Whenever an event as large as the Super Bowl rolls into town, it brings huge economic benefits with it. Fans from around the world will descend on Santa Clara later this month, bringing considerable spending power with them. For the local economy, this will mean a sizeable boost in profitability.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Unfortunately for Howard Gibbons, that doesn't appear to be the case. Howard, locally known as "The Hot Dog Dude," has been informed that his patch will be shut down as part of the Super Bowl's 'clean zone.'
"They shut down all vendors," Howard said via CBS News. "All street vendors are not allowed within what they call their 'clean zone.' Why it's called the 'clean zone,' I don't know. I didn't know I was dirty. I thought I was a pretty clean guy."
Howard's usual patch sits in the underpass to the Great America VTA station. The issue is that it's right next to Levi Stadium. The NFL is looking to keep things as decongested as possible.
During his discussion with CBS, Howard noted that the city itself has been trying to attract more vendors into the area. Therefore, he's shocked that all vendors within the 'clean zone' are being shut down. Especially for what would be an incredibly busy period.
"And now they're (local vendors) being closed down for this event," he said. "It's kind of like, you got 'em out of the closet, you got 'em to come out and be clean, and then you tell 'em, well, you don't get to play in the big game. You're sitting the big game out."
The NFL Implements a Clean Zone for Safety and Security
Howard's frustration is warranted. He's going to miss out on thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. However, the NFL does have its reasons for implementing a 'clean zone.'
"Super Bowl organizers say there are closures to streets and public infrastructure surrounding Levi's Stadium for safety and security reasons for the event," CBS News noted. "There are similar closures around the Moscone Center in San Francisco."
Howard's situation is unfortunate. But, if the decision to shut down local vendors close to the stadium allows authorities to keep the masses safe, then it's a choice worth making, no matter how unfair it can initially seem.
