Please note, there is a separate section for Volunteer FAQs

1. Are there enough hotels for Detroit to host the Super Bowl XL?

The Host Committee has met and exceeded the NFL’s hotel room requirement of 17,500 rooms with over 20,000 rooms booked to date. The metro Detroit community has 30,000 quality hotel rooms.  Hotels throughout the entire metro Detroit area, plus Ann Arbor, Toledo, OH and Windsor, Ontario will host visitors to Super Bowl XL.

Additional inventory such as the Book Cadillac and casino hotels would allow more visitors to stay downtown however; they are not needed – and were not promised – in the bid process.

2. How do I book a hotel room for Super Bowl XL?

The Host Committee has contracted with PGI to create a formal reservation system for the general public.  If interested, please visit our website at www.sbxl.org and click on the “Lodging” link.

3. How can I get involved?

The local community can get involved in a variety of ways:

Volunteer as an individual or group

Become a member of Team XL – the official membership club of the Host Committee

Become educated about Super Bowl XL and Host Committee initiatives and help communicate the facts

Host a “Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee Sanctioned event” during Super Bowl week in 2006 to benefit a local charity.  A formal application is now available at our website www.sbxl.org.  June 30, 2005 is the final day to submit applications for approval.

Prepare for and enhance the visitors experience – if you are involved in Super Bowl events or visitor hospitality make a good product or service great

Say nice things about Detroit – take pride in your community

Become part of the Host Committee’s Emerging Business Program, specifically designed for women- and minority-owner businesses.  Information and the application is now available at sbxl.org.

Become a sponsor of the Host Committee

Donate your services or resources to the Host Committee

4. How do I get tickets to Super Bowl XL?

a. The NFL distributes approximately 1% of the tickets to fans through an annual Super Bowl random drawing. The drawing is not considered a lottery (there is no charge to enter). This is the NFL's only method of distributing tickets to the general public.  The deadline for entry has passed; it was June 1, 2005.

More information:

Requests for the random drawing are accepted between February 1st and June 1st of each year, preceding the game. For Super Bowl XL the drawing will be in 2005. The drawing is held in October. There are no complimentary tickets available.
Specifics on ticket breakdown:

• The two participating teams each get 17.5% of the allotment
• Each of the 29 remaining teams receive 1.2% of the allotment (or 35% of the total)
• The NFL uses 25% for corporate sponsors, charity and other league related needs
• The Host Team (the Detroit Lions) receive about 5% of the allotment

b. You may purchase a Team XL Membership – each member will be entered into a drawing to win two Super Bowl XL tickets.

c. You may purchase a Host Committee sponsorship.  Various packages come with a limited amount of tickets to Super Bowl XL.

FYI Ticket Information –

Actual tickets are printed in the fall
Tickets are distributed in January 2006
Brokers and scalpers offer packages – be very cautious
Report ticket counterfeiting to the NFL’s legal department – 212.450.2000

What about tickets for Season Ticket and Suite holders?

We are not to address this issue.  All of these types of questions should be forwarded to Ford Field’s ticket office 313.262.2003.

Can I get tickets to Super Bowl XL for a charity, event, auction, etc?

The Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee does not have any tickets available for this use.  As much as we would like to support a variety of local charities, we are unable to provide game tickets.

5. Is the Host Committee hiring?

The Host Committee has completed its hiring process.   Please consider volunteering to be part of the world’s premier annual sporting event.  Information and the volunteer application can be found at sbxl.org.

6. How can I volunteer?

Volunteer recruitment wrapped-up on June 1, 2005.  For additional information the volunteer hotline is 313.262.2865.

How can I volunteer to work the concession stands?

Concession stands are not staffed by Host Committee volunteers but via Levy Restaurants in the same manner as for Detroit Lion games.  Contact would be Vikki Hotham, Levy Restaurants, 313.262.2271. 

7. I own a business that may be able to utilize my services – how can I get business?

Local business can become involved in a variety of ways:

a. Emerging Business Program – certified minority and women owned businesses in Michigan are eligible to participate in the Host Committee’s Emerging Business Program.  By becoming part of the Emerging Business Program, your company will be included in the business resource guide, which is utilized by the NFL and its contractors, sponsors, and event planners in the bidding process.  Other opportunities, such as business seminars and workshops, will also be offered for the program’s participants.  The deadline for this program is June 30, 2005.  For more information visit www.sbxl.org.

b. If they are interested in vending opportunities during the week of Super Bowl festivities, i.e., outside the stadium, (for example, hot dog carts, other food vendors, artists for Detroit Marketplace, etc.) Carrie Deemer is keeping track of this database.

c. You can also send information about your business directly to the Host Committee.  The address is 2000 Brush Street, Suite 240, Detroit, MI, 48226.  Because of the volume of calls and inquiries received at the Host Committee we are unable to meet with every business.  All information is kept on file. If a need arises that matches services or products that you provide, you will be contacted.

