We've been told for the last year how much the Super Bowl is going to boost our economy. But, as some have reported before, that's largely bullshit. The money coming into the Tampa Bay area usually leaves the next day through corporate chains' profits. Besides some double-shifts, residents don't see much from all the sports fans staying at Holiday Inns and eating at Applebee's.
Except for one group. The hustlers.
Con artists, scammers, counterfeiters, panhandlers and other underground entrepenuers have always done well at large sporting events, especially the Super Bowl. Their profits, however distasteful, often go right back into our local economy (although sometimes through other black market economies like drugs).
I, for one, was looking forward to spending the day circling Raymond James Stadium and talking to vendors selling hats and shirts quickly stitched with one of the battling teams or picking out the best con artist scheme.
But the city of Tampa doesn't see it the same way and tomorrow the city council will debate (and most likely pass) an ordinance that creates a "clean zone" encompassing several blocks around the stadium and downtown hotels. They're even saying a house party that charges at the door could be subject to fines.
What ever happened to the "free market?" If I want to buy a $20 Super Bowl XLIII T-shirt that mixes up the roman letters a bit ("Super Bowl XIIIL!") over a $75 NFL-licensed shirt, isn't that my right? And where else but on the streets would you find live turtles with NFL logos emblazoned on their shells?
(The city will allow vendors to purchase special permits to sell items, though
I'd like to hear from readers on the best unlicensed vendors you've bought from and your thoughts on the "clean zone."
While you think about it, some other Super Bowl links to the underground:
How to spot fake tickets.
Tricks on how (not) to get into the Super Bowl for free.
In 2006, Canadians saw a spike in their underground economy.
St. Petersburg is following Tampa's footsteps by creating a "Clean Zone" around Tropicana Field for the anticipated World Series.
This article appears in Oct 15-21, 2008.