With only 66 days left before the 2023 Super Bowl that's set for State Farm Stadium in Glendale, small businesses in Arizona are working to secure the remaining opportunities left to benefit from the big game.
Through Business Connect, Lennon said she was able to land a six-day buyout for thousands of VIP guests for the Super Bowl at her venue space, which incorporates the historic features of the 28,000-square-foot building and Phoenix's warehouse district with the former industrial facade and clerestory, or ceiling-level windows.
The event was part of the Business Connect program, a supplier diversity initiative that provides enhanced exposure, opportunities and connections to more than 200 Valley businesses. So far, the committee said more contracts with Business Connect suppliers have been secured than any past Super Bowl at this point in the planning process.
Anthony Wright, the managing director and co-owner for the company, said he and his partners formed their company in 2021. Malik Russ, field director, and Jarrod Watson, director of personnel, are the other co-founders. Wright said they currently have about 42 employees but will need about 100 total employees for January and February, including 24-hour shifts. The Super Bowl contract will be the largest one-time contract the company has received, Wright said.
Parry said about 175 people flew out to Arizona from primarily New York for planning and production meetings this week before returning and staying in the Valley in January through February. During those meetings, Parry said its Business Connect program was brought up multiple times.