The Super Bowl Host Committee served as the city’s ambassadors for incoming Super Bowl fans, players and media. In an effort to showcase Hoosier hospitality, they designated and ran 20 Super Celebration sites around Indianapolis. They also managed local resources such as city services, event venues, accommodations and thousands of volunteers. Their efforts were enjoyed by more than 1.1 million visitors to Super Bowl Village and more than 265,000 visitors to the NFL experience in downtown Indianapolis. “I am very glad that the General Assembly is taking the time to honor all the hard work done by the Super Bowl Host Committee,” said Rep. Heaton. “Indiana had its chance to be in the national spotlight, and I believe it did many positive things for our state.” In addition to hosting Super Bowl events, the committee tackled several long-lasting community projects. Prior to being awarded Super Bowl XLVI, Indianapolis showcased the Near Eastside Legacy Project, which consisted of residents who were hard at work transforming their declining eastside community in an effort to be a model for neighborhood revitalization across the city. In 2008, when the NFL announced that Indianapolis had won its bid, they praised the city's enthusiasm for the project as a big reason. Following this, the committee helped manage the project, which raised more than $154 million through public and private partners. The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee also partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center ("Komen Tissue Bank") to develop Indy's Super Cure. Indy's Super Cure initiative capitalizes on Indianapolis' robust health and life sciences resources to propel the search for a cure. Finally, the Host Committee partnered with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Inc. and the John H. Boner Community Center to plant 2,876 trees in the community – exceeding the city’s 2012 arborous goals. “I feel a great amount of pride in our state’s ability to showcase that Hoosier hospitality that brought us an positive feedback from all over the country,” said Rep. Heaton. “Indiana had its chance to shine, and we delivered. I believe the positive repercussions we received from hosting such a monumental event will be seen in the years to come.” Led by Chairman Mark Miles and CEO Allison Melangton, the Super Bowl Host Committee consisted of 35 staff members, 150 volunteer co-chairs and over 8,000 volunteers. During today’s legislative session, the committee’s accomplishments were recognized with a standing ovation from all legislators, staff and members of the public that were present. -30- Rep. Bob Heaton represents District 46 which includes parts of Owen, Clay, Monroe and Vigo Counties. Rep. Heaton serves as Vice Chair of the Financial Institutions Committee. He is also a member of the Government and Regulatory Reform, Insurance and Natural Resources Committees. |
