Unprecedented times: Super Bowl plus legalized sports betting could equal good fortune for Arizona

PHOENIX – The Super Bowl is widely known in the sports world as a “gamblers’ dream.” However, this year’s Super Bowl is in Arizona, the first state with legalized betting to host the big game. How does this directly impact Arizona and its economy?

BetMGM opened a sportsbook at State Farm Stadium in September, the first one to open in an NFL stadium. The venue, which brought in $2 million in revenue in October, expects record numbers for the upcoming Super Bowl. (File photo by Austin Ford/Cronkite News)

Super Bowl brings traffic headaches. Here’s what you need to know.

PHOENIX — There is an expected increase of traffic coming with Super Bowl events across the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Glendale area. Arizona traffic departments have advice to navigate traffic and road closures.

The Arizona Department of Transportation expects traffic to be thick in downtown Phoenix because of events at the Phoenix Convention Center, Footprint Center and Margaret T. Hance Park. Cars wait at a stoplight on 1st and Monroe streets in Phoenix on Feb. 2, 2023. (Photo by Logan Camden/Cronkite News)

Court says law limiting signs near Super Bowl events violates free speech

WASHINGTON - A Phoenix ordinance that let the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee accept or reject signs around the "NFL Experience" zone downtown is an unconstitutional infringement of free speech rights, a Maricopa Superior Court judge ruled Thursday.


Hospitality, tourism and sports industries come together before the Super Bowl to fight human trafficking

PHOENIX – Up to 150,000 people are expected to visit the Valley for Super Bowl LVII, and It’s a Penalty is using the exposure to bring awareness to human trafficking and convene the hospitality, tourism and sports industries to raise awareness and continue the fight against trafficking.

Collette V. Smith, who was the first Black woman to coach in the NFL, and Arizona Cardinals player Jesse Luketa speak as part of a panel at the It’s a Penalty event in Phoenix Jan. 25, 2023. (Photo by Paula Soria/Cronkite News)

Super Bowl deals: Affordable events to attend leading up to the big game

PHOENIX – As the average ticket cost for the 2023 Super Bowl reaches $5,000, here are events fans on a budget can attend during the week leading up to the big game.

The Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe's will invite attendees to participate in the "ultimate NFL experience." For $20, fans can kick a field goal and run the 40-yard dash, among other interactive activities, ahead of the big game. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Field of work: State Farm Stadium undergoes final preparations for Super Bowl Sunday

GLENDALE – With the Super Bowl just weeks away, the preparation for the playing surface is in full swing as the grounds crew works around the clock to ensure that the field will look good to the eyes and keep players healthy.

On Super Bowl Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will meet on a playing field made of locally grown, natural grass at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Super Bowl 57: The teams are set, and so are betting lines, ticket prices

PHOENIX – With opponents revealed, Super Bowl LVII will feature many firsts, including the first NFL title game in history with two Black starting quarterbacks.

State Farm Stadium is getting dressed up for Super Bowl LVII, which will feature a meeting between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. The popular matchup is expected to send ticket prices soaring. (Photo by Dylan Nichols/Cronkite News)

Superb Bowl Sundays: Arizona has knack for delivering the goods in big game

PHOENIX – Those who have taken part in three previous Super Bowls played in Arizona remember their historical importance, the big plays and the wild finishes. Will Super Bowl LVI at State Farm Stadium in Glendale deliver again?

Arizona is set to host its fourth Super Bowl on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium. The Valley will move into sole possession of fifth place on the list of U.S. metropolitan areas that have hosted the NFL's crown jewel. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)