By Corina Vanek || Arizona Republic
A lawsuit has been filed against the city of Phoenix, claiming that restrictions that have come along with hosting the Super Bowl have infringed on the right to free speech.
The suit, filed Monday in Maricopa County Superior Court, alleges that the blanket restrictions that were put in place ahead of the Super Bowl infringe on property and business owners’ constitutional rights.
The city of Phoenix, like other cities that have hosted the Super Bowl, passed an ordinance to enforce a “clean zone” in downtown. Rules for the clean zone include requiring prior approval from the city of Phoenix and the Super Bowl Host Committee for any temporary signage posted in the three weeks before and one week after the game.
Phoenix will host many of the largest events leading up to the game, including the Super Bowl Music Fest at the Footprint Center, Super Bowl Experience at both Hance Park and the Phoenix Convention Center, and the official watch party at Hance Park. The events are expected to draw more than 1.5 million people to downtown Phoenix.
The window to submit a sign for approval has already passed, but a city of Phoenix spokesman said Thursday that every sign application that has been submitted to the Host Committee has been approved.
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