Super Bowl Week
Super Bowl Fever is starting to warm the city as weatherman Al Roker reported dangerous weather conditions across the country affecting 80 million people. Heating bills are off the chart. Changes in work and other schedules are becoming more commonplace - but the fun must go on - energies focused on Sunday - pre and post game. People will be visiting the city for the weekend to party and watch the game either at MetLife stadium in New Jersey or at a local sports bar.
As if getting around wasn't difficult enough in the frigid temperatures, Broadway is closed from 34th St. to 47th street - Super Bowl Boulevard. Crews built a 60-foot toboggan run in Times Square. Starting Wednesday, fans can take a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, kick a field goal and get autographs from former players.
At the end of the day, it's always about money. The economic boom is expected to bring an estimated $600 million to the region, though some experts say that number is a bit too high. Sports economists say the financial impact of the Super Bowl could fall far below those expectations, in part because visitors often spend their cash at NFL-sponsored or corporate events rather than at tourist attractions. Some hotels say Super Bowl bookings are running behind what they hoped for, prompting them to ease demands for minimum stays and room deposits. And academic studies show that at best, past Super Bowls generated tens of millions, not hundreds of millions.
