Phoenix area restaurants, bars, and hotels were packed to capacity as football fans from the across the United States and the world descended on the region to take in spectacle that is America’s biggest sporting event — the Super Bowl. CCTV’s Jonas Gilbart reported this story from Glendale, Arizona.

Phoenix area businesess cash in on Super Bowl commerce, except host city

Phoenix area restaurants, bars, and hotels were packed to capacity as football fans from the across the United States and the world descended on the region to take in spectacle that is America's biggest sporting event -- the Super Bowl. CCTV’s Jonas Gilbart reported this story from Glendale, Arizona.

According to the Super Bowl organizing committee, the total economic spinoff for the area could reach as high as $500 million, but some economists say the true figure is much lower.

Jerry Weiers the mayor of Glendale, said his city actually stands to lose money, as security costs top $2 million.

“I still have 236,000 [people] that I have to protect. I still have to give them the same level of security and knowing that if they dial 911, they’ll be taken care of… just as if this game wasn’t happening,” he said.

Weiers said that the state is the biggest beneficiary of the event and that lawmakers could do more to pick up the costs of protecting visitors and residents.