Committee: Expect super matchup, 'great storylines

As theAtlanta Super Bowl Host Committee finalizes andreviews its preparations, here’s one thing it isn’t worried about: which teamswill play in the big game.

Brett Daniels, the host committee’s chief operating offifficer, said he’ll watch today’sAFC andNFC Championship games as a truly neutral observer, confifident of a compelling Super Bowl LIIImatchupnomatterwhat happens in the Kansas City Chiefs-New England Patriots and Los Angeles RamsNew Orleans Saints games.

“There are great storylines and local angleswithall four teams,” said Daniels, a former longtime Dallas Cowboys executive. “All four teams have been putting up points and yards all season long.”

He acknowledged that manyAtlantansmaycringeat the prospect of the archrival Saints playing in a Super Bowl in Atlanta: “We know howthat rubs Falcons fans.” But he added, “At the same time, Saints fans are a group that could pile in cars and drive here.”

The Rams, on the other hand, would bring “their newHollywood star power” to the game, Daniels said.

If the Chiefs win the AFC title game, their fifirst Super Bowl appearance in49years wouldbeacompellingangle, he noted, especially given “the passion and loyalty the fan base has inKansas City.”

And if the Patriots reach the Super Bowl, “enough said there,” Daniels said. “They’re the standard in recent years. They certainly know how to handle Super Bowls.” (Which brings up another sore subject for Falcons fans, of course.)

Readying the stadium

Hundreds of workers are on the job atMercedes-Benz Stadiumdaily, readying the place for the Super Bowl.

Additional broadcast booths and operations booths are being built, including some on the 300-level skybridge. Some seats are being converted to auxiliary media space. New graphics are going up all around the concourses and clubs toput the SuperBowl’s stamp on the building.

“To watch the transformation happen day by day is amazing,” said Steve Cannon, CEO of Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s groupofbusinesses.“We’ve probably got 500 people in the building, various Super Bowl contractors.”

Thebuild-out is scheduled tobe completed Jan. 25, nine days before the big game.

Pricey packages for sale

TheAtlanta host committee has a small number of SuperBowlhospitalitypack- ages still for sale, albeit at a hefty price.

The $50,000 packages include two lower-level club seats for the gamewith all-inclusive food and beverage, two tickets to the host committee’s tailgate party next toMercedes-Benz Stadium, two passes to the “VIP Hospitality House” for the three days before the game and the right to purchase a four-star hotel room downtown from the Thursday before the game until the Monday after.

For more info, email Sponsorship@Atlchampgame. com.

Plans for the park

WorkcontinuesinCentennial Olympic Park to create the setting for “Super Bowl Live,” a six- day series of concerts and other attractions leading to the game.

Organizers this week announced additional elements for the park event, including an illuminated 35-foot-tall version of the Vince Lombardi Trophy that is expected to be a popular place for fans to take photos and share on social media.

The Lombardi Trophy is presented annually to the winning teamin the Super Bowl.

Other newly announced plans for “Super Bowl Live” include the “Verizon Up Members Lounge,” where NFL players and “legends” willmake appearances, and the “Best Buy TechZone,” described as the “ultimate fan cave” outfifififififitted with tech gadgets that can enhance the football-watching experience.

ESPN and NFL Network will have sets in the park for live broadcasts during Super Bowl week.

“Super Bowl Live” will be open Jan. 26-28 and Jan. 31-Feb. 2. Admission will be free.