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.

If you'd prefer to stay on the ground, how about a ride to the game in a Continental Bentley? The Fairmont Hotel has put together the "Ultimate Fantasy Football Escape Package" for a cool $410,000.

The package includes round-trip transportation on a private jet with pickup in a new Bentley Continental GT, ultra deluxe accommodations in the resort's presidential suites and a host of other amenities that include being outfitted in your favorite team's gear.

A huge perk in that package? You get to keep the Bentley.

"The couple gets to keep the car after the game -- not the driver through," says Hughes.

Because the Super Bowl can be stressful, the Regent South Beach Hotel offers balcony massages with a beachfront view to wind down after the game.

The Biltmore is offering one lucky couple a $15,000, five-day Super Bowl package. That couple will get accommodations and a golf suite, tickets to the game, VIP seats, a poolside cabana at one of the most famous pools in the country and lots of other goodies, including food, spa visits and drinks.

"We sold the first package, so we are now offering a second," Biltmore public relations coordinator Carolina Santalla says. The hotel has been fully booked for the Super Bowl for the last two years, she says.

Whitaker says the huge crowds will bring even bigger parties among the rich and famous.

"Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez are headlining one of the big Super Bowl parties here… that's sure to attract a crowd," he says.

A lot of stars are also using the Super Bowl to boost their civic causes by holding charity events in Miami this weekend.

For example, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete and his wife Holly Robinson-Peete are holding a Gridiron Glamour charity fashion show and benefit to raise money for Parkinsons Disease.

Whitaker says Miami is prepared for the diverse crowds and he is happy for the chance to show off the city to current and future customers.

"Whatever you're into -- whether it's yachts, fine dining or art -- Miami has it all," he says.