Super Bowl Impact Discussed at Chamber Luncheon

By BOBBIE GREEN

The Progress

The Mesquite Chamber of Commerce held its monthly luncheon poolside last week at the Casablanca Resort.

Chamber President/CEO Carol Kolson introduced the featured speaker Tom Donohue, CFO of the Las Vegas Super Bowl Committee. The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas will be hosting the 2024 NFL Superbowl in February of next year. And attendees were eager to hear about the plans and the possible economic benefits to the region brought by this world-class event.
At the luncheon, Kolson and Donohue took seats in front of the podium for a Q & A session with Kolson asking the questions.

Donohue grew up in Las Vegas doing many different jobs at the casinos and around the entertainment business. He owned an accounting business with Si Redd was one of his clients.
Donohue said that he has been to Mesquite a few times and is always amazed at the changes.

Donohue explained that, a few years ago, he decided to get out of the accounting business and join with the sports & entertainment movement in Las Vegas.
“About a year ago when the LVCVA, my former accounting clients, asked if I would be interested in joining the Super Bowl Committee, I said: ‘Let me get this straight, you’re asking me if I would be interested to help bring the first Super Bowl to be played in Las Vegas, OF COURSE I am interested!’” Donohue said.

Kolson kept reminding the members of the impact the Super Bowl will have on the entire region, from traffic problem to sold out hotel rooms and more commerce for local businesses.

Donohue talked about the process of Las Vegas being selected as the host city for the Super Bowl even in 2024. He explained that after an intense vetting process, the awarded host city must form a non-profit host committee entity. This committee must execute all the promises made by city to get the super Bowl NFL award. The committee functions as the liaison between the NFL and the city.

Donohue explained how Las Vegas arrived at being the host for the famed Super Bowl 2024. Normally the city that is chosen has three years to prepare. New Orleans was chosen for 2024, but then it was discovered that the game fell at the same time as Mardi Gras. The city could not handle two major events at the same time.

Las Vegas had also applied and Donohue said the new Allegiant Stadium played a big part. However, the late decision gave the Las Vegas Super Bowl committee only 18-months to prepare. Even so, Donohue said that he is confident they will do a great job.

The most arduous job will be on the transportation subcommittee, Donohue added. The logistics of getting people to and from the venue; not just in Las Vegas but also from all the surrounding areas, like Mesquite is a formidable undertaking, he said.

The committee has a conservative estimate of $500 million dollars total economic impact from the Super Bowl. The committee has a $55 million budget to work with to get ready.

Donohue hopes Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium will get on a rotating list of hosts for the Super Bowl in future years.