Tennessee Tourism Department Seeks Public Records Exemption for Super Bowl Bid
Tennessee’s tourism department is pushing for a new public records exemption that would allow them to keep confidential any records they deem necessary, just as they are preparing a bid to host a future NFL Super Bowl. Last year, the state agreed to fund a new $2.1 billion stadium for the Tennessee Titans, with hopes of attracting the Super Bowl to Nashville by 2030.
Sports economist Victor Matheson pointed out that NFL Super Bowl contracts are often embarrassing due to the demands made by the league, such as free high-end hotel rooms and police escorts. While the tourism department has not received any specific requests from the NFL to keep records confidential, the proposed exemption could potentially hide any future contracts or expenses from public view for up to five years or even indefinitely.
Deborah Fisher of the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government expressed concerns about the broad nature of the proposed legislation, which would give the tourism department’s commissioner sole discretion over what records to keep confidential. Lawmakers are set to vote on the bill soon, as the department aims to use their special event fund to attract major events like the Super Bowl to the state.
Source
Photo credit tennesseelookout.com