Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Indianapolis was awarded the 2012 Super Bowl today at the NFL’s Spring Meeting in Atlanta. Indy was a runner-up last year to Dallas, but today beat out Houston and Arizona for the February 5, 2012 game at brand new Lucas Oil Stadium which opens for business this August. I couldn’t be happier. As I said yesterday, Indianapolis is not only a great sports town, it’s a great town period. Indy is one of my favorite cities and will undoubtedly be a great host. If the NFL Scouting Combine stays put, that’ll be two trips to Indianapolis in February 2012. I can’t wait. By the way, Arizona finished second.

Source: NFL Media, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Indianapolis Awarded Super Bowl XLVI

Another item that might be discussed (but which isn’t on the official agenda) is the state of the current collective bargaining agreement. The owners may opt out. If they do so, it would set in motion changes to the salary cap and the way players and owners share revenue. This could lead to a work stoppage in 2011. Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney thinks it’s highly unlikely:

“I doubt that there would be a work stoppage but that remains to be seen. We have to see how things go. The players sure don’t want a work stoppage. They’ll make you open the season.”

I’m not as optimistic as Mr. Rooney, but I’ll take his word for it because he’s been around longer than yours truly and he knows a lot more about the business workings of the National Football League than I do. I’ll put a wrap on the outcome of these meetings in one of my posts tomorrow.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Spring Meeting Preview

A couple days ago, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced that his city will bid for the 2012 Super Bowl, its second effort to host the NFL’s biggest event. Political and civic leaders said this year’s bid would emphasize many of the same attributes as last year’s bid, including the city’s new retractable-roof Lucas Oil Stadium and its experience hosting major sporting events such as the Indianapolis 500. But officials declined to comment further on what would make this year’s bid more attractive, saying they didn’t want to give other cities a competitive advantage.

I’m right across the street from the new $700 million Lucas Oil Stadium. It’s been exciting to see this state-of-the-art building being built and we’re mere months away (it officially opens in August) from seeing a football game in this place. I will be sad to see the old RCA Dome demolished, though. Beginning this Spring, it’s going to take about six months to completely tear this place down. I have fond memories of the RCA Dome, but such is progress in the NFL. For amazing daily construction cam images of Lucas Oil Stadium, check out lucasoilstadium.oxblue.com.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Indianapolis Will Bid for 2012 Super Bowl, Lucas Oil Stadium Nearing Completion