Thread: A Super Bowl In The Elements?

Considering the only way you could ever get me to go in person is with box seats, I couldn't care less.

I suspect Goodell is in the same situation.

I voted "no" because I like games, especially the Super Bowl, to be on even footing. I can accept there being elements in the regular season, after all, it is part of the game. I just don't like THE game to be decided by outside factors. What happens if a team is a passing team and the weather is cold and wet? What happens to a running team if the group is soft and soggy? Elements for regular season and good weather for the Super Bowl.

Originally Posted by fishjoel

I voted "no" because I like games, especially the Super Bowl, to be on even footing. I can accept there being elements in the regular season, after all, it is part of the game. I just don't like THE game to be decided by outside factors. What happens if a team is a passing team and the weather is cold and wet? What happens to a running team if the group is soft and soggy? Elements for regular season and good weather for the Super Bowl.

What if the teams are Green Bay and New England?

Neither is a domed-stadium team, and both are accustomed to playing their game in bad weather, so neither is at a disadvantage...

I voted yes, for a few reasons.

My adopted home town, Indianapolis, is hosting in 2012. Since the stadium has a retractable roof, its not really an outdoor venue, cheating I suppose. The downtown is expanding its indoor skyway type access between areas, a person could be at the hotel, go to the game, have dinner and hit the nighclubs without setting a foot outdoors.

I've been to Lambuau Field for a December Sunday night game againts the Vikings. Walking to the stadium, the temps were about 15 F with a breeze. By the end of the game, it was 5 degrees and still dropping. The trick is to dress appropriately, I was comfy the entire time. Some tips - dress in layers, have a decent coat and boots (cold feet suck). Mittens are much better than gloves. The hand warmers, one in each mitten, one in each boot, helped as well.

Grabber Hand Warmers (40 pair or 6 pair) - Glove / Mitten Warmer Packets

Another piece of advice, keep your unopened beer in an inside pocket - it will freeze.

This was one of the more memorable games I've been to, had a great time. Football is an outdoor sport IMO. The Packers won BTW, certainly an added bonus.

I voted yes. Teams play in all kinds of weather, regardless of where they are from so there's no reason (other than fan base) to not hold the game in a wintry climate.

Originally Posted by Steve

What if the teams are Green Bay and New England?

Neither is a domed-stadium team, and both are accustomed to playing their game in bad weather, so neither is at a disadvantage...

In some match-ups, it would be a wash, but in others it wouldn't. A warm climate team playing in cold weather against a cold climate team. Or, how about high altitudes, like Mile High?

Originally Posted by fishjoel

In some match-ups, it would be a wash, but in others it wouldn't. A warm climate team playing in cold weather against a cold climate team. Or, how about high altitudes, like Mile High?

OK, Mile High it is. Whatever conditions face one team, will face the other as well.

Originally Posted by fishjoel

In some match-ups, it would be a wash, but in others it wouldn't. A warm climate team playing in cold weather against a cold climate team. Or, how about high altitudes, like Mile High?

Sounds good to me. I see no reason that Denver shouldn't host a Super Bowl. Teams from other cities play there, and win there, every year...

It's no problem, as far as I'm aware, in any other sport. It's like saying Moskow can't play at home because they're playing Barcelona.

And I'm very sure that colder climate cities can entertain the fanbase.

Originally Posted by Mrs. M

I voted yes. Teams play in all kinds of weather, regardless of where they are from so there's no reason (other than fan base) to not hold the game in a wintry climate.

Exactly. Your boys had to deal with the coldest home game on record when they played us. Had they not played their 2nd string, they probably could have won, regardless of the cold. You know I had to say it.


wrxsti - I also found that a couple pulls of Southern Comfort helps keep the warmth as well.


To the original question, it isn't a big deal. I've always loved watching snow games, anyway. And as far as how the fans who go to those games will handle it...I'll quote Christmas Vacation "That's all part of the experience, honey."

I have always felt they should play it in all venues, as in rotating the game though every team stadium.

Put a chit in the box with every teams name on it, and start pulling chits and that where it goes for the next 32 years. I think its unfair that just 5-6 cities always get the super bowl. Teams play the reg. season in all environments at some point, very few skate ( pun intended) cold weather climates at some point in the season, its all part of the game.

Anyone remember that Cincy -Charger playoff game in the early 80’s? It was like minus 10 degrees? San Diego had to go there and play for a berth to the super bowl and that’s life.

Originally Posted by Imperator

I have always felt they should play it in all venues, as in rotating the game though every team stadium.

Put a chit in the box with every teams name on it, and start pulling chits and that where it goes for the next 32 years. I think its unfair that just 5-6 cities always get the super bowl. Teams play the reg. season in all environments at some point, very few skate ( pun intended) cold weather climates at some point in the season, its all part of the game.

Anyone remember that Cincy -Charger playoff game in the early 80’s? It was like minus 10 degrees? San Diego had to go there and play for a berth to the super bowl and that’s life.

I was still in the oven. Old man.....

The problem with having the Superbowl where it's out in the elements in a cold climate is that, the game more or less has to be played on the day scheduled.. Let's suppose that the game was in Philly this year. They got 30" of snow there yesterday and the city has ground to a halt. No way could the game be held there today even if the stadium was covered.
I live 40 miles north of Miami. I guess I should be happy that we've gotten the Superbowl more often than anyone else, but the whole thing is a major PITA for locals. I had a job about a half mile from Landshark (Oops they changed the name again, Sun Life Stadium....) yesterday. What a mess! I can only imagine what it's like today.
Another consideration is the people who come to town for the game. Many are here for more than just game day. They make a vacation of it, or are working setting up and breaking down. Suppose you had tickets and planned on making it a week long family vacation. What would you have done with your time yesterday in Philly?