Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance before Super Bowl XLVII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dear Roger Goodell,
I’ve been holding my tongue on this issue for years now, and I just can’t take it anymore. There’s no better time to address this oversight than this week when the country is watching your sport take television hostage for an entire week, culminating late Sunday night when most of us are in bed watching the final plays because, WE HAVE TO GET UP AND GO TO WORK TOMORROW MORNING. Now, I know it’s different on the left-handed coast, but in E-astern S-eaboard P-referred N-etwork territory, (sometimes I wonder if ESPN even knows about the Louisiana Purchase yet) it’s bedtime for most of us when the game ends.
Why don’t you move the Super Bowl to Saturday night? Now, I know it’s a sacrifice for you and the movers and shakers of the NFL elite to have to give up your fabulous ‘night before’ parties, but just think of the dollar signs at the end of the rainbow. This is so brilliant, and yet so simple. If you think the build up is strong now for the game, just wait until it’s on a Saturday night. You will have created a NEW NATIONAL HOLIDAY! It would instantly rival New Years Eve Night as the biggest party night of them all. Just think of the branding opportunities. Do I even have to mention how that would translate to dollar signs for the NFL’s coffers?
Lets admit, Roger, that the NFL backed itself into this corner by chasing advertising dollars, and now you can rectify the situation and look like a genius in the process. The idea of Super Sunday was great–while it was on during the day; you could cool off a few hours after the game before you drove home. But when you guys chased those dollars into Sunday night, you killed one of the best days of the year. It’s time to fix that problem.
Just close your eyes for a second, Roger, and imagine a world when the Super Bowl is on a Saturday Night. Since most people already knows they won’t have to get up for work the next day, the partying starts around noon at every bar in America. By five, people start arriving at their parties, probably starting off with a big dinner before the game. Let’s see, there’s turkey for thanksgiving and ham for Christmas, how about steak for the Super Bowl? Can you imagine guys waiting all week for the best damn steak they’ve had in years? Sounds pretty good so far, doesn’t it Roger? It gets better.
The kick-off comes around 8’oclock, and it feels like that nighttime Thanksgiving game you guys always wanted to work. Only this is the ONLY game on, and the whole country is even more riveted to the tube than always, because they don’t plan on stopping drinking anytime soon. By the time the game is over, it’s Midnight–and for some, the party is just getting started. The winning city can party all night and into the morning, celebrating that Super Bowl win. I’m telling you, Roger, Super Saturday could eclipse New Years Eve. Super Saturday could be the new National Holiday.
Roger, when the game ends this Sunday, and you hand off the Lombardi Trophy, you’ll be basking in the glow of a vibrant, freezing stadium making a lot of noise. Just remember a lot of us will have already turned off the lights.
It’s right there in front of you. Please make Super Saturday happen.
signed,
Marty Medvedik
Lifelong NFL fan