Roger Lajoie operates Triumph Sports Communications, a leader in providing editorial, broadcast and public relations services.

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The Rog's Rant

Super Bowl is the one event that’s a must see

PHOENIX – You know you’re at a big event when the people that run it don’t even let you use the name of it unless you have their permission.

Even here in Phoenix, Arizona (actually Glendale is where the stadium is at), unless you are an “approved” event as designated by the National Football League , you can’t say Super Bowl.

Therefore Saturday night at dinner I was at an establishment that was proclaiming that it would be a great place to come and watch “The Big Game” on Sunday. Signs all over told patrons there was still room to come and experience “the title game” with their friends.

Being an official NFL venue costs money of course, and believe it or not, the NFL goes after those establishments that use the name Super Bowl if they don’t pay up…even right here in Phoenix.

That’s Super Bowl XL11 for you – it’s so big you can’t even say the name without permission in many establishments. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s showy – and it is the best sporting event in the world, a must-see for all sports fans at least once – and it’s not even close.

This is my fifth Super Bowl, and I’ve been lucky enough to have covered a lot of other major events, like the Final Four, the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, the World Series and several other major sports events. They are all great in their own way, but nothing beats the Super Bowl.

The paranoia about the name is just one sign that you’re at something special. The week long parties and notorious media day are other signs that this is the best sports event in the world.

The vast majority of seats being $700 is another. And it really doesn’t matter what the face value is, because you can’t get them anyway.

The celebrities also define an event and of course they all come out for the Super Bowl. The entertainment is amazing, both pre-game and halftime, and the number of people who just come to the game because it’s the thing to do is staggering.

As an aside, John Ferguson Jr. was on the same plane with me coming down here – he was lucky enough to have a friend who had tickets and he enjoyed the game just as the other 70,000 fans did.

The NFL makes no mistakes with this thing. Not one – and I fully realize that they have a huge advantage over other major sports championships. The Super Bowl is a one-day event, you know four years in advance where the game will be played, and as a result all of your resources can be put in place quickly to make sure it all works and all comes together.

But that doesn’t diminish what a great job they do. It is simply the best.

No wonder they call it “The Big Game” in so many spots.

Oh yeah, I forgot. They can’t say Super Bowl!

Comments on The Rant of January 23 on Cliff Fletcher’s return:

“I think Cliff Fletcher is a lot like many of the free agents the Leafs have signed over the years – he’s past his ‘best before’ due date.” – Steve in Toronto

“If they (MLSE) leave him alone, then he’ll be just fine and do a decent job. If they don’t then it’s the same old, same old for Leaf fans I’m afraid.” – Gary in Toronto

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