After being edged out by the city of New Orleans as the site for Super Bowl XLVII, new Miami Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross was gracious in defeat. NFL owners voted in favor of New Orleans for the 2013 Super Bowl, which will mark the first time the Louisiana Superdome has hosted the big game since Hurricane Katrina’s path of destruction.
In a statement, Ross saluted New Orleans, which was the sentimental favorite over Miami and Glendale, Ariz.
“We congratulate the City of New Orleans on its selection to host Super Bowl XLVII in 2013,” Ross said. “We want to recognize and thank the South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee for the extraordinary effort that they put forth on behalf of our community to secure this game.
“We believe that South Florida is the premier Super Bowl destination for the NFL and we look forward to demonstrating that to the world next February. As we look to the future, the Dolphins pledge to offer our full support to assist the Super Bowl Host Committee and community leaders in their effort to secure the next available Super Bowl for South Florida.”
In an earlier interview with the Associated Press, though, Ross couldn’t hide his disappointment.
“I think South Florida is the best place for the Super Bowl,” Ross said. “In my opinion, it should be here permanently.”
South Florida is expected to make a bid for the 2014 Super Bowl.
