A 'Super' Investment for the Meadowlands

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—The economic impact of Super Bowl 2014 here could potentially generate more than $550 million in tax revenue for New Jersey’s economy, according to local officials. But the success of the event is contingent upon several factors ranging from entertainment to infrastructure— even weather.

In preparation, the commercial real estate industry is already ramping up efforts to bring new projects to Northern New Jersey. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and its private partners recently announced a total of $70 million in private-sector investments to Newark Liberty International Airport with the goal of improving readiness for the influx of visitors. United Airlines will spend at least $25 million on a new wide-body aircraft hangar, while private flight provider Signature Flight Support is putting $11 million into a LEED-certified passenger terminal and ramp renovations. And in exchange for a 40-year lease extension, Host Hotels & Resorts, which owns the airport Marriott, will invest $34 million in capacity and infrastructure improvements. These investments are expected to create over 540 jobs and $30 million in wages.