HOUSTON – The countdown to Super Bowl LI in Houston has already begun, but city leaders made it official Thursday.
The city's Super Bowl host committee unveiled the official countdown clock at NRG stadium. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texans' owner Bob McNair spoke at the ceremony.
Judge Ed Emmett says to McNair he hopes Texans are busy preparing to play in @HouSuperBowl in Feb. 2017. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/soZ39lwvBS
— Adam Wexler (@KPRC2AdamW) February 11, 2016
The clock not only counts down the days to Super Bowl LI, but it displays messages about Super Bowl preparations and how to get involved and be part of the celebration.
The unveiling of the Countdown Clock is the first public event in Houston since the official handoff ceremony with the San Francisco Bay Area Host Committee following Super Bowl 50.
"In San Francisco they had more than 1 million people that visited the city because of the Super Bowl, we are expecting more than that, we are centrally located, right here in the Southwest," Turner said. "This is a great opportunity for us to showcase this city. We love Houston."
Houston we have kickoff!! pic.twitter.com/mQgemkbVBD
— Gianna Caserta (@WPBF_Gianna) February 11, 2016
The NRG clock is one of four around the city. The others are at Bush Intercontinental Airport, Hobby Airport and Discovery Green.
Super Bowl LI will be the third held in Houston and the second one played in NRG Stadium. Miami beat Minnesota in Super Bowl VIII played at Rice Stadium in 1974, and New England beat Carolina in Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
#360Days #HoustonWeHaveKickoff #SBLI #HouSuperBowl pic.twitter.com/7aI8rApyU6
— Houston Super Bowl (@HouSuperBowl) February 11, 2016
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