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NFL Commissioner: Economy Won't Spoil Super Bowl

News Channel 8 photo by PAUL LAMISON

"We’re really excited, and I’m confident we’ll have a great event,” Goodell said.

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 20, 2009

Updated: 01/21/2009 12:41 am

GLENDALE, Ariz. - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the nation's harsh economic climate won't put a damper on Super Bowl festivities in the Tampa Bay area, suggesting the Feb. 1 matchup between the Steelers and the Cardinals will serve as a three-hour breather.

Goodell attended Sunday's NFC Championship Game at University of Phoenix Stadium, where the Cardinals frittered away an 18-point halftime lead before rallying to beat the Eagles 32-25.

Arizona advanced to face the AFC champion Steelers at Raymond James Stadium, the fourth Super Bowl played in Tampa in the past 25 years.

"We're really excited, and I'm confident we'll have a great event," Goodell said. "The Super Bowl is the one time everyone wants to get away from their daily troubles and we all come together. It's a unifying event."

"For a few hours on Super Bowl Sunday, we all forget about our problems. There will be thousands of people coming into the Bay area, spending money. Will they spend as much as they would have a year ago? Maybe not, but this event will still have a significant economic impact on the community."

While Pittsburgh fans are no strangers to the NFL's marquee game, the Cardinals are making their first Super Bowl appearance.

"You may see some people who decide not to stay in a hotel this year and use a Winnebago instead," Goodell said. "Some people may decide to stay with friends, but they're coming. The Tampa Bay area will be the focus of the world. This is our big event and we're not looking to curtail things. I don't think our fans will notice any change from past Super Bowls."

Goodell mentioned Saturday's hiring of Raheem Morris as coach of the Buccaneers in applauding the league's recent trend toward younger coaches.

"It's one of the things we stress," he said. "When you have a vacancy, whether it be head coach or general manager, go through a process, because there's a lot of qualified people out there you may not initially be aware of."

Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt and Mike Tomlin of Pittsburgh, both former coordinators, are completing their second seasons on the sideline. Atlanta's Mike Smith just edged fellow rookie Tony Sparano of Miami for Coach of the Year honors.

"Our first-year coaches did an extraordinary job this season," Goodell said. "I had heard a lot about Raheem Morris before the Bucs named him their new coach this weekend. I know for a fact [owner] Pat Bowlen came away very impressed when Raheem interviewed for the Denver job. Pat couldn't say enough good things about Raheem Morris."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833.

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