Super Bowl for the Rich and Famous

Feb. 2, 2007 — -- From Bentleys to presidential suites, the city of Miami is ready for Super Bowl Sunday -- not just for thousands of screaming fans, but for the rich and the famous.

While you fight for a spot on the couch, many of the most affluent fans will be arriving by private jet and taking advantage of some of the luxury accommodations and packages that the city has to offer.

"An event like this attracts not just sports fans, but corporate sponsors, businessmen and celebrities," says David Whitaker, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

There is a growing audience of super-affluent people in this country and many of them are sports fans, adds Laura Hughes, executive editor of Elite Traveler magazine.

Officials at Miami International Airport say they are expecting to have 1,000 private jets land in greater Miami as the rich and famous descend on the city to watch the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears battle it out for football's ultimate bragging rights.

A life of luxury doesn't come cheap. Hughes says that it can cost upward of $5,000 an hour to charter a private jet. But the high price is not stopping those who can afford it. According to Elite Traveler, private jet travel is the fastest growing luxury market in the world and is projected to triple in the next 10 years.

"There's been a 67 percent increase in jet travel for this year's big game compared to last year," Hughes says. The good news is that despite the crowds expected to arrive by private jet, Miami can handle it.

"South Florida is very well equipped to handle private jet travelers, as it's one of the most popular destinations for the affluent," she says.

The airport's not the only place preparing for the surge of big spenders: Local hotels are offering some pricey perks that could make anyone jealous.

For guests who want to avoid traffic jams getting to the game, the Mandarin Oriental is arranging helicopter transport to the grand entrance to the Super Bowl. Or if that doesn't appeal to you, the hotel will arrange a 40-foot cigarette boat rental to the game for a mere $1,750.