Minneapolis vs. New Orleans vs. Indianapolis

Unnamed Vikings stadium under construction, seats up to 72,000

• A futuristic $1 billion new indoor stadium scheduled to open in 2016.

• Financial support for the estimated $30 million to $40 million in costs, with pledges already in hand for about 85 percent of what's needed. The local corporate community includes 19 Fortune 500 companies, 26 Fortune 1000 companies and two of the country's largest privately held corporations (Cargill and Carlson Cos.).

• The only bidder with nonstop flights from every NFL city, as well as three convenient regional airports for corporate jets and other private planes.

• Light-rail lines connect the stadium with the airport and hotels in Minneapolis, St. Paul and Bloomington.

• Integration with other local winter activities such as the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

• Undisclosed tax breaks, but a law still on the books from the 1992 game in Minneapolis exempts Super Bowl tickets from state sales taxes.

• Minneapolis hosted the 1992 Super Bowl.

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, seats up to 76,400

• The festivities would kick off the city's 300th anniversary celebration.

• New Orleans has hosted 10 Super Bowls, including 2013, tying with Miami for the most.

• New capital improvement projects would benefit the Super Bowl, including upgrades to the Superdome, additional streetcar lines and new public spaces.

• Numerous hotels, restaurants, special event venues including the city's convention center and NBA arena, the French Quarter and the Superdome are within walking distance of each other.

• The host committee did not disclose cost estimates but did note that major sporting events traditionally cost less to stage in New Orleans because of a full-time staff ready to manage the event, lower transportation costs, less weather contingency planning and the existing exemption of sales tax on tickets and merchandise at the Superdome. The 2013 host committee reported a $13.5 million budget.

Lucas Oil Stadium, seats 67,000

• Indianapolis hosted the widely praised Super Bowl of 2012, when the major complaint was a lack of downtown hotel rooms, but two more large downtown hotels could be completed in time for the game.

• Costs of about $30 million have already been covered by corporate and private contributions.

• Indianapolis promised to expand the Super Bowl Village, which originated in Indy and is now a requirement in all bid packages.

Associated Press