Hey, guess who, besides NJ Governor Chris Christie and Daily News columnist Denis Hamill, also wants to make it clear that the 2014 Super Bowl will be held in NJ? Why, the senior Senator of NJ, Frank Lautenberg. He sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last week, first congratulating and thanking the NFL on the decision. Then he got to the point—he doesn't want New York hogging the Super Bowl glory!
I am also writing to ensure that the NFL appropriately describes the site of the game as New Jersey/New York and not simply “New York.” I also urge the league to utilize and promote New Jersey in its marketing and events associated with the Super Bowl. To be sure, the entire New Jersey/New York region has much to offer and will benefit economically from the game. But the reality is that the Super Bowl will be played in New Jersey, and the NFL’s marketing, promotion, and events should reflect that fact.
New Jersey has much to offer the NFL, both on game day and in the days leading up to the Super Bowl. Our state is home to great hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues in culturally diverse communities from Newark to Jersey City to Hoboken. We have scenic locations, such as Liberty State Park on the Hudson River, which could host NFL activities and celebrations. And the location of the Meadowlands provides excellent transportation options to and from the stadium with direct train and bus service, numerous highways, and Newark-Liberty airport.
Christie also said, "This is not a competition between us and New York. What this is, though, is New York is going to have to live with the fact that, when the game comes up, they're going to say, 'Live from East Rutherford, New Jersey.'"
