By Mike Sunnucks | Phoenix Business Journal
Scottsdale has landed a big fish for when the National Football League’s Super Bowl comes to the Valley in 2015.
ESPN has picked Scottsdale to base its weeklong Super Bowl coverage and other events when the big game comes to Arizona and University of Phoenix Stadium.
Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau president and CEO Rachel Sacco said the Bristol, Conn. cable network is planning to base its coverage adjacent to Scottsdale Fashion Square mall.
A parcel that previously housed a Days Inn motel is being redeveloped by Fashion Square owner Macerich. Sacco said today part of that redevelopment will create space to host events.
ESPN has previously landed college football bowl coverage at the nearby Scottsdale Waterfront development. The network based is Super Bowl coverage in 2008 in Scottsdale. That game was also played at UOP Stadium.
The sports network will set up outdoor broadcasts that will showcase views of Camelback Mountain and other Scottsdale desert scenes. It will offer Scottsdale plenty of free publicity on Disney-owned ESPN.
Super Bowl XLIX will be played Feb. 1, 2015 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. It will be the third Super Bowl played in the Phoenix area.
Bowl organizers plan on having events related to the game in Glendale, downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale.
