The University of Phoenix Stadium (pictured), host of the Super Bowl in Glendale, AZ, on Feb 3, is the only stadium in North America with both a retractable field and roof. When the field is not in use, it slides outside, adjacent to the stadium, on enormous rails powered by several large motors to take in sunlight and whatever precipitation the hot Arizona sky will offer.
Bill Belichick, head coach of the New England Patriots, has suggested to the league that the Super Bowl be played on the field while positioned outside of the stadium.
"My team does not like the spotlight and I feel this would take some of the attention off of them," grumbled Belichick. "I love the fans but an outdoor game would be great."
The decision to hold the game outside of the stadium will not affect ticket sales to the most popular sporting event in America.
"If we do decide to play the game outside, we will show the game on the giant TV's inside the stadium for the fans," said NFL Director of Fan Relations, Tom Fizell.
Fizell also hinted that the only reason the request is being considered by the league is because the Patriots are undefeated.
The decision will also affect the number of songs that half-time show performer Tom Petty will sing. If the game is held outdoors, Petty will entertain the crowd intermittently throughout the game from where the 50 yard line would have been.
Some have suggested a compromise, having the first quarter played outside then move the field inside for the final three quarters. Another idea had the entire game being played on a moving field, the first in sporting history. The game would begin inside then move back and forth for the remainder of the game.
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