(The following story by Andrea Ahles appeared on the Fort Worth Star Telegram website on November 1.)
FORT WORTH, Texas — BNSF Railway has committed $1 million to hosting Super Bowl XLV in North Texas, said Roger Staubach, the Super Bowl committee chairman.
The Cowboys legend, in charge of raising $30 million to host the big game in 2011, said Fort Worth-based BNSF has agreed to be one of 15 Founding Sponsors.
In return for its donation, BNSF will receive a luxury suite and an additional 50 tickets to the game, as well as hotels, limousines and other VIP tickets to events. The committee had previously announced Founding Sponsor commitments from Hillwood, Staubach & Co., Dallas lawyer and entrepreneur Ted Skokos and his wife Shannon Skokos, and the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Staubach, who spoke Friday at the Stemmons Corridor Business Association’s annual luncheon in Dallas, said the region could expect more than $400 million in economic impact from the Super Bowl but needs the support of business and community leaders to make the game a success.
“We want to make sure that it’s done so well and it’s organized so well that we get it back again and we’re not just a one time with this great state that we have,” Staubach said.