WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- More than 70 miles from Dolphin Stadium, West Palm Beach is feeling the ripple effect from the Super Bowl.
Today, city workers were sprucing up the downtown area, getting ready for Super-Clematis by Night, a huge pre-game party and concert from the group Starship this Thursday.
Downtown spots like Pizza Girls hope for a slice of the - economic pie. "We're expecting it to be a really big night," said Pizza Girls co-owner Jennifer Morales.
Tourism officials, interested in spreading the Super Bowl wealth, started about a year ago promoting the big game as a regional event. South Florida. Not just Miami.
A prime example of that regional reach is the Smokey sweet smell of Super Bowl success for Derrick McCray. His humble 45th street landmark BBQ stand has been selected this year to serve the VIP's at the official Super Bowl tailgate party on Sunday. A who's who list of NFL team owners, sponsors and athletes from around the world will be savoring a taste of Mangonia Park's finest flavor.
"I never thought little Mc Cray's BBQ would have such a big impact at the Super Bowl," says Derrick, who has already started cooking for an estimated 12,000 people.
When the Super Bowl was here in 2007, Palm Beach County booked more than 2,000 room nights and took-in an estimated $42 million.
This time, facing a tough economy, tourism officials have scheduled more events which have given people more reason, they hope, to visit and stay in our area.
"This is a great venue. If you're gonna come down here for a week, spend your time here in Palm Beach County," says West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, "We're only 60 minutes from the Super Bowl and then you're back in paradise."
Even with the down economy, tourism officials say they're optimistic thanks to the Pro-bowl last weekend and the Super Bowl taking place this weekend.
There were also more than a dozen additional events scheduled this year in our area than Palm Beach County hosted in 2007.
Tourist Development Council Executive Director Roger Amidon estimates the total economic impact for Palm Beach County will exceed 2007 figures, reaching $50 million.
