Sports

The Run-Up to Super Bowl 43

by Jordan Yerman | January 31, 2009 at 09:31 am

2147 views | 1 Recommendation | 1 comment

In the run-up to Super Bowl 43, no clear favorite has emerged, so perhaps we'll get a second exciting game in a row, after last year's stellar fourth quarter.

The Chicago Tribune has a roundup of predictions, with everyone calling for a close game. In that pool, the Steelers squeak by, but only just.

As for halftime entertainment: two words: Springsteen and Bruce. No wardrobe malfunctions are predicted.

We've got two words for you: The Boss. Yes, you'll be able to see him at a city near you thanks to a spring tour, but only if you beat the scalpers to the ticket line. Catching him during this Sunday's halftime show guarantees you the best seat in the house (your couch).

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh's diaspora is converging on its hometown to lend moral support to their team.

The day after the Steelers’ Jan. 18 home victory in the American Football Conference championship, he booked a $200 round-trip plane ticket, and asked his boss for Feb. 2 off.

“I didn’t give him the official reason, but he’ll figure it out,” Matthews said.

I'm wondering where this guy found a plane ticket for only two hundred bucks.

This convergence is a major boon to Pittsburgh's economy, especially in times like these.

A convention-sized contingent of 2,500 Steelers fans will spend two nights in local hotels and pump about $2.4 million into the economy, according to the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors bureau. Thousands more will stay with friends and family in and around the city of 312,800.

Phoenix (where I spent most of my grade-school years) isn't rolling out the red carpet quite so much, though.

Phoenix isn’t in Pittsburgh’s league when it comes to hyping the game to potential visitors. The only mention of it on the Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site
was a good luck message to the Cardinals, who play in nearby Glendale, Arizona, and are going to the Super Bowl for the first time.

Enjoy the game (and the parties), and designate a driver/take a cab/walk/whatever, just don't drink and drive.

1 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

LocoMotion Photography©

at 10:53 on January 31st, 2009

This is one of many sets ESPN is using to broadcast during pre-Super Bowl. This set is located behind the Ice Palace (aka St. Pete Time Forum) along the the Garrison Channel.

LocoMotion Photography© has contributed a photo to this story.