Lesson learned in Super Bowl bid

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Last year the city of Indianapolis made its bid to host the 2011 Super Bowl. Texas Stadium in Dallas was chosen instead, but that defeat actually helped Indy land the game in 2012.

2012 will be a "super" year for Lucas Oil Stadium, the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.

The Circle City has been chosen to host the Super Bowl. It's a big "score."

Super Bowl Host Committee President Allison Melangton was in Lafayette speaking at the Krannert Executive Forum Breakfast on Friday, October 9th. She told the group between 275 and 400 million dollars are generated by local revenue when the game comes to town.

She said Lafayette could get a piece of the action. She also said ever since the pitch was approved, there has not been a dull moment.

"We're workin' 24 hours a day, 7 days a week right now, getting all of our basic plans and budgets in place it's a lot of hard work, but it's a lot of fun work," said Melangton.

Melangton says she and her team learned a lot in defeat. After losing the bid to host the 2011 game, one change, changed things in 2012.

"We pitched to the owners a neighborhood legacy, which would include a practice facility that will be used during the Super Bowl, but then will be given to the public school system and used by community organizations for a long-term legacy for the near eastside of Indianpolis," said Melangton.

The NFC practice facility will be built at Arsenal Technical High School. It is about a 10 minute drive from Lucas Oil, where the Colts play. If the Colts were to make it to the Super Bowl in 2012 they would be the first hometown team to play for a championship in their own stadium.

Melangton said it would be the perfect ending to this long awaited story.

Melangton said she is often asked if she would like the city to host the Super Bowl multiple times, she says she would like the city to take things one year at a time.
 

To find out more about Super Bowl 2012 in Indianapolis click here.