Concord Bridge February 2017

A TALE OF TWO SUPER BOWLS
2004 VS. 2017
The last time Space City hosted the Big
Game was 13 years ago. Needless to say, a
lot has changed for the fourth-largest city in
the U.S. Here’s a quick peek at Houston of
Super Bowls Past vs. Houston of 2017:
Population:
In 2004 the Houston metro population was
5.1 million; in 2017 an estimated 6.6 million
will call Houston home.
Transportation:
• In 2004, Houston airports served 44 million
passengers; in 2015 that figure grew to
55 million and is expected to continue to
expand in 2016 with new direct service.
• In 2004, the two passenger airports
served 100 domestic and 50 international
destinations; in 2015 that figure grew to 124
domestic and 74 international destinations.
In 2004, Houston had 7.5 miles of rail; in
2017 it will boast nearly 23 miles.
Hospitality and Tourism:
• In 2004, the Houston area had roughly
44,000 hotel rooms; by 2017 there will be
more than 84,000 hotel rooms.
BEST THINGS TO BUY IN FEBRUARY
February is a good month for deals - and
most consumers are ready to open their
wallets again. Retailers know this and that,
combined with a few holidays, means the
promotions are flying. Here’s what’s likely
to be on sale this month:
Tax prep software. No, it’s not romantic. But it
must be done, so you might as well do it at a discount.
RetailMeNot has a deal on TurboTax that
could get you up to $20 off and Coupons.com has
a similar deal for 20% off H&R Block software.
President’s Day sales. Dealnews says we’re
likely to see deals at clothing and department
Concord Bridge | February 2017
• Space Center Houston, the visitors center
for NASA Johnson Space Center, saw
attendance of just over 704,000 in 2004; in
2016 that figure is expected to be close to 1
million visitors.
• In 2004, about 17 million people visited
the Houston Galleria (the largest shopping
complex in Texas); in 2015 more than 30
million people passed through the Galleria.
• In 2004, roughly 6,000 restaurants and
nightlife establishments were active in the
Houston area; in 2015 that number had
expanded to approximately 10,000.
Parks:
• In 2004, Discovery Green was just a parking
lot. Since it’s opening in 2008, the 12-acre
park has become downtown’s premiere
green space and entertainment destination.
Discovery Green and Kinder Lake will serve
as party headquarters for the Super Bowl
LIVE festival leading up to the big game.
• In 2004, Hermann Park, the heart of the
Houston Museum District, had recently
undergone a $9 million renovation. Since
then more than $46 million has been spent
to add major additions like McGovern
Centennial Gardens, the Bill Coats Bridge,
extensive landscaping and Lake Plaza.
stores during the upcoming three-day weekend,
so if you’re in the market for clothing,
bedding, tools or other household items, you
might want to wait it out.
Perfume. It makes a great Valentine’s Day
gift. Look for gift-with-purchase deals or fragrance
gift sets, says the Wall Street Journal.
Canned goods. Stick with us - we know this
isn’t the normal best buy. But February is
National Canned Food month, according to
Daily Finance and grocery stores are likely
to be running discounts to celebrate. Stock
up on your favorite items or buy a few things
to donate to a local charity or food pantry.
Candy.
Sports:
In 2004, Houston was home to four major
league sports teams with the Astros,
Rockets and Texans; now two more teams
have joined the roster, the Houston Dynamo
and Dash (soccer)
Technology:
• In 2017, Reliant and NRG Energy have
installed a dozen NRG Go stations across
the facilities. These stations each have 120
portable power chargers available for free
on game days, so fans can grab a charger
and keep using their phones to take action
shots, share moments and keep connected.
Pre-Game Festivities:
In 2004, a record 200,000 attended the “NFL
Experience” inside the GRB. In 2017, the 10-
day Super Bowl LIVE festival will spread over
35 blocks of downtown and is expected to
attract over 1 million fans with free concerts
by some of the biggest names in music,
local culinary experiences, NFL fan games
and much more.
Courtesy of www.visithoustontexas.com/
media/press-releases/post/a-tale-of-twosuper-bowls-houston-in-2004-vs-2017
After Valentine’s Day, that is - all of those
heart-shaped boxes and traditional romantic
candies will be going on sale. Treat yourself
or celebrate a day late. If your valentine is a
bargain hunter, he or she won’t mind.
As for what to skip, may we suggest dinner
out? On February 14 th , at least. Many restaurants
have prix fixe menus, which often
means jacked up prices and limited selection.
You’re better off cooking at home. Serious
Eats has a large collection of recipes for two.
Courtesy of www.jeanchatzky.com/frugalfriday-best-things-buy-february
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