. “There are still details that are to be worked out, but my feeling is very good about this situation.

“In the past 24 hours, our fortunes have turned 180 degrees in the positive,” he said.

So what turned the tide? Clearly, money. The NFL reportedly will pay NADA between $5 million and $10 million to offset the inconvenience of switching dates.

“[Tagliabue] has a greater understanding now of the complexities and financial challenges that NADA faces in switching dates,” Hyatt said. “A much clearer understanding.”

In case the Super Bowl had to be moved, the league considered the Rose Bowl its most attractive alternative site. Miami and Tampa were also being considered. Also, the league was willing to look at Giants Stadium, because the game would bring roughly $300 million to a struggling local economy.