Hosting an event of the Super Bowl’s magnitude is a singular opportunity for a city to show off its hospitality.
Indianapolis has seized it.
From the very moment that visitors arrive at Indianapolis International Airport, Super Bowl hysteria abounds. Images of the Vince Lombardi Trophy and Super Bowl XLVI logo are everywhere, screened on people movers, splashed on billboards and sold on merchandise at ubiquitous souvenir kiosks.
And that’s just the airport.
In Monument Circle, at the heart of downtown Indianapolis, 30-foot high Roman numerals situated on 10-foot risers welcome guests to Super Bowl City. Passersby, both local and from afar, stop to have photos taken in front of the giant structure, one that symbolizes the enormity of the National Football League’s showcase event. The Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monuments, lone inhabitants of this location since 1901, are taking a back seat to the NFL’s revelry until Monday, at least.
Two blocks from Monument Circle is Super Bowl Village, branded by the league as the “Epicenter of Awesome.” The three-block, closed off section of Georgia St. traversed primarily by city workers during the daytime hours, transforms into a well-orchestrated entertainment hub at night. Zip line rides, ice sculptures, concerts (one featuring the Village People, of course), the “NFL Experience” interactive theme park and makeshift party tents line streets that have undergone temporarily name changes in representation of the league’s 32 franchises . There’s even a smartphone app to help people get around.
“Our Host Committee has dedicated countless hours over the last three years ensuring that Super Bowl XLVI is a memorable occasion,” writes Indianapolis Mayor Gregory A. Ballard in the Super Bowl XLVI visitor’s guide.
Hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe began descending upon Indy for Super Bowl festivities last week. They have, and will be, met by over 8,000 trained greeters occupying the busiest corners and hotels. Armed with identifying hand-knit scarves, maps and a smile, these ambassadors are happy to steer out-of-towners in the right direction.
Even inside the media workroom at the J.W. Marriott downtown, the committee’s attention to detail is impressive. There, elementary-age children have left hand-crafted table tents informing visitors of what they love most about Indiana. Ethan, a 10-year-old from Monticello, is impressed by the Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium, while Chloe, 8, from Carmel, is a fan of the Children’s Museum.
The Patriots and Giants landed in Indianapolis on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Both teams went out to dinner their first nights in town. New York receiver Hakeem Nicks called the steak at the city’s famed St. Elmo’s Steakhouse “delicious.”
New England’s Sergio Brown summed up his time in the Circle City so far in a broader sense.
“It’s Super Bowl weekend,” Brown began, “and they’re treating us like it’s Super Bowl weekend.”