It is also important to note – the Host Committee while charged with producing some events and marketing collateral materials – usually seeks partners to cover the costs of events and materials.  The Host Committee has a limited budget for its initiatives.

d. Contact your counterpart in a past Super Bowl city.  There could be numerous business opportunities unrelated to the NFL and Host Committee – for example – many local corporations and business may host Super Bowl parties or local communities may hold Super Bowl related events.  It is best to visit the Host Committee website – www.sbxl.org for the latest details and for ideas on how you may establish a business lead.

I own a T-shirt/novelties company and want to sell my gear during Super Bowl.

The NFL is responsible for licensing vendors who wish to sell Super Bowl merchandise.  You can contact the NFL at 212.450.2000.

8. Will Windsor, Ontario be involved in Super Bowl XL planning?

The Host Committee receives many questions related to this topic.  The City of Windsor has become involved in a variety of ways including:

Establishing their own Windsor Super Bowl XL Planning Committee, whose members include Windsor ’s mayor, Eddie Francis and Gordon Orr, Managing Director of the Windsor Convention & Visitors Bureau.  The Planning Committee is exploring a downtown Windsor festival.

Windsor hotels are part of the NFL room block

NFL Canada, one of three international NFL affiliates, will promote Windsor as a destination for Canadian NFL football fans to celebrate and enjoy the game.

Windsor venues are under consideration for Host Committee and NFL events during Super Bowl Week.

The Host Committee works with the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island

9. Detroit has hosted or will host many upcoming major events between 2004 and 2009.  How does the Detroit Super Bowl XL Host Committee work with these events?

The Detroit Super Bowl Host Committee participates on a committee called “The Big 6”.  Organizers from The Ryder Cup, Major League Baseball’s All Star Game, NCAA Men’s Final Four Basketball Game and Detroit's two annual football games – The Detroit Football Classic and Motor City Bowl meet once a month to explore ways each group can work together.  The Detroit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Detroit Metro Sports Commission and the City of Detroit are also represented on this committee.

There are many areas the groups can work together and share resources.  A few examples include volunteers, light pole decorations and visitor experience.

10. What will there be to do in downtown Detroit during Super Bowl week?

The Motown Winter Blast will occur February 3-5, 2006.  This outdoor festival is a combination of family fun activities, tastefest and concert series anchored by Campus Martius.  This event is free to the public.  For more information, please visit www.motownwinterblast.com .

The NFL Experience takes place at Cobo Center.  This event runs February 1-5, 2006, and includes a variety of family events and NFL related activities such as a football skills challenge, autograph sessions and interactive displays.  There is also the NFL Concert Series, featuring national headliners the week of the game.

Like in every Super Bowl city numerous parties and celebrations will be scheduled at many downtown restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and attractions.  You can be a part of them by hosting an Officially Sanctioned Host Committee Event.  Please see the Events section of our website for information.

Numerous suburban locations are planning Sanctioned Super Bowl Celebrations.

A complete list of activities and events will be posted on www.sbxl.org in late fall 2005.

11. What will the economic impact of Super Bowl XL be on the metro Detroit region?

Super Bowl XL will pump upwards of $300 million into Michigan ’s economy.

12. How many visitors will come to Detroit for Super Bowl XL?

Over 100,000 visitors and 3,000 credential media – 400 of which are international – will descend upon Detroit during Super Bowl week. 

13. How does the Host Committee keep hotels from overcharging Super Bowl visitors?

Each of the hotels in the Host Committee’s inventory has signed contracts agreeing that they will not charge more than their highest published rate, also known as their rack rate.

14.  Is the Host Committee responsible for the pre-game and halftime shows?

No.  The National Football League develops and produces the pre-game and halftime shows.

15.  What is the capacity of Ford Field?

While Ford Field normally seats 65,000, the NFL requires 70,000 seats for a Super Bowl.  Temporary seating will be added throughout the stadium so that Ford Field meets the League’s requirements.  Ford Field was designed with this process in mind. 

16.  What procedure do I follow if I want to rent my home during Super Bowl week?

Currently, there isn’t a demand for home rentals and at this time, we are unable to determine possible usage. The Host Committee is not facilitating the rental of homes are apartments.

17.  What should I bring with me to Detroit?

Detroit average temperature in February is 26 degrees, so bring your heavy winter coat, with hat, gloves, and a scarf.  Boots and shoes are also a good idea.  And if you are looking to experience some of the unique offerings in Windsor, Canada, make sure you bring your passport or birth certificate, along with a photo I.D.  Residents of other countries should confirm needed papers prior to visiting.