by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Tonight at the Osborn Center, the Super Bowl Host Committee will provide an overview of the progress the group has made toward hosting the 2005 game.
“The update will be a somewhat of a review for many people,” said Heather Surface, the committee’s director of communications. “But it will also be a great introduction for a lot of other people. We have 61 subcommittees that we are working with and this will be a great time for everyone to share information.”
The Host Committee’s last full session meeting was in September. Tonight’s update will be its third meeting.
“You can expect to see a nice, large mix of people in the audience,” said Surface. “Business leaders, government leaders and community leaders should be in attendance as well as members of the committees and volunteers.”
Speakers scheduled to appear at the hour-long update include Host Committee CEO and co-chair Tom Petway, co-chair Peter Rummell, President and COO Michael Kelly and Jacksonville Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver.
Weaver is expected to present an overview of the recent “on time” and “within budget” renovations to Alltel Stadium: a private, 700-seat section featuring a panoramic view and full-service dining and a sports bar, located on the main concourse level in the south end zone, which will be open to the public.
According to Surface, Rummell will unveil a “master plan,” outlining the logistics and distribution of individual Super Bowl related events, including the temporary Super Fest area and the NFL Experience, in and around downtown.
“The Super Fest will be located along the Northbank Riverwalk just west of Metro Park,” said Surface. “The NFL Experience will be placed on the Southbank on the 30-acre JEA property.”
Surface said the NFL “was happy with the waterfront location” of the Experience and the fact that it will be conveniently located near the Kings Avenue Parking Garage.
Super celebrations, which will be held outside of downtown, may also be addressed.
Jaguars co-owner Lawrence DuBow, who is serving on the marketing subcommittee, will address fund raising concerns. According to Surface, the Host Committee has already raised in excess of $5 million, more than any other committee. However, she said Jacksonville has many more challenges ahead. The committee has targeted $10 million as its goal.
“We are faced with obstacles that other host cities didn’t have,” said Surface, referencing the cruise ships that will serve as floating hotels. “We’re definitely ahead of the game, but we need to be. We’re lucky to have a much needed head start. We’re in a good spot.”